Activites & Events, Folk Factory, Greater Philly UU Cluster, and Social Justice pages.
Sunday services begin at 11 am in the sanctuary immediately followed by refreshments and conversation in our Fellowship Hall.
Both spaces are air conditioned in the summer for your comfort.
Restoration is Accessible for those with Disabilities!
Restoration features a ramp to the main sanctuary level and a recently completed wheelchair lift and accessible restroom on the lower level to make our Fellowship Hall more available to our congregants, visitors and renters. CHECK HERE for photos.
and others are available as TEXT.
April 28: "Walking for Victory and Peace"
As we prepare for and celebrate the 2019 Philadelphia Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation, taking place on April 28th, we explore why the V sign made with fingers stands for both Victory and Peace. Come and hear this fascinating story, and enjoy a wealth of inspiring music. And plan to attend the Peace Walk, a wonderful event that gives us the opportunity to meet and talk with people of many faiths.
All songs are about HALLELUJAH! Please mark your calendars.
The board in the W.T. Dikeman Vestibule of the sanctuary has the words "I See You" on it. It's a way of acknowledging service, acts of kindness, and good stuff in general. It's part of our culture of gratitude here at Restoration. As we end our pledge drive on Sunday, we will celebrate with various pies and desserts. It's also Easter and Passover, times to be thankful and grateful for what we have and who makes it possible. I want to start that ball rolling now.
So, to kick it off: I want to say thank you. Thank you to the volunteers who made the Passover celebration and remembrance possible. Thank you to the folks who brought food and dessert. Thank you to the "cast" for lending their voices to the service. Thank you to the worship team who organized the play. Thank you to the folx who set up and cleaned up the tables. Thank you to the RE staff for organizing the kiddos and thank you to the kiddos for lending your spirit to the Passover story! Thank you to the teams who put out the decorations and flowers, the vestments and the candles. Thank you to our musicians who performed and the ones who are getting ready for Easter and Music Sunday. Thanks to our ushers and hospitality team members for welcoming people to our space. Thanks to the folks who keep our building clean and prosperous.
Thank you to the folks who communicate and share the news of what's going on at Restoration. Thanks to the folx doing justice work on the 8th Principle and our cultural shifts within UUism. Thank you to the folks who call out microaggressions and do the emotional labor of teaching those of us who need the education. Thank you to the people sharing deeply from within their story and exuding love and care to the rest of the community.
Thanks to the leaders on the Board and nominating committee and the people behind the scenes for AV support and coffee prep and locking up the building at night. Thank you to the visitors. Thank you to the friends. Thank you to the members. Thanks to the folks who sent their pledge sheets in and help us keep the lights on Thanks to folks who gave a little or a lot to the life of this congregation. Our church doesn't work without you, and it doesn't minister to the community without you. Thank you for showing up, for singing, for volunteering, for doing paperwork, for being brave, for loving loudly, and living boldly. Springtime is a time of renewed energy, and we've got it here at Restoration. And thank you to the folks who see one another doing the little things and recognize them in person. The "I see you board" in Dikeman Vestibule is open for anyone to jot a note to name someone who's contributing joy and light to our congregational life. I hope you'll join me in celebrating how good it is to be human together this weekend, and going forward. We are Black and white. We are old and young. We are able bodied and disabled. We are theist and non-theist. We are singers and sitters. We are extroverts and introverts. We are not perfect, and all of these things are not just "okay"......but better than "okay."
And hard. But worth it.
And complex. But worth it.
And happening all the whole time.
But we don't always see it.
Let your eyes and soul be rebirthed above the ground to see the whole and holy within and around you this season.
Restoration is busy! It’s a good busy. It indicates vitality, enthusiasm and most of all dedication. As we approach 2020 when we celebrate our 200 year anniversary a lot of things are in place and in motion. In place we have a new Minister who already has made a significant impact. Reverend McKinley has been active in a lot of areas, chief among them in my mind is with Pastoral care, an area that we have not been good at in the last couple of years. I’ve always said that we are judged first by how we take care of each other and how we give consolation and comfort to those who cannot be with us because of personal hardship including sickness. Additionally, Reverend McKinley’s preaching rarely fails to inspire us. He has diligently provided us diverse theological lenses to look at our world including his own Christian lens.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Pennsylvania (CAIR PA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide. The national headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through media relations, lobbying, education and advocacy, CAIR puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism. In addition to being a volunteer-based organization, CAIR-Pennsylvania employs full time staff.
The next book discussion about Michael Eric Dyson's What Truth Sounds Like: RFK, James Baldwin, and Our Unfinished Conversation about Race in America will be Chapter 3, "The Politicians". The meeting will start at 6:30 pm, and will be in Hale Lounge. Snacks and beverages will be available. Please join us, whether you've been to earlier sessions or not! There is a copy of the book in the Justice Council mailbox, but feel free to come for the discussion even if you haven't read the chapter.
Our CommUUnity Potluck will be with Rabbi Michael Pollack. Michael Pollack is the charismatic founder of the March on Harrisburg, a nonprofit using nonviolent direct action to work to get money out of politics and eliminate gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. He is currently very active with UUPLAN. Don't miss this chance to hear him speak, and tell all of your activist friends! We will meet in Hale Lounge or the Sanctuary, depending on how many people show up. If you can, bring some food or beverage to share, but feel free to come, even if you don't have time to do that.
The Folk Factory will have its next People's Choice Open Stage/Open Circle on Thursday, April 25, from 7:30-10:30 pm, in Fellowship Hall. In the first half, performers sign up for slots to perform (music, spoken word, or whatever) on the stage, and the audience votes on the acts they like best. The second half is a more informal sharing in a circle, usually involving a lot of singalongs and songs people are trying out for the first time. Admission is $2-5 per person, on a sliding scale, half for low-wage or no-wage folks, with a $1 discount if you mention you are a UUCR member or friend. Soft drinks and snacks are available for a free-will donation. If you or someone you know are an aspiring performer, the Open Stage is a way to earn a slot in our June People's Choice Concert. If you just like to listen to good music, and maybe sing along occasionally, you are also welcome! Our motto is "Music and progressive social change".
, or call 215-848-6246. If you are interested in volunteering, call Bruce P. at the same email/number.
Restoration is entitled to have 2 voting delegates. Let the Board of Trustees know if you are interested. You can also serve as a delegate via the internet as an off-site, online delegate. Fern was voting delegate last year from her home. She can speak with you about her experience. The Board will approve our delegates and prepare their certification by early June.
To view the video, click the image below.
"BYOT" = Building Your Own Theology, a long time favorite of UU congregations, including at Restoration.
Because you get to reflect deeply on your core values and precepts.
Because you get to know others at a deeper, more meaningful level.
Because it's 'fun' .. an engaging, flowing conversation.
Facilitated by the Rev. Bob T.; it's ten sessions of about two hours each, each building upon the relationships and ideas of previous sessions. Rev. Kin hopes to sit in on the opening and closing sessions.
End of March through early June .. Monday, Tuesday or Wednesay evenings at 7:00 .. or maybe Sundays 9:00 am sharp until 10:45.
If you have a question he can be reached at 267/769-9123.
Come out and greet old friends! Dinner and Beverages will be served.
Community Yard Sale spaces on the lawn will be sold to outside vendors on a first-come basis at $10.00 per space. We will not provide tables or chairs to outside vendors. After making a payment of $10.00 they may set up on the lawn and sidewalk as early as 7 am. No reservations are required.
Restoration’s Flea Market donated merchandise will be displayed and sold from tables in the Fellowship Hall.
If you have items you wish to sell for yourself above and beyond your church donations, please follow the vendor procedure.
If you wish the participate in preparation and/or the day’s activities, please let Cynthia B. and Dot F. know. There will be a list of volunteer opportunities listed on a sign-up sheet on the piano. We will need your help with registering vendors, collecting payments, as well as set-up, cashiering and clean-up.
BONUS – there will be snacks, Klondike Bars and a whole lot of fun for volunteers!
Please help us in support of this community outreach effort.
The Justice Council will have its next meeting this Sunday, May 12, after the Sunday service and Potluck, but hoping to start around 1:15 pm in Hale Lounge.
May 21, 2019 is Primary Day. Restoration is a polling place. There will be voting machines in Hale Lounge that day. Restoration receives a fee for this service.
We need Restoration volunteers to “sit” with the machines from 6 am to 9 pm. If you can sit in Hale Lounge anytime between 6 am and 9 pm, please sign up on the sign0up sheet on the piano in the Fellowship Hall. There will be refreshments for you as well as an opportunity to meet and greet our neighbors.
BYOL - BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH takes place in Hale Lounge. Everyone is welcome; just bring a sandwich. There's no agenda and no homework! Just come and enjoy conversation and catch up on the latest church news.
Please join us to show our concerns about racism and white supremacy every Thursday. We line Stenton Avenue with our signs (and get tons of supportive honks) from 6-6:30 pm, then join to meditate, light candles, and share in the transept chapel to the left of the sanctuary from 6:30-7 pm. Please join us, and encourage your friends, too!
Restoration's Pop-up Auction is Underway!
You've likely noticed that there has been no auction scheduled for this church year. At last month's board meeting Steve agreed to organize a simplified, no-stress version of the auction by reaching out to people who have hosted popular events in recent years.
Friday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets include access to the Ballroom at intermission and a backstage tour afterwards.
La Boheme is one the most popular and accessible operas of all time. Radiant, recognizable music drives a timeless love story (its premise was borrowed for the modern Broadway hit Rent). If you've never seen an opera, this is the production that will make you a lifelong fan.
Our four residents are offering an elegant event at their Foulkeways community in Gwynedd, PA. This one, a luncheon, begins with hors d'oeuvres and live music. Enjoy a delightful afternoon with more than 20 of your Restoration friends!
to bid on these events.
The committee would like to hold several listening sessions with the congregation this Spring and into next Fall to share the results of the survey and to discuss the idea further. We will be working with the Board to determine the dates of those meetings, so stay tuned.
UUCR is one of several locations in Philadelphia where books can be donated to "More Books Through Bars". The more prisoners read, the less likely they are to return to jail once they are released. It is the right thing to do. The donated books will be shipped out later this Spring (May/June 2019). Look through your shelves for the following types of books: dictionaries, self-help, exercise, "how to" skills, criminal law, African American & Latino history, urban fiction, islam and other religious content, astrology/dream interpretation, true crime, puzzles, fantasy, wicca, tattoo art. Their flyer requests "paperbacks in English and Spanish only, due to prison rules".
is the contact person at UUCR. She has set up a collection box in the library. It has green labels showing the "wish list". Thanks for your help!
The diagnosis may be life altering. If you had a stroke or have been diagnosed with cancer, diabetes or with heart, lung or kidney disease, you may immediately start moving into a "new normal".
You may face both a physical and an emotional impact as well as a maze of uncertainty from tests and physical changes. Additionally, there may be concerns about finances and day-to-day logistics. Your situation might last at least a year and may require ongoing medical attention.
Many people will offer a "quick fix". Graciously, accept their advice. There is no need to follow it.
Please contact UU House Outreach to access aging supports and services. Program staff can be reached at 215-843-5881 or outreach@uuhouse.org.
On Saturday, March 23, we had our first UUCR Nature Walk. Our hardy band met at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at 9 am. We explored the visitor center exhibits while we waited for the group to assemble and practiced with the binoculars at the bird feeder viewing area. We had 3 children and 5 adults on our walk. It was a brisk and windy day but the sun was glorious. There wasn't a cloud in the sky! We found Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris, for those interested) in bloom along the trails. We walked out on the main trail along the ponds that are kept for the wildlife. We met numerous friendly folks along the way, some with dogs on leashes and one bike rider who was getting a lot of exercise as he zoomed back and forth passing us several times! We enjoyed the views from the boardwalk that crosses the main pond and also from the observation tower which was our end point for the walk. On the way back, we crossed the pond on the boardwalk and returned through the small woods on the east side of the refuge. We learned that the fuzzy roots of the climbing Poison Ivy carry the irritating chemical just as effectively as the leaves of three we see during the growing season.
Back at the Visitor Center, we entered our bird observations in the eBird database for the site. We saw 24 different species in our short visit, including six distinct types of ducks!
We want to go back again, later in the spring. Everyone is welcome to participate. Watch the newsletter for the chosen date and time. We are considering May 11, May 25, June 1, or June 8. If you have dates that would be best for you and really want to be with us, you can let Joanna, or Fern know!
This is part of the arcane system just implemented last fall - items get photocopied in Florida and sent to inmates back in PA. This is supposedly because of incidents related to people sending drugs infused in paper, but seems an inhumane overreaction to that problem. Can you imagine a parent not being able to receive a birthday card or school art from their child in its original form? If you would like to try to change this, come to the Justice Council meeting so we can brainstorm possible actions we can take.
We look forward to another year of stellar support for Sunday services with our teams. There have already been a few changes to the lists. If any of you feel you need a change because of projected travel or other issues please let me and/or your team coordinator know.
One of our members has already projected non-attendance for her team assignment, and thus she will be split between two teams so she can be of more service. Assisting another team with food and clean-up is always an option, if your attendance cannot be regular during your team month.
The "job descriptions" are in the current Autumn newsletter and also posted on this website (see below). "Each One Teach One" has been our motto as everyone learns what to do.
With gratitude to members and friends alike for sharing these responsibilities. P.S. Assisting with clean-up is usually a very good time for catching up with friends and making new ones.
Visit our new Hospitality page listed under the Church Programs menu on this website for more information and for the Team Lists.
Looking for the Latest Church Directory?
... directions to a friend's home, or your latest contribution statement?
Find all this by clicking the CHURCH DIRECTORY button at the right, or on the Home page of this site. You can edit your own information from the ICON Home page or change your password on the Settings page.
we will be happy to add it to your profile.
Visit this link: http://www.igive.com/Qx51lcq. It will take you to the iGive homepage with Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network selected as your cause. Here, you can register to be a PIHN supporter (it's easy and free).
After you sign up, you'll get an email telling you to install the iGive button with instructions on how to do so. You can download this onto any computer or phone you use to shop online. The button will show up on the top of your internet browser window.
Press the iGive button, and browse 1,300+ stores that participate and select one. You'll see what percentage of your purchase will go to PIHN. Your purchase/donation will automatically be registered with iGive. You'll receive an email confirmation after you visit your first store, just to make sure the donation tracking system is working.
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 the church, you can send your request via email to office@uurestoration.us.
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 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.
Don't forget to give the church's telephone number (215-247-2561) when you make any personal purchase at a Staples store, by telephone or online. By doing so a credit will be posted to Restoration's Staples account for a percentage of the sale. These credits, known as Staples Business Rewards, really add up. We use them to offset the cost of our office supplies.
In addition, Restoration's Staples account will receive a Reward of $2.00 if you give the church's telephone number (215-247-2561) when you turn in your used printer cartridges (any kind or type) at Staples. You can also leave your old cartridges in the Duo Room where they will be picked up and turned in to Staples.
What if Restoration earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can!
https://www.goodsearch.org/ is a search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!
GoodShop.com is an online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause - Restoration! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting Restoration.
Be sure to enter the "Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration" as the charity you want to support.
Do not leave your coats on the chairs in the Fellowship Hall or the pews in the Library. They take up valuable space that we need for seating during Coffee Hour. Please hang your coats on the rack in the hallway just outside the Fellowship Hall so that everyone can sit comfortably.