Upcoming Events (and recent and old events)

Film and Discussion about Torture, Aug 26, 11:45–1:00 pm. Jean Athey, founding member of Washington Region Religious Campaign Against Torture and coordinator of PeaceAction Montgomery, will show the film Outlawed, about extraordinary rendition and torture, and lead a subsequent discussion. Please register by email to Gail Owens

Watermelon Party, Aug 26 after the worship service. Enjoy watermelon while getting to know our new families!

Water Ceremony, Sunday, Sept 9, 10:00 a.m. On this day, we will celebrate our Water Ceremony, in which we all bring water either from our travels or from a sacred place in our lives, and pour it together, as we speak the name of the place where it was gathered. The ritual will be up in the front with all ages participating. It is a celebration of our return to religious community and an honoring of the earth's blessings.

What Is Al Jazeera? Sunday, Sept 9, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Josh Rushing, former U.S. Marine Captain and press officer at U.S. Central Command, featured in the documentary Control Room, and now a reporter for Al Jazeera English, will discuss the ideas and values that inspired his 2007 book, Mission Al Jazeera: Build a Bridge, Seek the Truth, Change the World. Question and answer time and book signing will follow. Books available for purchase. All welcome. In the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Sponsored by the Social Justice and Adult Religious Education Committees. Peacemaking event. Contact Ken Sandin (ken.s -at- mindspring.com)

Past Events

Wonderful Wednesday: "Drum Circle", Wednesday, January 3, 7:30 p.m. Maryanne Burgos and Steve Einhorn will lead an energizing drum session. Instruments are provided, but if you have a drum, feel free to bring it.

Draft Canvass Budget Review Sunday, January 7, 11:30 a.m. The Finance Committee will present the newly assembled draft canvass budget. This is your chance to comment on the draft canvass budget before it is sent to the Board.

Wonderful Wednesday: "On Judaism", Wednesday, January 10, 7:30 p.m. Rev. Lynn Strauss will lead this reflection on Judaism as part of a discussion course on world religions. .

"The Rules Have Changed: It’s Not Your Father’s Financial Planning Any More" Sunday, January 14 from 11:30 to 1:00. Len Cohen, a certified financial planner, will present a financial education workshop.

Boston Dinner Saturday, January 20, 5:30 p.m. This fundraising event for the Jr. High School trip to Boston features Boston foods such as Baked Beans, Cream Pies, and Fenway Franks. If you buy in advance, tickets are only $10/adults and $5/youth, or $12/adults $7/youth at the door.

Answering Your Child's Religious Questions Sunday January 21, at 11:30 am. to 12:30 p.m. Learn about resources, practice answering religious questions and initiating conversations about religion with your child. Led by Deborah Kahn, Director of Religious Education.

Wonderful Wednesday: "Day Laborers in Our Community — Our Religious Response", Wednesday, January 24, 7:30 p.m. Come hear Marino Cordoba, labor organizer for Casa, talk about who the workers are, why they seek work in the way that they do, and what are the best ways of accommodating their needs. Flyer to print and post: Day Laborer Flyer (PDF, 61KB).

Socrates Café, Saturday, January 27, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. (more info)

Wonderful Wednesday: "On Buddhism", Wednesday, January 31, 7:30 p.m. As part of the Discussion Course on World Religions, Reverend Lynn Strauss will lead this reflection on the major faiths of today. Flyer to print and post: World Religions (PDF, 378 KB).

First Friday Freedom Film: "American Blackout", Friday, February 2, 7:30 p.m. American Blackout chronicles the recurring patterns of voter disenfranchisement from Florida 2000 to Ohio 2004, while following the story of Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, who took an active role investigating these election debacles. Free.

Lunar New Year Celebration, February 10, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Potluck and February Birthdays celebration, 6:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Performance and Program. You are invited to wear clothes from one of the Asian countries which celebrate the Lunar New Year—China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, India—or to wear red, the traditional Lunar New Year color. You are also invited to bring food from one of these countries.

Wonderful Wednesday: "My Funny Valentine", Wednesday, February 14, 7:30 p.m. Irv Chamberlain celebrates Valentine’s Day with wonderfully comical, absurd and whimsical songs of love to tickle your funny bone! Flyer to print and post: Valentines Day (PDF, 135 KB).

Wonderful Wednesday: "On Islam", Wednesday, February 21, 7:30 p.m. As part of the Discussion Course on World Religions, Reverend Lynn Strauss will lead this reflection on the major faiths of today. Flyer to print and post: World Religions (PDF, 378 KB).

Wonderful Wednesday: "The Beginning of the End of the Death Penalty", Wednesday, February 28, 7:30 p.m. Cathy Knepper of Amnesty International will discuss the death penalty in Maryland. Flyer to print and post: Death Penalty in Maryland (PDF, 72 KB).

Rescheduled: Canvass Sunday Fellowship Reception, March 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Don’t miss good food, good fun and dazzling entertainment. Come and party as we celebrate the health and vitality of our Beloved Community.

First Friday Freedom Film: "The Ground Truth: The Human Cost of War", Friday, March 2, 7:30 p.m. Garett Reppenhagen, chairman of the DC chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War, will come to UUCR March 2 for the First Friday Freedom Film, which provides a very personal look at the effect of the U.S. occupation of Iraq on the Americans sent to enforce it. Free.

Wonderful Wednesday: "Middle East Peace: A Real Possibility", Wednesday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. Professor Ibrahim Soliman will discuss efforts aimed at bridging the gap between the United States and Syria and exploring the possibility of Syrian-Israeli peace. Flyer to print and post: Middle East Peace (PDF, 107 KB).

Path to Membership Class: Are you interested in membership at UUCR? Join us for the Path to Membership class. This three-class series will be held Sundays March 4, 11, and 18 from 11:30-12:30 in the Founders Hall. Come find out what it means to be a member and how to get involved at UUCR.

Wonderful Wednesday: "State of the Chesapeake Bay", Wednesday, March 14, 7:30 p.m. Learn about the current condition of the Bay and discover what citizens can do to protect and restore this wondrous natural resource. Flyer to print and post: Chesapeake Bay (PDF, 137 KB).

The Lesbian and Gay Chorus of Washington in Concert for The Rainbow Alliance, March 18, 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Donation of $10 or as you are able.

Wonderful Wednesday: "Energy to Renew Our Lives", Wednesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. Deborah Kahn, DRE, will lead us as we consider some of the meanings and celebrations of the Vernal Equinox in human cultures and will also consider the sources from which they draw energy to renew their lives. Flyer to print and post: Energy to Renew

Wonderful Wednesday: "This and My Heart Beside: A Visit with Emily Dickinson", Wednesday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. A solo dramatic monologue written and performed by Candace Ridington, who appears in nineteenth-century attire as she plays the part of poet Emily Dickinson. Share in the poet's thoughts and feelings, joys and sorrows, learn about her family, and hear her recite some poems, all with warmth, wit, and humor.

Socrates Café, Saturday, March 24, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. (more info)

First Friday Freedom Film: "Sir, No Sir", Friday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. Risk, passion, and rage are the pillars of the GI antiwar movement that echo through this powerful documentary about the soldiers and veterans who worked to bring a message of peace to the public eye. Patrick McCann, a member of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War and a founder of Veterans for Peace, will lead a discussion after the film on the GI movement against the Vietnam War and what it can teach us today as we try to find our way out of Iraq. Free.

Wonderful Wednesday: "Grey Whale Migration -- Baja, Mexico ", Wednesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. Join Sherry Dittmann in Baja, Mexico, in search of gray whales, giant cacti, and saucer-sized sand dollars. See several species of whales up close, and explore the harshly beautiful desert of Baja. Flyer to print and post: Baja.Mexico.comp (PDF, 82 KB).

Action Auction Fiesta, Saturday, April 21, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Don't miss our service auction filled with fun-raising, friend-raising and fund-raising. See links for more information on Admission, Schedule, Raffles, Donations, Vacation Homes, Child Care, and Food. Catalogue now online! New: Auction Addendum and Live Auction List

Wonderful Wednesday: "Soul Work ", Three Wednesdays, April 18, April 25, and May 2, 7:30 p.m. Join Deborah Kahn, Director of Religious Education, for a three-part discussion of this exciting book. Reader's comment:
"This is one of the most compelling and transformative books that I have ever read. I can't imagine anyone reading it without experiencing profound insights, on both the personal, spiritual level and the communal, religious level." Flyer to print and post: Soulwork (PDF, 82 KB).

Socrates Café, Saturday, April 28, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. (more info)

Do It Day and Potluck Lunch, Sunday, April 29, starting after the regular morning service and continuing through the afternoon. It’s up to all of us to help maintain our buildings and grounds, and on this day we “do it” with fun and fellowship. Come to the morning service dressed to work! Thanks to everyone who helped on UUCR's Do It Day! Photos here

Wonderful Wednesday: "Middle East Peace: A Real Possibility" May 9, 7:30 p.m. Arabs and Israelis—peace is the hope but fear and distrust are the reality. Professor Ibrahim Soliman will speak on Syria as a key to comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. Flyer to print and post: Syria (PDF). Please register.

Wonderful Wednesday: "Building Bridges: Communicating Across the Israeli-Palestinian Divide" May 16, 7:30 p.m. Pam Rasmussen will speak on her recent travels to Jerusalem and the West Bank with Global Exchange, an international human rights organization dedicated to promoting justice around the world. Flyer to print and post: Building Bridges (PDF). Please register.

Wonderful Wednesday: "Conversations on Darfur" May 23, 7:30 p.m. What can we do? Alonzo Smith will give a brief background of Sudanese history and culture, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and an update on recent developments. The evening will end with a discussion led by Alonzo in which we focus on what members of our community can do to help. Flyer to print and post: Darfur (PDF). Please register.

Find More Activities at: Spring 2007 Adult Religious Education Brochure and Schedule (PDF, 172KB)

City of Rockville Memorial Day Parade, Monday May 28, 10 am - Noon. UUCR will participate as a musical marching unit called "UUs on Kazuus". Our theme, "The World is our Community", represents our UU principle of world community with peace and justice for all. Please join us for this fun event!

Margaret Conelley memorial service, Saturday, June 9, 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Margaret's family invites anyone who wants to bring a flower to make a community bouquet. There will be a reception afterwards in Davies Fellowship Hall.

All-Church Picnic, Sunday, June 10, 11:30 am–3 pm at UUCR. Bring a dish to share, and stay for the fun!

Wonderful Wednesday, Wednesday June 13, 7:30 - 9:00pm. Set aside the cares of the world for a short time and join Celia Young for a program focusing on the basics of meditation: mindfulness and breathing. Flyer (PDF).

Socrates Café, Saturday, June 23, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. (more info)

Streaming Video Party of the closing worship service of the UUA General Assembly in Portland, Oregon, will be held on Sunday, June 24 at River Road Unitarian Church and Silver Spring UU Church, with a potluck at 6:00pm.

Men's Spiritual Exploration Group, Tuesday July 10, 7:30 pm. All UUCR men are welcome. Rev. Strauss will facilitate this first meeting only. Plans will be made for the Fall.