SERVICES & UPCOMING EVENTS
Events & Activites , Folk Factory, Greater Philly UU Cluster, and Social Justice pages.
Updated: Friday, June 13 —
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!
Restoration features a ramp to the main sanctuary level and a recently completed wheelchair lift and accessible restrooms on both the main and lower levels. Check here for photos.Words of Inspiration |
Upcoming Worship ServicesSunday, June 15: "Juneteenth, a Paradox" Sunday, June 22: "Worship is Live-Streamed from GA" The Office of the UUA President, Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, is thrilled to announce that Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk will lead the 2025 GA Sunday Service. Rev. Dr. Nicole C. Kirk (she/her) is the Rev. Dr. J. Frank and Alice Schulman Chair of Unitarian Universalist History at Meadville Lombard Theological School and a historian of American religious history. She has served UU congregations in Ohio and New Jersey and is currently the Program Minister (part-time) at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She joined the Meadville Lombard faculty in 2012 after serving eight years in the parish and earning her Ph.D. at Princeton Theological Seminary. Her research interests include religion, business, mobility, and material culture in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Dr. Kirk's publications include Wanamaker's Temple: The Business of Religion in an Iconic Department Store (New York University Press, 2018, 2023) and chapters in several edited volumes. are available here. |
From our Minister
 Friends,In this month of Pride and prejudice, we find ourselves leading the way as a denomination. A recent poll by the Public Research Religious Institute found that Unitarian Universalists lead the way on LGBTQ+ support. We were one of the first open and affirming ministries in the 1970s and 80s, and one of the first to celebrate same-sex marriage in the early 2000s. Our call to freedom of belief and freedom of religious practice has long meant that we see all people as whole and holy. For this I'm so grateful, even as a cisgender, heterosexual person, because I have learned from many of our queer leaders and ancestors that my liberation and my well-being, my wholeness, are wrapped up in the wholeness of those of us who are gay, lesbian, trans, questioning, intersex, polyamorous, asexual, and all of the above. What I was taught growing up was that if I want or value something, I need to protect it at all costs once I've got it. This scarcity mindset is a symptom of a culture of white supremacy and is predicated on the idea that there is simply not enough to go around, and so someone has to go without. For us to get what we want as quickly as possible, we've created supply chains and markets that create scarcity for others. |
Human rights are also a commodity that's being constrained by the prejudice of our current administration and others around the world. Human rights, the right to thrive, the right to love who you love, the right to be who (I believe) God created you to be these are not
supposed to be things we have to keep from others for fear of losing our own. We don't have to cling fiercely to a monochromatic world of heterosexual, cisgender people in order to thrive, or to get what we want.
We can imagine and build a world where queerness is not "weird," where trans kids can play sports, where Naval ships can be named after gay pioneers, and no one cares which bathroom you use, as long as you're neat as can be and wash your hands when you're done. Our religious freedom has pushed us to celebrate Pride and to fight prejudice, in ourselves and in our institutions, as part of nurturing wholeness and building Beloved Community. Long may it continue to do so, for all of us represented in the rainbow flag, and for those of us who needed some help to unlearn the prejudice we grew up with. Pride is for all of us to learn from and celebrate. May it be so. Amen. |
Important Announcements |
Change for Change: June
Asian American Community Fund of Pennsylvania (AACFPA)
This month’s Change for Change Recipient is Welcoming Homes Philadelphia. Welcoming Homes is a small, volunteer-run organization that matches refugee and asylum-seeking
young adults with safe homes and caring families. Host families have space in their homes and in their
lives to provide a residential environment where young adults’ basic human needs can be met in a
restorative atmosphere. Most host families are located in the northwest region of Philadelphia. All
efforts are made to ensure that the young adults receive necessary medical, educational, legal
assistance and help in transitioning to life in the United States. For more information on Welcoming
Homes and instructions on how to volunteer visit Welcoming Homes Philadelphia...
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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 Social Justice Events Here...
| Sunday, June 15 — |
Sunday Coffee Hour
We will have a coffee hour after the worship service, with beverages and snacks. A great way to hang out with old and new friends!
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. Just use this Google link to sign up for a team or look for team coordinators Steve, Rita, or Brenda at coffee hour.
| Sunday, July 6 — |
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!
Recurring Events |
| Newsletter Deadlines — |
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Deadlines for the Weekly eNewslettersArticles for submission will be due a week before publication with clear “due by” dates.Also, the newsletter now has its own email address for submissions and feedback. Please send anything you want to be put into the newsletter or anything newsletter-related to We look forward to hearing from you. Click here for more specific information on newsletter submissions.
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| Every Day — |
Mt Airy Fridge & Pantry
 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 or 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. |
| Every Wednesday — |
Soul Line Dance Classes
| Every Thursday, 6pm — |
Join Us at our Weekly Black Lives Matter Vigil every Thursday
Take a stand against racism and white supremacy by centering the importance of Black lives every Thursday, rain, or shine. Join us in lining Stenton Avenue with anti-racist signs (and get tons of supportive honks) from 6:00-6:30 p.m. Afterwards we’ll meet to meditate, light candles, and share from 6:30-7:00 p.m. Those at home are welcome to join us on Zoom at 6:30.News & Information |
Annual Meeting Sees New Board Members, 2025-2026 Budget Approved, and Service Leaders Recognized
At our annual meeting last Sunday, the congregation elected/approved Board members and Nominating Committee members for the coming year and approved the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.The Board now includes:
Moderator: Cathy M, term expires 2026
Assistant Moderator: Anam O-E
Treasurer: Len R, term expires 2026
Secretary: Annabel G, term expires 2026
Trustee: Bruce P-J
Trustee: Anthony C
Several stalwarts of our congregation were also honored. A beautiful slideshow, created by Steve W, followed by heartfelt tributes read aloud honored Mike F, Harald G, Jane H, and Larry H for unstinting service on the Building & Grounds Committee and so much more! Ron S was also recognized, in memoriam, for all of his contributions to our community.
The printed agenda also included these Recognitions of Service in 2024/25:
Anne A, for completing her term as a trustee
Bruce P-J, for serving as moderator and assistant moderator
Laurie D and Craig S, for co-leading the Justice Council for two years
Larry H, for completing his service as chair of the Finance Committee
Holly J and Maryellen N, for completing their service on the Nominating Committee
Linda H, for restarting the Music Committee and leading the Music Director search
Sharon F, for bringing us Karen S’s play, When the Truth Comes Out
Brenda R and Linda H, for revitalizing the newsletter
Jim W, for offering “The New UU” seminar
Maryellen N, Cynthia B, and friends for launching the garden
Brenda R, Steve W, and Rita F for heading our hospitality teams*,
and Jane Z for her ever ready back-up help
Worship Associates team, for conducting worship services during Kin’s sabbatical, and
Deep gratitude to the volunteers and carriers of the Mt. Airy Community Fridge and Pantry
*A fourth hospitality team would make a big difference. Please consider serving as the team leader. Steve, Brenda, or Rita would be happy to speak with you about the role of Coordinator.
UUs of Mt. Airy to Cast Important Votes at General Assembly
The Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly 2025 runs from June 18 through June 22 in Baltimore, MD. UUs of Mt. Airy is a certified member of the Unitarian Universalist Association and participates in this democratic annual gathering by sending 2 voting delegates from our congregation, plus our minister and Director of Religious Exploration. Their responsibility is to convey our congregation's wishes and votes to the larger denomination.
General Assembly is a mosaic of activities, presentations, lectures, workshops, worship opportunities, as well as business reports and decisions. Delegates conduct business for the association as required by the by-laws, including voting in elections for leadership positions and on actions or statements to endorse. UU member congregations get to choose and/or reject various proposals, using the democratic process.
As a delegate, we often wish we could know the thoughts and concerns of our congregation to help us represent them as we make our voting decisions. Two of the main votes are the selections of the AIW (Actions of Immediate Witness) and the CSAI (Congregational Study Action Issue) for the upcoming year and years, respectively.
You can learn about the process for bringing issues to the General Assembly and the nominated topics we have in front of us this year by visiting Proposed AIWs and CSAI.
On Sunday, June 15, following the Worship Service, please visit with Fern C (one of our delegates this year) and share your thoughts and questions. She will, in turn, collect your information to help our group decide upon our votes. If you are unable to attend on that day, you can reach out to Fern by texting her cell phone number. She welcomes your connection.
For Tough Times
Not needing to clutch for power, not needing the light just to shine on me
I need to be one in the number as we stand against tyranny
Struggling myself don’t mean a whole lot, I’ve come to realize
That teaching others to stand up and fight is the only way my struggle survives
I’m a woman who speaks in a voice and I must be heard
At times I can be quite difficult, I’ll bow to no man’s word
We who believe in freedom cannot rest
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes
— From “Ella’s Song,” words and lyrics by Bernice Johnson Reagon
Spirit Matters
From “To The People Who Have Mistaken Freedom For Liberation”
by Reverend Julián Jamaica Soto
To be free...You must know, From “Prayer for Juneteenth” by Addae Ama Kraba As believers in justice, |
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Question for ContemplationWhat are the roles and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy? |
Just for Laughs
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
Ministerial Discretion Fund
Any one who would like to donate to the emergency fund that goes towards our most vulnerable members can do so by sending in a check earmarked for "Min. Disc. Fund" or contacting McKinley directly to donate electronically. Your donations go a long way, and offerings are always greatly appreciated.General Announcements |
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 prop the doors open or 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.
Work Request Forms
If you are requesting work to be done, please complete the appropriate colored work request form located on the office door. Once your form is completed, place it in the bin labeled Administrative Assistant also hanging on the office door.
For those who do not frequently visit in person, you can send your request via email to the Administrative Office.
Pink - Request for Administrative Assistant
Yellow - Request for voucher check
Blue - Request for the sexton