Knowing how to move through conflict is a skill some of us have, but it is something we can always learn more about.

To attend by Zoom, click on this link: uuberks.org/zoom-worship. (If this is the first time
you’re using zoom, you may be prompted to download a launcher app).

To connect by phone (audio only):
   1) Dial the phone number: 1-646-558-8656
   2) When prompted for the “Meeting ID”, enter: 921 4271 5512#
   3) When prompted for the “Participant ID”, enter: #

Please plan to arrive or log on by 10:20-10:25 am to enjoy the gathering
music, and, for those on zoom, to establish a connection before worship is
scheduled begins. Zoom participant mics are muted throughout the service.

This Weekend:

• This month’s story is The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson. Soul Matters writes, “This story is about how it can sometimes be hard when we are different from others. But if we have the courage to proudly tell our unique stories, the world around us transforms. It begins to open up and make room for us.

• Find it at your local library! 

• Here it read online! 

SUNDAY

9:30 AM : Adult RE 

• In Person: back of chalice house meeting room.

• Faith Formation in March: We explore the gift of transformation!  Topic for week: Bootstrapped.

• One of the goals of the Adult RE program is to get to know each other better.  What fascinating people sit around our table and how much we have to learn from each other.  There’s a place for you at our table.

• email Ginny Chudgar for more info (see directory for address)

• Onsite Only 

9:30 AM:Children’s RE: The Gifts of Our Faith – 2 classes

Elementary Ages: 

• Lower elementary: kids space cozy room

  • The Gift of transformation: Holi

• Upper Elementary: social hall meeting room

  • The Gift of transformation: cracking, mixing, stirring up transformation

    • Coffee Hour Prep and Hosting

10:30- Worship Service- All Ages

We meet together to sing, to reflect, and to explore our world. 

How to make visual art directed by breath 

• Coloring Sheet: How Could Anyone – coloring pages set

• Use a printed or hand labyrinth to find renewal as you attend worship this morning. Here’s a labyrinth you can print out and trace.  Labyrinth Printable

• Practice your Searching and Creative skills with A Challenge to get from one heart to the other Maze

10:30 – 12 Youth Group:  

Grades 7th – 12: Meets next, April 7th

Monday – Thursday 

Weekly posts on our covenanted RE Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/UUBerks.RE.page/?ref=share
check out our Remind classroom.
If you need to signup link here: remind.com/join/refuucbc

We did such a good job collecting items for Hope Rescue Mission last year that they have asked us to do it again! We will be collecting coats, hats, scarves, gloves, belts, and purses. They are very much in need of new men’s underwear in all sizes from small to 3x. Donations can be left in the bin in the Gerber room.

Our Ministry and Operations committee is looking for members to help shape and support our church. If you are interested in hearing more about our M&O team contact Maria Couchman at ms_krauss@yahoo.com

Hymnody has evolved over two hundred years in our congregations. We’ll explore how our music has grown and changed. An introduction to the traditions of Unitarian, Universalist, and UU hymns and hymnals. For ministers, musicians, new UUs, and you! Registration isn’t up yet, but follow AUUMM here to stay tuned.

Mark your calendars: Our FUUBC 2024 Service Auction is on Saturday, April 13.  The live auction is an in-person event, but just like last year, we will be using the Auctria website to host the two silent auctions. Watch the Univoice for more details in the coming weeks.

We are still in search of donations. Have you seen our Donation Ideas page? If you are not sure what to donate, take a look for some ideas. We have found all kinds of suggestions from past auction catalogs and from other UU service auction sites and posted them on this page.  I like the idea that I saw on another UU page of purchasing 2 extra tickets to an event and putting them up for sale — it is a great way to get to know other members and it helps out our church. Homemade food items like pickles, sauerkraut, salsa or homemade fresh bread are really nice too. Remember we need your donations to make this event a success. Auction item donations must be submitted by Wednesday, Apr 3 to be included in the printable program (use the Auction item donations page to make donations)

Finally, We need your help. Service auctions only work if there are items to bid on and people volunteer to help make it happen. We have a signup where you can RSVP for the live auction, sign up to share food & drink and volunteer to help. Contact us at g.service.auction@uuberks.org with your questions, your suggestion & offers to help.   Many thanks from the Service Auction Committee.

Do you like to decorate and throw parties?  We need your help with the 2024 Service Auction on Saturday, April 13th.

The Service Auction is an important fundraising event for the church. Frank Wilder has volunteered to be in charge of the service auction tech: donations, the auction catalog, the auction and bid winner billing.

We need someone else to be in charge of the “entertainment” part for the event.: choose a theme for the event, decorate the church for the event, manage the food & drink, and help clean up after the event. If you are interested in helping, please contact Melissa at office@uuberks.org

Photos from the 2023 Event

Save the date for the following events:

• Saturday, April 13: Annual Service Auction
• Thurs, April 18^th Family Promise Meet & Greet at Christ Lutheran Church
• Friday April 26th -Saturday April 27th: Group Camping at French Creek
• Sunday, August 25: Church Picnic in the Park

Good news. “Solar in the City” is coming soon. We have an install date planned for Monday, April 1. Solar States expect the project to take 3 days.  We are hoping to capture some photos of the install and share them with local media. Watch the Univoice for more details.

Mark your calendars for the next Jam session on April 21st from 11:45-12:45 You don’t need to prepare anything or be the next Taylor Swift. Just come as you are. Sign up here to share your interest in attending, making some music, or enjoying what gets created.

This year General Assembly will be fully virtual. It is a great opportunity for members to serve as delegates from the comfort of your own home. Delegates have the honor of representing UU Berks and voting on issues that impact the greater UU world. If you are interested in serving as a delegate, contact Melissa at office@uuberks.org

Hymnody has evolved over two hundred years in our congregations. We’ll explore how our music has grown and changed. An introduction to the traditions of Unitarian, Universalist, and UU hymns and hymnals. For ministers, musicians, new UUs, and you! Registration isn’t up yet, but follow AUUMM here to stay tuned.

We’re gearing up to go camping at the end of April 2024 (Friday the 26th – Saturday 27th).  The site is local.  There will be drop in and overnight camp options.  Let us know you’re thinking about attending by signing up here https://uuberks.org/camp

Are you wondering what camping will be like next month? Check our welcome letter out:
https://uuberks.org/camp_info

FUUBC is part of the Giant charitable grocery scrip program that gives 10% of all gift cards sold back to our church. You can purchase cards as needed or sign up for a monthly gift card order that will be sent directly to your home the first week of each month.

When you receive your order you will also receive a return envelope to mail your check to the church. Checks can also be dropped in the Gerber room drop box or in the plate collection. Checks should be made out to FUUBC with giant card in the memo line.

If you would like to purchase Giant cards please return the form below to Melissa at office@uuberks.org. One time cards can also be purchased from Melissa at coffee hour twice a month.

Giant cards are available in $50 and $100 increments.

Giant Card Form

May Sarton wrote, “Without darkness, nothing comes to birth, As without light, nothing flowers.”

We have been living through the necessary darkness, and the days are coming to watch all the flowering.  That is transformation.  In order for anything to transform, necessary changes will happen.  And we all know that change is hard, even when necessary and welcome.

As the ground thaws, and the flowers come to light, may you see and feel your own transformations.  However it happens and whatever it is that has been quietly growing and changing, may the transformation be a good one.  Perhaps the change in our lives will feel like a great bursting forth, or maybe more like quietly peering around a curtain.

Transformation is not just the chosen theme for March;  March is always a month of transformation whether it is the noted theme or not!  The trees and plants know it and if we stop to notice, we might delight in their new growth.

March always holds the first day of Spring, March 20, or Ostara on the pagan calendar.  March also holds Easter this year, on its last day, March 31.

Transformation can be seen in others, and in our relationships.  Winter is ending and it gets easier, physically and mentally, to get around and to gather.  It is often Springtime, the first big gatherings after winter, that new ideas get shared and transformation begins to happen.  While transformation is always going on inside of us, it is exciting for several “selves” to share that community energy.

In March, I wish for all of us that we are aware of our own changes, welcoming transformations, even as we see beauty and new growth around us.  In Community and in relationships, may both the fresh new starts and growth from mature soil yield splendid transformations.

In peace

Rev. Amy

Have you ever been transformed by a piece of music? Maybe that’s to lofty a question. Have you ever felt or thought one thing before a song came on the radio or before a rehearsal and then felt completely different when that musical moment was finished?

I still have seared into my bones how experiencing Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Lark Ascending” in concert the first time left me feeling fully transcendent and connected to the fabric of the universe. Let me tell you, I was not feeling that way before I walked into the concert hall.

Do you have a memory like that? Your director of music would love to hear from you.

If you are aching for a dose of transformation, may I suggest listening or playing? Here are two resources from our Soul Matters resources built on Transformation:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5PShWqVAaKEkUxzNR8AZ6v

Youtube: https://uuberks.org/Playlist

by nadine j. smet-weiss
spiritual director

pause
breathe in
be still
breathe out
listen
breathe in
notice
breathe out
what
deep
desire
seeded
in your heart
is waiting
to be born
through you
*repeat practice as needed,
identifying deep desire may
take time