Our informal Summer Sunday services will be held at 11 a.m. in the air-conditioned fellowship hall starting on July 4 and continuing though September 5. There will be no Sunday School or child care for the summer services but we do have a “busy box” of coloring books, toys and puzzles with which youngsters can play in the library, where they can be easily observed during the services. All are invited to bring something to share for coffee hour. Come at 10:30 a.m. to socialize and to get a head start on the coffee and other beverages.
July 4 — Immunics
Annabel G. will present a program on a personal healing system which includes connection to God/Source/spirit for attracting good things to one’s-self, one’s community and the world. Bring a pad and pen to write down ideas to take away from the service.
-Annabel G. to speak
July 11 — Listening to Others Who Disagree With Me
Mark P. and Pat E. will focus on the challenges of discussing issues with those who have different points of view. The subject under discussion will be what to do with the side yard adjacent to the church. Attendees will each have a chance to share what they hope the land could be used for.
-Mark P. and Pat E. speak
July 18 — What Happened to UU House?
UU House Board members Rob G., Brad B. and former Board member Julie B. trace the history and the ramifications of the recent closing of UU House, the well-regarded UU personal care, assisted living and nursing care facility, which existed in Germantown for over 75 years.
-Rob G., Brad and Julie B. facilitate
July 25 — In the Valley of the Shadow
Stephanie G. will present thoughts based in part on the book Love and Death by the late UU minister Forrest Church. Stephanie will share her own thoughts and experiences on death and dying from a UU perspective.
—Stephanie G. speaks
August 1 — Why Religion Matters and How to Talk About It
Presented by Cynthia B. and based on Krista Tippett’s book and NPR radio program of the same name.
—Cynthia B. speaks
August 8 — To Be Announced
August 15 — Singapore, Modern Utopia?
Holly J., who spent several weeks in Singapore this past spring, will share her experience.
—Holly J. speaks
August 22 — Nuclear Energy As A Path to Unitarian Universalism
Vic V., who spent thirty years working at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and came to this area several years ago to live at Foulkeways, will speak on this intriguing topic.
—Vic V. speaks
August 29 — Find a Poem, Share a Poem
Susan will bring an abundance of poetry books for all ages or you can bring your own. Read a favorite poem and share what it means to you. Kids are welcome!
—Susan W. facilitates
September 5 — Do We Still Grow When We’re Grown Up?
Dr. Bernardo Merizalde will discuss various phases of emotional, social and cognitive development, how they manifest in our lives and what we can do to direct our efforts towards more effective problem solving.
—Dr. Bernardo Merizalde speaks
This Month's Congregational Activities
Note to the church leaders who wish to add events to the interactive church calendar featured in the left panel: This calendar
has been created to view activities scheduled for within Restoration only. Any meetings or events outside the church should be publicized via the
newsletter or the church bulletin. Thank you.
From your Moderator...
Dear Members and Friends
My heartfelt thanks go to outgoing trustees for the dedicated and committed service given to our congregation during the past few years. A hearty welcome goes to incoming trustees with deep appreciation for taking a leadership role as we enter a new segment of our journey together. Together, we step into an unknown and challenging future.
Tasks of the Board of Trustees will include but not be limited to:
Affirming our congregation’s mission;
Continuing our life-span programs;
Arranging for staff and minister;
Reviewing bylaws, policies and procedures, and
Maintaining and updating our facilities.
As stewards of this historic institution, we—members and friends, not just the Board—take charge not only of a precious heritage but also the short and long-term future of our Congregation. In this endeavor, process is as important as the outcome. Let us reach out to present and new members alike, to jointly ensure the continuation of a long tradition, to infuse our programs with new energy, and to renew our ties to the surrounding community.
I am heartened by the direction of steps already taken, which attract people of all ages:
Sunday services address diverse religious and social justice subjects, involve differing styles of inspiration, bring us music from around the world, and at times a “Story for All Ages;”
The RE program serves a range of age groups, starting with infants, and
The seminar series “Building your own Theology”, with readings and discussion of religious issues, resumes in the fall.
An increasing number of social activities supplement our life-span education programs:
A monthly board game night brings together people to play;
Outdoor picnics and an ice cream social are becoming a tradition, and
At Dinners for Eight newcomers and old-timers share food and conversation.
We are fortunate that so many members and friends are actively involved in creating Restoration’s future. This involvement and dedication also brought us our successful stewardship campaign and the generous financial support for this year. By continuing these trends, we will not only participate in an exciting program of services and activities, but attract newcomers and organize ourselves again to support a full-time minister.
I look forward to our journey together.
—Harald G., Moderator
Some Notes from the Moderator
E-Mails: —E-mails to the moderator, relating to Restoration and Board issues, should now be sent to: moderator@uurestoration.us rather than my personal email address.
Delegate to Report from the General Assembly: —The Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly will begin Wednesday, 23 June 2010, in Minneapolis. Following the Board meeting last Sunday, I asked the Julie B. if she would be willing to act as Restoration’s delegates and bring back a report to the congregation of the proceedings at the GA. Julie, an outgoing Trustee, agreed. Consequently, the Moderator signed the necessary delegate credentials.
The 2010 Restoration Auction
The Spirit of Motown
The 2010 Restoration Auction and dinner - The Spirit of Motown - will be held on Friday, October 22 at 6 p.m. There is a $10.00 cover but arrangements can be made for those in need.
We nearly lost a precious historic treasure—
Good News From Building & Grounds
The beautiful stained glass window in our sanctuary’s left transept, familiarly known as the Universalist history window, has been in urgent need of repair for many years. Designed by the Willets Stained Glass firm, it was dedicated by Reverend Harmon Gehr on May 9, 1943 in honor of Columbus W. and Ella Gabells. Unfortunately, time has not been its friend; it gradually began to sag and its glass panels buckle. In recent years, it has been at risk of collapse.
Last year a Willett-Hauser engineer visited Restoration to take a complete inventory and appraisal of all of our windows. Their report was that while several of our widows are in need of restoration, this window needed immediate attention. However, the price tag of $17,000.00 was out of our reach. The proposal sat while we tried to figure out what was our best option.
As a result of discussion at our last Building and Grounds meeting, I contacted Willet for estimates of two difficult options:
Doing nothing and letting it fall out of its frame, or
Removing and storing the window until funding could be obtained at some future date.
But rescue is at hand—. An anonymous donor has come forward to fund the window’s repair. Willet has agreed to honor last year's proposal and a down payment has already been sent. The window was removed in late June and a temporary plywood cover has been installed. The window now resides at the Willet-Hauser facility in Philadelphia pending a complete restoration. It will be reinstalled before the end of this year.
We salute our anonymous benefactor!
-Mike F. for the Building & Grounds Committee
Building and Grounds See Real Progress!
Over the last few months the revitalized Building and Grounds Committee has overseen major important improvements:
Upgrades were made to the exterior security lighting; short circuit in the fellowship hall emergency exit was fixed;
Timers for sanctuary and yard signs were fixed;
Internal lighting improvements were made in the fellowship hall and basement;
Damaged plaster was removed and replaced in Hale and the fellowship hall and kitchen;
The basement floor has been stripped and waxed;
The lock on the sanctuary door facing Gorgas Lane was replaced;
Six (four legged) “guests” were removed humanely from the sanctuary and their access was patched;
Concrete was repaired at the handicap curb and Hale doorway areas;
Baseboard was restored in Hale Hallway, and
Telephone and internet billing rates were re-evaluated to provide immediate financial savings.
Over the summer, we plan to:
Paint the newly plastered areas in Hale Hall;
Paint the fellowship hall;
Restore damaged paint in the sanctuary, and
Introduce new changes in the sanctuary to accommodate handicapped visitors.
Further down the road, we’re looking to fund several additional upgrades:
With a goal to replacing the efficient though unsightly plastic sheeting, we are getting pricing information for storm windows for Hale and Fellowship Halls. This will likely be a multi-year project but will hopefully fit into our Project Sponsoring Program that will be introduced in the fall;
We are getting bids for ceiling fans in the church sanctuary that will be of value in both summer and winter;
We are devising plans for new signage for the church that will make it us more visible and appealing;
We are pricing iron braces for the five light wells that border the fellowship hall.
My thanks to all members of the committee and to the congregation as a whole for your support.
-Mike F. for the Building & Grounds Committee
UUCR COVENANT GROUPS
THEY'RE NOT JUST
TALK
Covenant Groups Still Seek Members
Sign up today for a
UUCR Covenant Group! Three convenient times available the first week of each month, starting in September:
1st Sundays, from 1:00-3:30 in Hale Lounge
--1st Tuesdays, from 7:00-9:30 at 513 Burnham Road, West Mt Airy, Philadelphia
--1st Thursdays, from 7:00-9:30 at 710 Sunset Road, Glenside
The approximate time commitment to be a covenant group facilitator is five hours per month. Training begins in June. For more information please contact me at
—Frederick MacD.-D.
Caring Committee Is Prepared to Serve!
The Caring Committee wants you to know there is a year-round presence in this congregation to support each of us through thick and thin, through joys and challenges. Please let us know who needs cards, phone calls, visits or assistance. Contact information:
You may also call the
Thank You From the Religious Services Ministry
Members of the Religious Services Ministry are grateful for the participation of the church community during our services this past year. Thirty of our congregants served as lay leaders, while seven of our members planned and executed the services, some doing this twice. Members of the Social Justice and Anti-Multi and Religious Education Ministries took responsibility for a number of services. Reverend Larry Smith anchored the whole year for us, while both he and Eric Wilden included more children in our services. Dot F. once again took on the task of summer services coordinator.
The Restoration Singers and Jane Hulting provided inspiring music, while our audio-visual team, Bob H. and Jeff A., oversaw the amplification and taping of each service. Chris K. and Jane H. continued their service with altar décor; Bernadette L-S. and others did traditional Christmas decorations. Bill D., Walter and Carl H. continued their support of Sunday services with greetings at the door, ringing the bell and the weekly collection. We are most grateful to Len R. and Jeanne A. for sharing their musical talents with the congregation throughout the year.
Our office administrator Gloria G. held it all together for us. The nourishing hospitality after each service was provided by members, under the coordination of Jane H. We are grateful to all who participate with such grace and goodwill.
The next meeting of the Religious Services Ministry will be held on Wednesday September 1, 2010 at Holly J.’s home, beginning with 6:30 p.m. pot-luck. If you harbor a desire to have some input into Sunday Services planning, then this is the ministry for you!
Religious Services Ministry:—Annabel G., Carol A., Julie B., Bridget F., Holly J. and David M.
Fun and Games Continue on July 9
By popular demand, Game Night will continue during the summer. On July 9, from 6:30-10:30 p.m. join us in the (air conditioned) fellowship hall and escape the summer heat. As always, all are welcome. Admission is free. You may bring a drink or snack to share, but it is not required. There will be a selection of board games available to play, but please feel free to request a favorite game or bring one along. Game night is a fun, non-competitive evening and we hope you'll join us!
Please RSVP to:
so we know how many people to expect. We hope to see you there!
—Amy A.
Bookreaders Go Abroad
The Restoration Bookreaders group will meet in July to discuss The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain. Based on correspondence Twain sent to two newspapers recounting his experiences on a cruise ship in 1867, he describes what he found as he explored the Mediterranean, the Holy Land and other points of interest in this part of the world, which is still in the news almost every day. Twain conveys a great deal of historical and factual information, interspersed with highly entertaining accounts of things that he experienced or witnessed in his travels.
Bookreaders always welcomes new members. Contact me at
for the date and location of the July meeting or for more information about Restoration Bookreaders.
—Dot F. Bookeaders Coordinator
DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS & FRIENDS
Please remember to contact Gloria at the church office (office@uurestoration.us) if your contact information has not yet been added to the Restoration Directory or if it has changed since the last printing. The new directory will be compiled in August for distribution in September.
DID YOU KNOW? The new .pdf format of the directory has a couple of very nice features for you to use on your computer. You can search for names using the “find” feature at the top of the window and then, if you have Outlook, you can click on the person’s email address and it will automatically open a new message… very slick.
—Jane H.
ANNUAL REPORT
Summer is often a sloooow-down season for Restoration but before you disconnect if you are one of the following:
The out-going Minister;
The out-going moderator, assistant moderator, treasurer, secretary, religious educator, director of music,
Chair or co-chair of a ministry or covenant group;
The coordinator of another Restoration activity or organization (Folk Factory, B&G, Bookreaders, audit, committee on ministry, auction, etc.);
Representative for denominational affairs, UU House
Would you please write up what your organization accomplished this church year for the annual report? I will be compiling it in August for distribution by email to those who have addresses in time for September’s programs. I will print hard copies for those members who do not have email.
Please send your submission to
and let me know if you need a copy of last year’s report for a reference.
—Jane H.
Celebrate the 3rd of July at the COMMUNITY BIG BOOK SALE
Restoration will hold its annual Community BIG BOOK SALE on Saturday, July 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in our air-conditioned Fellowship Hall. If you’re staying close to home that day, stop by to browse and buy. All the books that have been in our Library and many new ones that have been donated recently will be displayed, sorted by category. You’ll also find many DVDs, CDs and video & audio tapes. The prices will be right (cheap!).
If you have some time on Friday, July 2, please come over to help sort and stage the books, etc. We’ll be working in the fellowship hall from 9 a.m. until we finish, probably no later than 3 p.m.
We’ll also need help on July 3 from people to serve as Hale Hall monitors, cashiers, and clean-up crew in two-hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’ll have fun working together and meeting neighbors from the community while we raise $$ for Restoration.
— Dot F., BIG BOOK SALE Coordinator
Restoration Needs A Shredder
A cross-cut shredder is needed to shred private data such as pay and donation information address/phone lists, etc. The bits would be recycled. If anyone has or will have an extra, donate it and receive a thank you letter for a tax deduction AND gratefulness from many people who don’t even know they should be grateful!. Contact Gloria or me if you can contribute.
—Ron S. for Building & Grounds
END OF YEAR FAIR TRADE COFFEE SALE
The sale of Fair Trade coffee will resume in the fall.
Around The Denomination
Southern India awaits UUs—
UU Travel Opportunity
Like Water for Spices: A Unitarian Journey to South India, from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea. March 11 - 17, 2011. Experience fabulous temples, meditate in captivating locations, attend a Sunday service at the Unitarian Christian Church in Chennai, visit an ashram in Pondicherry, cruise the backwaters of Kerala, learn about Tanjore painting, enjoy a Kerala cooking demonstration, and watch a Kathakali dance presentation. Led by Rev. Wayne Walder. See all details at www.nuuc.ca/Journeys/india2011.htm
Summer Programming At Murray Grove
Murray Grove also offers these retreats and conferences:
Heritage Week at Murray Grove August 1-6, 2010, led by Rev Dr Elizabeth Strong, with Rev. Carol Haag, Director of Sacred Worship and Rev. Dr. Carol Taylor, Director of Sacred Nourishment: Workshops on Universalist, Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist Religious Education History and General History
Grove Gatherings at Murray Grove: Musical/Artistic Coffee Houses. Every second Wednesday of the month: 7:00-9:00 entertainment - $10 per person. Join us before the show for a potluck dinner 6:00-7:00 pm (BYOB).
Marafanyi – On July 14, West African drum, dance and song in poetic motion. This program is made possible in part by a grant administered by the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, in conjunction with the New Jersey State Council of the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Rainbow Circle at Murray Grove: Gatherings, Celebrations, Workshops/Trainings and Support for the GLBT Community happen monthly! All Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Intersex folks and their allies and supporters are encouraged to come! Future dates will vary, but it’s on a Sunday once each month, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm (free will donation), followed by dinner ($5 per person suggested minimum donation).
Save these other dates:
August 13-15—Drum and Dance Fest—come for the weekend, or Saturday only.
September 24-26—Homecoming—featuring Michael Dowd of Celebrating Evolution and The Great Story and a presentation of the intergenerational musical Oh Jonah! by members of the UU Congregation of Monmouth County; Sunday morning service in the historic Potter Chapel by Rev Virginia Jarocha-Ernst.
For information and registration, contact:
Murray Grove Retreat and Conference Center
PO Box 246, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734
609-693-5558
murraygrove@murraygrove.org
www.murraygrove.org
Please ask us about volunteering and bartering opportunities.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
Hale Hall Doors
It is imperative that we remember that both front and back doors to Hale Hall remain locked at all times. This means even during meetings and Sunday services. Please do not let anyone into Hale Hall that you do not personally know is safe at any time. During services, all members, friends and congregants should come in the sanctuary door. Thank you for your cooperation.
—Harald G., Moderator
Philly is Now Single Stream! Is Restoration Joining?
What can I recycle?
Metal – bi-metal cans (like food cans), aluminum cans (like soda cans), empty aerosol cans, empty paint cans;
Glass – jars and bottles (clear, brown, green);
Mixed Paper – newspaper, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, advertising inserts, telephone books, food boxes (like cereal and cracker boxes – remove plastic liner), computer paper, flyers, soda cartons;
Cardboard – empty and flattened
Plastic Containers #1 and #2 – mostly beverage and detergent containers.
Keep these few rules in mind to be even more efficient stewards of our environment at home and at church
Empty Sterno cans, wax-coated items and food-soiled paper must go in the regular trash.
Philadelphia does not want tissues, paper towels or napkins. Some outlying townships do take these.
Recyclables should be empty and rinsed if necessary.
Above FAQ is from web site http://64.78.36.115/faq.asp. It also answers other questions. Recyclables should be empty and rinsed if necessary. Hardback books and textiles are recycled to other places or call Ron S.
Tapesaver Program Continues at Genuardi's
Even though the propgram sponsored by Acme Markets has ended, we are still participating in Genuardi’s eScrip program, which generates income to Restoration from purchases at Genuardi’s supermarkets. However, this income is minimal since no Genuardi’s supermarkets operate in Philadelphia, where most of our members and friends shop. Information on signing up for the Genuardi’s eScrip program can be found on a bulletin board in the fellowship hall.
Staples Rewards remains a big benefactor-
Staples Business Rewards Program
We receive the most miscellaneous income from the Staples Rewards program, whereby Restoration receives credit for all purchases at Staples (in stores, on line and by phone) and used printer and toner cartridges. This credit comes in the form of Staples Rewards checks every month, which we apply to our purchases for office supplies. You can easily participate in the Staples Rewards program by giving the church’s telephone number (215-247-2561) whenever you make a Staples purchase or turn in your used printer and toner cartridges at Staples.
— Dot F., Treasurer
A Super Easy Way for You to Help Restoration
What if Restoration earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can!
GoodSearch.com is a search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!
GoodShop.com is an online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause - Restoration! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting Restoration.
Use the button link here on our church website. Or just go to http://www.goodsearch.com and
be sure to enter the "Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration" as the charity you want to support.
