UUMTAIRY NEWSLETTER:
SERVICES & UPCOMING EVENTS
Updated: Monday, September 28 —
Sunday services begin at 11am in the sanctuary immediately followed by refreshments and conversation in our Fellowship Hall.
Both spaces are air conditioned in the summer for your comfort.
We are Accessible for those with Disabilities!
UUMtAiry features a ramp to the main sanctuary level, a wheelchair lift and an accessible restrooms on both the main and lower levels. Check here for photos.Words of Inspiration |
Upcoming Worship ServicesSunday, October 4 - "Blessing of the Animals"
Sunday, October 11 - "Towards Liberation: Finding our Voices"
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From our Minister
Friends,October's worship theme is "Courage," and I'm very excited about all we've got planned. We'll talk a lot about this classic virtue and how we can exercise it in meaningful ways, from the public square to our personal relationships with others and ourselves. For me, finding courage often looks like finding my voice when it would be more convenient to remain silent. I'm reminded of a line from literature that, "there are all kinds of courage...it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."* So while "courage" is the overall theme for our worship series this month, the through-line will be about finding our voice in these times and using our words build a community that reflects our deepest held values. I hope you find your voice this month! There are lots of opportunities to do so right now, and we'd love to hear from you.
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Courage isn't being fearless. It's being afraid and doing what you're called to do anyways. May it be so for all of us! Love, |
Blessing of the Stuffed Animals for the kids!
Important Announcements |
Change for Change: October
Each month the Justice Council chooses an organization to support using the following guidelines: "...organizations led by and primarily serving Black, Indigenous and Other People of Color (BIPOC) in our surrounding community as well as periodic, special Justice-related appeals or projects from UUA associated organizations such as Side With Love, UU Service Committee, UU the Vote, and UU Ministry for the Earth."
Our Change for Change recipient for the month of
October is The Native American House Alliance
(NAHA), which honors and uplifts the Native
Community in Philadelphia.
The NAHA is spearheading the development of several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at fostering community renewal and preserving our rich heritage. Our vision includes:
- An official citywide Native American Commission. A comprehensive Native American museum showcasing the vibrant history and contributions of Native Americans. This museum will serve as a beacon of education and cultural preservation.
- A community Health Clinic addressing the specific health needs of our community with a focus on accessibility and holistic care.
- A Social Service Employment Center providing essential services including job training, voter registration and social support to empower individuals and families of the Native American Community.
and and could use some support? If so, please contact Rita F.
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Linking to the Worship Service
Reminder that there are two ways to watch worship:- Click the blue "Live Streaming" arrow on the homepage.
- The Zoom link has been changed because security protocols on their end. If you are a congregant of ours, check the weekly eNewsletter for the link and password.
Are You Following UUs of Mt Airy on Social Media?
Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uumtairy/
Upcoming Events |
View the Social Justice Newsletter Here...
| Sunday, October 4 — |
Let's Make the FIRST SUNDAY of each Month
a Souper Sunday!
Bring a can of soup (healthy and not expired) to our wonderful community fridge. If we all did this, we would really be helping our neighbors. Thanks!
| Sunday, October 4 — |
Join Us for Coffee and Conversation
Enjoy time to talk with friends following the service in Hale Hall. Curious about how hospitality works at UU Mt Airy? You can still join one of the 3 teams (serving a month at a time in sequence) and get the inside scoop on what we do. Look for team coordinators Steve W, Rita F, or Jill S at coffee hour.
| Sunday, October 11 — |
Worship Service to feature Palestinian, African American and Jewish voices on the Search for Peace with Justice in a shared land in Palestine-Israel
UUs of Mt. Airy’s chapter of the Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) is helping plan the October 11th service and post-service gathering. Sharing their personal stories during the service and discussion will be our Moderator, Anam O-E; Sam Kuttab, a Palestinian Christian born in Bethlehem, now living in Philadelphia where he co-founded the Prayers for Peace Alliance – Palestinians and Jews for a Shared Future; and Beth Goldstein, an American Jew who grew up in a family deeply embedded with Jewish History and who taught at an Orthodox Day School for 11 years. Beth is also a member of Prayers for Peace.
The national network of the UUJME is an affiliate of the UU Association. Since 1972, UUJME has been working towards a just peace in Palestine-Israel that reflects our UU values of respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every human being and justice, equity and compassion for all.
There are almost 50 UUJME congregational chapters nationwide. UUs of Mt. Airy formed our chapter almost 2 years ago to be a local advocate for this work, collaborating now with a UUJME chapter at the Unitarian Society of Germantown and other UUs in the Philly area. At the same time, our congregation identified Justice for Israel-Palestine as one of four areas of focus for our Justice Council work at our congregational retreat in January 2025. In 2024, thousands of UUA delegates voted overwhelmingly (74%) for an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW), In Solidarity with Palestine. The AIW includes a resolution calling on UU congregations and individuals to take action in the following ways: Witnessing, Education, Organizing and Advocating for the liberation of Palestinians in Palestine-Israel.
These actions include:
- A call for an immediate permanent ceasefire and an infusion of massive humanitarian aid.
- Engaging with Palestinian-led groups and coalitions supporting liberation.
- Holding teach-ins about Palestine and Israel that include sacred spaces for spiritual processing.
- Signing, amplifying, and carrying out the Apartheid-Free Communities Pledge.
Contacts: Craig S and Laurie D
| Sunday, October 11 — |
Second Sunday Potluck
After the 11am Worship Service.
Second Sunday Potluck is a popular tradition now in its seventeenth year. On the second Sunday of each month throughout the congregational year (September to June) we gather for a sit-down meal where we can socialize and get to know one another.
All are invited to participate, whether or not they have a food item to contribute, but the event is much richer when as many as possible bring either a home-made or store-bought snack, main dish, or dessert. Make it stress-free! If you’re preparing a dish choose one that’s quick, easy to make, and easy to transport. Whether you've been attending for many years or are new to UUs of Mt. Airy, this is a great way to connect with friends and members, and to welcome newcomers.
Questions? Call Steve W at 215-514-6662
Recurring Events |
| Every Day — |
The Community Pantry & Fridge Needs You...
 Founded by two of our UUsMA members along with a life-long resident of East Mt. Airy, our Mt Airy Community Fridge affirms food as a right not a privilege and is founded on radical hospitality: We are all here to help each other. People who come to get food also often help stock and clean the shelves and break down boxes. Folks from the neighborhood as well as our congregation donate food. There are no requirements, no qualifiers. And we even compost! You can be a part of this wonderful project.
Volunteers are needed to pick up food from distribution sites, to help stock the shelves, to help bag bulk produce, and to help keep it clean. Meeting and helping neighbors, reaching out. What better way to live our values? Pantry Wishlist (Drop off anytime): |
For composting: (Place these items in lower Pantry shelf with “Composting Materials” sign.) Contributions particularly needed on Sundays and Mondays when there are no scheduled deliveries! For information on how you can help support the Fridge and Pantry: Contact Laurie D, 215-514-7955 or Deb G, 412-600-9400 If you are interested in joining the team, fill out the volunteer form. We will keep you posted on new developments. You can call Courtney at 610-731-9452. Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram @mtairyfridge. Click here for more specific information about contributions. For more information, please visit our website. |
| Tuesdays — |
Want to Learn Mah Jongg 101 and Form a UUs of Mt. Airy Mah Jong Club?
Mah Jongg instructor available to give lessons – at our congregation or another local
site.
- 4 -two hour weekly sessions, on Tuesdays, $60
- Open to all - UUs, friends, family, community
| Every Wednesday at 7pm — |
Soul Line Dance Classes
| Every Thursday, 5:30pm — |
Black Lives Matter
Take a stand against racism and white supremacy by centering the importance of Black
lives every Thursday, rain, or shine. Join us from 5:30-6:00 in Hale Lounge to sing
together, light candles, and to share racial justice news and history.
At 6:00pm we’ll line Stenton Avenue with anti-racist signs (and get tons of supportive honks). Those at home are welcome to join us on Zoom for the pre-vigil gathering at 5:30 using the Worship Zoom. If you want to connect online, please text Bruce at (215) 688-8747 or Fern at (215) 970-4746.
News & Information |
UPCOMING NEWSLETTER DEADLINES:
Please send questions about submissions to . |
UUs of Mt. Airy Change for Change Program
Guidelines And Contributions!
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Every week our congregation shares the plate with a charitable organization –
selected monthly – thereby putting our principles of generosity, equity, and
compassion into direct action.
Our guidelines for selecting these organizations prioritize (but are not limited to) being led by and primarily serving Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC) in our Northwest Philadelphia community as well as periodic, special projects from UUA associated organizations such as Side with Love and the UU Service Committee. The organizations we select reflect our congregational values and interests in promoting justice. For the fiscal year ending in June 2026, we began a new practice of inviting representatives from the designated organizations to attend one of our services during their month and |
provide an overview of their work and their
impact on our community. These organizations have represented an array of
work in the critical areas of housing, food, immigration, climate, prison and
racial justice.
We are pleased to share that our Change for Change contributions have more than doubled (109%!) this year – from approximately $6,300 in FY25 to over $13,000 in FY26. We extend our deep gratitude to our members, friends and visitors who have contributed so generously to support members of our community who can use a helping hand. Another goal for this program is to promote deeper relationships and connections within our community, so we encourage our congregants to consider joining or volunteering for any of our Change for Change organizations. |
Change for Change Monthly Contributions |
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Introduction of New Music Director
John (Jake) Kairis is a multi-instrumentalist with a deep
commitment to Unitarian Universalism and musical expressions
of faith. He has been a member of the First Unitarian Church of
Philadelphia since 2017, where he has sung tenor in the choir,
played multiple instruments in the church band, and served an
accompanist for evening Vespers services, mostly under the
direction of John B Hedges. He is well versed in piano, guitar,
banjo, alto saxophone, and ukulele. He worked at Germantown
Friends School for two and a half years, where he taught middle
school music as well as directed and accompanied the lower
school musical and the 9th grade musical and assistant directed
the middle school musical. He holds a M.M. in Composition from
Temple University. He is a self-taught producer and prolific
singer-songwriter, writing mostly in the folk tradition. He also
works as a mover and truck driver for Broad Street Movers.
Welcome message:
Hello and thank you for inviting me into your
community! I am so excited to meet you all
and make joyful noise in worship together.
Downstairs Renovations are Underway!
FAQs:What's happening?
We are renovating the downstairs bathrooms and Fellowship Hall, including new AV installation. Please use the bathrooms in the Hale Building until further notice. Hopefully, the downstairs bathrooms will become available again before the completion of the work on Fellowship Hall.
Who's doing the work?
Richard Elam is our architect. Mark and Rob Construction are our contractors.
They have an electrician that they work with. We're using our HVAC guy, and
Spinnaker, our AV vendor, both of whom know our building. Richard is the project
manager, and Cathy McCoubrey is the project coordinator, working with our
renovations team of Linda H., Alyssa S., Haliegh S., Mike F., Bruce P-J., and Anam
O-E.
What is it going to look like?
Beautiful! Wait until you see! Richard is completing the software rendering of the
design and he will prepare a poster for display.
How is this being funded?
The impetus for this project was an anonymous gift of $40,000. In addition, we
received a grant of $20,000 from the Trustees of the Universalist Convention of
PA (TUCP) to renovate the bathrooms. The Board allocated $10,000 from a
2025/26 budget surplus that resulted from an unrestricted gift in that amount.
Lastly, a number of members generously contributed a total of $30,000 to meet
our $100,000 goal.
Can I help?
Financial donations in any amount are still welcome, as there may be
unanticipated expenses. We might ask for members of the congregation to help
paint the walls to alleviate that cost. And there will be a sewing and embroidery
project to create soft furnishings, inspired by Unitarian churches in Transylvania.
When will the work be completed?
The end of October seems to be a realistic goal. Summer's Lemonade Lull and
September and October's coffee hours will continue to be hosted in Hale Lounge
for the duration of the project.
— Cathy M, Asst. Moderator
Spirit Matters
“Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor - the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant "To speak one's mind by telling all one's heart." Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But in my opinion, this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences -- good and bad.” — Brené Brown
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” — Albert Einstein
“Living hopefully is not devoid of pain. Living hopefully means residing squarely inside of pain, naming it as real and still saying to it “You’re not the only story to tell.” — Maria, from “Moral Courage”
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Question for ContemplationDid you know that the root of the word courage is the word for “heart? How does that change your idea of what courage is? |
Just for Laughs
Hospitality Teams
For all who have enjoyed a weekly coffee hour or a second Sunday potluck, know that these don’t miraculously happen. We have three hospitality teams that rotate throughout the church year (beginning in September) to coordinate the tasks needed to ensure that hospitality is provided seamlessly:- Team 1 (Steve’s team): September / December / March / June
- Team 2 (Rita’s team): October / January / April / July
- Team 3 (Jill’s team): November / February / May / August
- Bring food to share each week (can be store bought or homemade)
- Make coffee and heat water for tea
- Set up food and beverage tables
- Set out plates, mugs, utensils, napkins
- Usher and welcome people as they arrive
- Pass the plate at the offertory
- Account for offertory donations (change for change, pledge contributions) after the service
- Clean-up
Many hands make these tasks easy to accomplish. If we can boost the number of volunteers, we’ll propose adding a fourth hospitality team so that each of the teams will be on duty three months each year instead of four.
Openings for New Participants in Covenant Groups!
A Covenant Group (small group ministry) is a group of usually 6-8 people in a congregation who get together to get to know each other and talk about themes that relate to the theme for the month of our Sunday worship services. We currently have a couple of active covenant groups. If you think you might be interested in joining an existing group or being part of a new group, please contact Rev. McKinley!Pastoral Care Update
| Each one of us can use some help and support at times in navigating life's ups and downs. Now there is an easy way to contact the Pastoral Care Team if you or someone you know needs a helping hand.
UUMtAiry has a convenient request/referral form that goes directly to Rev. McKinley and Care Team Coordinators. Within 24-48 hours a Care Team volunteer will acknowledge your request and have either the minister or a team member contact you. Before contacting the Care Team, please keep the following in mind: |
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Looking for the Latest Congregational Directory?
Find all this by clicking the DIRECTORY & CONTRIBUTIONS button at the right. From the ICON homepage, you can edit your own information (illustrated below on the left) or change your password on the Settings page (circled on the right).
If you attach a photo to an email and send it to either the Office or the Webmaster, we will be happy to add it to your profile.
Email the Office and request a new one.
Have You Seen our Google Calendar?
We're working on making this ultra-functional. Soon, group leaders will be able to add their classes, meetings, and notes to this calendar for easy access. Office hours, RE times, and maybe even worship topics will be listed as far in advance as we can make them. You can find the Monthly Meeting Calendar link at the bottom of every web page.Or go to it directly below (bookmark with Ctrl+D or CMD+D):
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=minister@uumtairy.org&ctz=America/New_York