During times of change and uncertainty, when there are strange political realities, weather, and viruses, it can be easy to overlook and take for granted the things that we are used to and which are relatively unchanged. With the backdrop of the coming minister change at UUCA and in the midst of the annual budget drive, it is a good time to remember that the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville does not have to exist.
UUCA does exist because we want it to exist and beyond that we make it exist. If you are reading this, I feel comfortable assuming you have at least some level of involvement with UUCA. I encourage you to think about how you are engaged with UUCA and how engaging in more or different ways will benefit both you, UUCA, and the greater community.
We are all so privileged and benefited by what we do and stand for at UUCA. While it indeed does take considerable effort and determination to keep UUCA moving forward, when we all take part the the weight becomes light and I truly believe we get back so much more than what we put in.
So, friends, now it’s clear: we’re in this for the long haul. Whether it’s weeks or months, our lives are going to be different for some time as we cope with the influx of the COVID-19 coronavirus. We hope you are following the guidance of health professionals to stay safe – keep washing your hands, stay out of large gatherings of people. If we’re lucky the impact of the virus locally won’t be severe. But we can’t know for sure. So, we need to stay vigilant.
Of course, all that vigilance can also be destructive of community. While we hunker down, we also need to stay connected. The community of UUCA may not be meeting in person, but it remains as vital and alive as it ever has been. Know that your staff is working hard to find ways to create connections and make the ones we have already more robust.
As a reminder, you can also keep up with any contributions you want to make to UUCA by using the DONATE button on the website*, sending us a check, or texting-to-give (text UUAVL GIVE to 77977).
*For reasons that are not clear, our new website does not always refresh itself when you reload it. Until we get that fixed, to get the most up-to-date version of the website, go to the top left (on PCs) of the home page, find the little “circle-with-an-arrow” symbol and click on it. That will refresh the page and you’ll be seeing the current version.
Trans in America: Three short verité documentaries about transgender civil rights in the United States reveal the daily impact of discrimination on three families as they battle with bathroom bills, vulnerability in employment and housing, and the aftermath of incarceration. Click here for more information.
The Blue Ridge Spirit Chapter of CUUPS (Covenant of UU Pagans) is holding a Magical Yard Sale as our first service project in conjunction with Mother Grove Goddess Temple. Proceeds go to Helpmate, a nonprofit benefiting victims of domestic violence. Treasures you may find include scarves, beads, pottery, silver, crystals, jewelry, books, tarot decks, wands, candles, candle holders, trinkets and more. Come out and see what delightful magical items you can find… and all at yard sale prices!
Join Rev. Claudia and MaryAnn Sommervill for a midweek time of reflection and connection during a live Wednesday Thing Zoom Vespers at 6:30 PM. There will be a time for breakout groups and conversation. If you have a chalice have it with you so we can light our chalices together. If you are interested in being a reader, helping craft future Vespers, or have questions about using Zoom, please contact Rev. Claudia.
and click on it. That will refresh the page and you’ll be seeing the current version.