“Given everything our world faces today, having faith in love is no small thing.” says UUA president Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt. How does love, one of our core UU values, hold us together? How does it shape who we are and how we are as a people?
Carolyn Parker will be our Worship Associate,
Emily White will give the Time for All Ages,
with music provided by our Choir, Bill Gesin, and Ryan Pagles.
9:30 AM - Nursery Opens, Annex - Children ages 5 and under are welcome in the nursery 9:30am - 12:15pm - Children ages 7 and under are welcome after RE classes until 12:15pm.
9:45 AM - Meditation, Upper Gage Hall Participants gather for an hour to practice insight meditation and discuss various aspects of the meditative path and its interplay with our lives. 10:00 AM - RE Classes, Annex and Upper Gage Hall - Elementary aged students (K - 6th grade) will meet in Upper Gage Hall.
- Youth (7th - 12th grade) will meet in the Annex.
- Following RE classes, children will join the service in the Sanctuary.
10:00 AM - Forum, Gage Hall (and now livestreaming on YouTube!) Claire Law – College Affordability
Claire will help families navigate the complexities of the financial aid system, and show how they can become savvy consumers of higher education by understanding the OB3 financial aid changes slated for July 1, 2026. She will explain how best to include “affordability” in the college “fit" and how 529 plans work.
We have raised $310,971 of our goal of $429,700 with 48% participation for the 2026-27 Pledge Drive!
Thank you to everyone who has submitted their pledge form. You can pledge online HERE, mail your pledge form to the office, or bring it with you on Sunday to place in the offering. Please submit your pledge form by March this Sunday 15 to secure your RSVP to our Night to Shine Celebration on March 28.
A Night to Shine Celebration March 28; 6:00 - 8:00pm
Churchyard
Join us for this celebration of the Unitarian Church in Charleston featuring Porto Seguro Brazilian Jazz Band. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and childcare will be provided. Since this is following the No Kings March on the same day, all are welcome to attend in their protest casual attire! Submit your pledge form by this Sunday, March 15 to RSVP!
Do you know someone kind and reliable, who loves working with kids? We are looking to add a few more paid childcare providers to our roster. Please connect them with Emily: emily@charlestonuu.org
Families preparing for college: Check Out Sunday's Forum at 10am! Claire Law will help families navigate the complexities of the financial aid system, and show how they can become savvy consumers of higher education by understanding the OB3 financial aid changes slated for July 1, 2026.
She will explain:
🧭 Tips for navigating the complexities of the financial aid system
🎓How 529 plans work
🏫 How to include “affordability” in the college “fit.”
The Forum is Sundays at 10am, in Lower Gage Hall. You can also stream it online or watch it later on our YouTube channel HERE
THIS WEEK AT CHURCH
Women's Group March 14, 10:00am
Main Library Branch - 68 Calhoun St, Room A
We will discuss the March Soul Matters packet, "Paying Attention". As always, this is a starting point for our discussion; it is not mandatory to read this but may be helpful to guide your thinking. Please know you are welcome to attend whether you preview the packet or not.
Books and Coffee March 15, 4:30pm
West Ashley
We will meet in West Ashley at Ginny and Scott Morgan's home. To discuss A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, by Byyuval Noah Harari
Death Cafe March 16, 7:00pm
Church Annex
Please note this month's location change to meet in the Annex!
At a Death Cafe people gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. Our objective is "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives." A Death Cafe is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. Death Cafe is an international social franchise. To learn more about Death Cafes in general, click here.
THERE WILL BE NO CHOIR PRACTICE ON MARCH 18
SAVE THE DATE
Minister's Book Club March 21, 10:00am Lower Gage Hall
Join Rev. Rebecca to discuss this month's selection, Hell Bent, by Brian Recker
March Family Circle March 21, 5:00pm
West Ashley
Join us for our March family circle where families gather for a meal and an hour provided childcare. RSVP here (using our new Google Sheet!)
Upcoming CAJM Events: The Rally and Nehemiah Action March 23 and April 27 Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
Join us at the Rally as we unite in energy and purpose, readying ourselves for the Nehemiah Action. Attend for issue updates, to learn what will happen at the Action, and to inspire each other to work towards our 1,200 turnout goal! Register HERE.
More information regarding the Nehemiah Action will be shared in April Gateway announcements.
Women's Book Club March 24, 6:00pm
Main Library Branch - 68 Calhoun St + Zoom
Join us in person or via Zoom for our discussion of Culability, by Bruce Holsinger.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EXTENDED: Share the Plate Nominations
On the first Sunday of each month, we Share the Plate with a non-profit organization that reflects our UU Principles. Last church year we were able to give a total of over $8,000 to eleven organizations.
The Nominating Committee invites you to nominate yourself or another church member to serve by being on the Vestry Board starting in the new church year. Guided by a close connection to our members, you will be part of a team that works with the Minister in determining the direction of our beloved church at a challenging time in our history. Explore the roles of the Vestry Board and Endowment Investment Board (no EIB vacancy this year) by visiting https://www.charlestonuu.org/governance and picking up Fact Sheets and a Nomination Form in Gage Hall.
Let any member of the Nominating Committee know who you're nominating before the March 22, 2026 deadline or email Lisa Hajjar at hajjarlm@gmail.com. Members of the Nominating Committee are Lisa Hajjar (Chair), Ginny Morgan, Amy Hudock, Susan Garrison, and George Tempel.
Sign up to fill our Blessing Box
NEW Blessing Box Storage Cabinet Location! Due to some exciting A/V upgrades in Gage Hall we have had to move the overflow / storage cabinet for the blessing box. It is now located in the storage area to the side of Gage Hall where the folding chairs are stored.
Please consider signing up to bring donations on an upcomingSunday: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044EAAA82EAAF49-57940404-fall#/ Blessing box donations can be placed directly in the box, if there is room, or in the storage cabinet in the back storage area of Gage Hall (where the folding chairs are stored.) Throughout the week, staff will refill the box outside as space allows.
Join the Music Program! Now is the perfect time to get involved with our music program at UCC! The two primary ways to be involved are our Chancel Choir, which meets Wednesdays at 6:45pm, and our House Band which typically meets once a month. Professional training/experience not needed! For any questions, please reach out to our music director at ryan@charlestonuu.org
To share a significant life event (births, deaths, celebrations, transitions and other joys and sorrows) send to Marcia Castano at BookOfLife@CharlestonUU.org by Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. or write them in person on Sunday morning.
The physical book is kept at the front of the church near the pulpit.
Interested in joining our wonderful church community?
Click here to learn more about membership.
