Live Stream Service Here Mary Margaret McKinnon will give our Story for All Ages. As always, the Annex is open to ages 5 and under
from 10 AM-12:15 PM.
"On the record with Andy Brack about the local news environment, politics, more"
Charleston City Paper editor and publisher Andy Brack will discuss an array of news-related topics and lead discussions on the quality of local news, trust in the media, transparency in local government and the need for more civic engagement.
Andy Brack, editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper, is a veteran newsman who has written an award-winning South Carolina political commentary for more than 20 years. He has a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a master's degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Interestingly, he doesn't pull for either school's sporting teams.
COMMUNITY & CHURCH NEWS
NOMINATING COMMITTEE NEWS
The Nominating Committee invites you to nominate yourself or another member of the church to serve by being a leader on the Vestry Board or the Endowment Investment Board (EIB). You will work closely with the Minister, Staff, respective Board members, and others to help determine the direction of our beloved church at a challenging time in our history. Explore the roles of the Vestry Board and EIB by looking here. Let any member of the Nominating Committee know who you are nominating before the March 16, 2025, deadline or email Lisa Hajjar at hajjarlm@gmail.com . Members of the Nominating Committee are Lisa Hajjar (Chair), Abby Himmelein, Ginny Morgan, and Amy Hudock.
In this current political climate, with democracy under threat and resistance efforts rising across the country, many of us are wondering what we can do to help. As we figure it out, it will be important for each of us to be educated and grounded. Join Rev. Rebecca in a 4-part book series on Civil Resistance. We will meet one Saturday a month at 10 am in Gage Hall (March 22, April 26, May 31, and June 28). Read as many or as few of the books as you like - come to one session or come to them all!
* March 22:
* Civil Resistance: What Everyone Needs to Know by Erica Chenoweth
* April 26:
* History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times by Mary Frances Berry
* May 31:
* Revive Us Again: Vision and Action in Moral Organizing by The Rev. Dr. William Barber II
* June 28:
* No Straight Road Takes You There by Rebecca Solnit
Calling for Share the Plate nominations
Our Share the Plate program not only raises funds, but raises awareness about local non-profits.
Donations given to Share the Plate are split 50/50 with the church and the organization for one month.
Use the nomination formhereto submit your nomination for a local non-profit organization to receive Share the Plate donations.
Volunteer opportunities at
Lowcountry Food Bank and James Island Outreach
Our church has a long history of volunteering with the Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB), primarily the Backpack Buddies program or other activities sorting/packing food for distribution to folks with food insecurity throughout coastal SC. Due to scheduling issues last spring, we are on a different schedule than we’d had for years. From January to May, we will volunteer on the 2nd Thursday of each month and starting in June, we go back to our 3rd Saturday schedule.
The LCFB is located at 2864 Azalea Drive, North Charleston. You may watch a volunteer orientation HERE. Close-toes shoes required.
For those who work weekdays, we have a current Saturday volunteer opportunity to help at James Island Outreach (JIO) on the 1st Saturday of each month. This is primarily outdoor work at the produce tent assisting people gather produce in bags, help carry food to their cars, and cleaning up.
JIO is located at 1872 Camp Rd, James Island. To learn more go HERE. Children 12 and older may volunteer with their parents.
We are asking for up to 4 volunteers to work at JIO on the 1 st Saturday of each month from 8:30-11:30 through May 2025.
We are asking for at least 10 volunteers to work at the LCFB on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 9-12.
The Unitarian Church in Charleston is pleased to host a monthly Death Cafe. At a Death Cafe people gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. The objective is "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives." To learn more about Death Cafes in general, click here.
For more information about our event, please reach out to Scott Morgan at wsm371@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, February 19; 5:30 PM-7 PM
Gage Hall
Amidst the challenges facing our nation, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. To counter this, we invite you to a monthly potluck supper and discussion focused on "What's New and What's Good?"
Let's share the latest news and positive developments that inspire hope and action. This is an opportunity to connect, find support, and discover ways to contribute to positive change.
WEDNESDAY, February 19; 7 PM
Gage Hall
Choir meets on Wednesdays from 6:45 PM-8:15 PM (7 PM this week to make time for The New & Good Potluck),
and Sundays at 10am (when Choir is present). If you're interested in singing in the choir, please contact Ryan at ryan@charlestonuu.org.
Everyone is welcome to join!
THURSDAY, February 20; 6 PM
Main Library, 68 Calhoun Street, Meeting Room A
These sessions will focus on deep listening and spiritual reflection. If you have been looking for a way to explore your spirituality, share resources, and connect with new people, this is the group for you!
SAVE THE DATE
Book of Life
Our Book of Life is a shared journal in which we record the significant events of our lives, (births, deaths, celebrations, transitions and other joys and sorrows). Entries are read aloud during the Meditation portion of the service. All are welcome to participate.
The physical book is kept at the front of the church near the pulpit, and entries can be written in there as well. If you cannot attend service, any Book of Life entries that you would like our minister to share should be sent to Marcia Castano at marciapate5@gmail.com by Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Marcia will then pass them along to be read on Sunday morning.
Here For You Please don't hesitate to reach out to your church in times of need.
Minister's Discretionary Fund
For assistance with your expenses, contact Rev. Rebecca Hinds at rebecca@charlestonuu.org
Last Week's Livestream
Join our Private Facebook Group for Members Only
Members, please participate in our private members-only group on Facebook! Also, remember to “like” our main pageon Facebook for more news and updates there.
Interested in joining our wonderful church community?
Click here to learn more about membership.
Membership in the Unitarian Church in Charleston is open to all who choose to walk with us in the spirit of love and in the search for truth. We have no creedal requirements for membership. To become a member, one completes the New to UU Charleston and Pathways Classes and signs the Membership Book in the presence of the Minister and an officer of the church. We know schedules are very busy in this season and we are looking at ways to bring you in and learn more about what you are seeking in the community. If you are interested in learning more about Membership, please reach out to Danielle Lopez at danielle@charlestonuu.org
The Gateway E-Newsletter is sent weekly on Thursdays.
The weekly deadline is Wednesdays at 12 p.m. Send inquiries to erika@charlestonuu.org
Please don't hesitate to reach out to your church in times of need.
