The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Much has been lost—and not only to death—in the past two+ years. We’ve endured the global Covid-19 pandemic, personal crises, violent and traumatic events … and just this week, devastating decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court that threaten our safety, liberty, and bodily autonomy.

In this service, through music, poetry, and a time of open sharing, we will express and honor our grief, our sadness, and our rage. 

Speakers:

• Jim Johnston, Kelli Danaker, Michael Adcock, Rev. Paige Getty, Veronica Grissom

On June 19, 1865—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed—enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed that slavery had ended. In worship, we will both celebrate this historic moment and remind ourselves of its relevance still today. 

Speakers:

• Brooke Abercrombie, Katja Fort Rhoden, Laurie Alderman, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Tom Monroe

Today we explore why, if we are sincerely invested in dismantling oppression and building Beloved Community, it is critical to understand intersections of injustice. We cannot adequately address sexism or ableism or racism or homophobia if we do not address the ways that these oppressions affect and intersect with one another. As Audre Lorde—Black feminist lesbian poet, writer, and activist—said in a 1982 speech, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.”

Speakers:

• Colette Gelwicks, Pat Heidel, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Hessey, Robin Slaw, Valerie Hsu

At a time when so much seems broken and in need of healing, today we choose to celebrate blessings. As the Soul Matters team reminds us, “For us [UUs], blessings are not so much about giving something to each other as they are about helping each other notice all that’s already been given.”

Speakers:

• Jenny Afkinich, Jerry Rescigno, Michael Adcock, Rev. Mr. Barb Greve, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw

Sit down with UUCC Member Ken Rock as he shares how he turns his frustration into action through UU the Vote — a nonpartisan civic engagement initiative focused on strengthening democracy and organizing for justice, accountability, and healing. UU the Vote brings together Unitarian Universalists from across the country to take action in their local communities.  

 Getting out the vote is a generational initiative: the work never ends, as Ken describes it, and he hopes to foster UUCC the Vote so that it can sustain itself even during the “off-season.” “There are elections [somewhere] every year,” Ken reminds us. “If the rest of us aren’t paying attention, somebody else is and they're going to use [these] institutions to their advantage.”  

So hit play on this episode to find out how you can support this UUCC the Vote right now, even without joining a team or leaving your house. And as a bonus, you’ll also hear how Ken takes that same passion for action by braving the frigid winter waters of the Chesapeake Bay as a participant in the annual Sandy Point State Park Polar Bear Plunge! 

If you would like to get involved, contact Ken at [email protected]

Organizations referenced in this episode: 

• UU the Vote 

Other episode references: 

• 2020 UUCC the Vote final report  

Learn about local elections: 

• 2022 Midterm Elections 

• Howard County 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election Local Candidates List 

• Statewide 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Candidate Listings 

After a two-year, pandemic-driven hiatus, the UUCC Memorial Day Camping Trip at Rocky Gap State Park has resumed. Those of us who are not gathered on the campground in western Maryland will share our own campfire-inspired worship experience with stories, camaraderie, and folk songs.  

Speakers:

• Colette Gelwicks, Kelli Danaker, Rev. Paige Getty, Tom Monroe