When last we saw our “cast and crew”, they were feeling marooned on an island called The Sanctuary. All attempts at communication from the island seemed to keep washing back up on their shore, and they were feeling alone, cold and isolated. They knew they needed to build a ship to communicate with the other … Continue reading Life Savers and a New Production Committee – November 27
The Social Tragedy Driving our Efforts On a single night, 17 of every 10,000 people in the United States experience homelessness. According to HUD’s 2019 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR, 2020), the number of homeless people nationwide increased by nearly three percent between 2018 and 2019. The unsheltered homeless increased by nine percent, and those … Continue reading Habitat and Hope Village Project Needs Your Thoughts and Decision
What is Share the Plate? During each Sunday service, we take a collection. This voluntarily given money is then shared between our congregation and an organization from the local community which has goals that align with Unitarian Universalist principles. This month’s Share the Plate recipient is our Microfinance project. The UUCS Microfinance project makes small … Continue reading Share the Plate Recipient for October 2020 is Microfinance
Gary Swanson, who did our sanctuary’s beautiful stained glass window, is also an active firefighter (retired from fire chief) in Gates. At the beginning of the Labor Day fires, he worked a 41-hour shift saving houses in Gates and Mill City — while his own house burned down. He has written a moving, inspiring, and … Continue reading Donate to Help Fire Victims
Sunday October 4 is the annual Animal Blessing Service and this year is especially poignant with the fires bringing into strong focus the love we have for all beings, human and animal. To honor our animal friends, please send a photo or two of an animal that is dear to you and a comment about … Continue reading Virtual Animal Blessing Service October 4
We are resuming Special Music as a part of our services! Volunteer musicians will participate in our live-streamed services on Sunday mornings, in a responsible environment where social distancing and mask protocols are observed. Anyone interested in making a musical offering to our services and our community is welcome to contact our Music Director, Laura … Continue reading Can You Provide Special Music for a Service?
Some sad news about one of our own, not as tragic as Justice Ginsburg’s passing, but relevant to us nevertheless. It is about Gertie Mae, our laptop that has served for many years in the sanctuary providing viewing of the powerpoint slides for all to see. Yes, her name is Gertie Mae, bet you didn’t … Continue reading Technology is a Difficult Friend to Love – September 20
The latest list of needed items posted by United Way includes Colman stoves, propane canisters, canopies, wheelbarrows, brooms, shovels, large tarps, cots, and heavy rakes. All donated items can be dropped off at the Truitt Receiving Center, located at 1330 Front St. NE, Salem. The latest updates to the needs list and the drop off … Continue reading Help Wildfire Relief Efforts through United Way
On October 25, Irshad Manji, author of “Don’t Label Me: An Incredible Conversation for Divided Times” will be having an hour long dialogue with us during our worship service. In preparation of this service she has asked us to read her wonderful book (five star rating by Rev Rick!!). We have 50 FREE COPIES to … Continue reading Books Still Available- Read for Irshad Manji’s October 25 Service!
We are constantly learning, here Behind The Chalice, and this week we learned that the Sanctuary just doesn’t get enough WiFi to make a smooth live stream experience. At the moment. But, never fear dear readers, this is going to be looked into as far as needs and options go to make this happen successfully. … Continue reading Another Streaming Attempt September 13
