News

Sunday, March 16, 1:15–2:45 p.m. in the Dix room or via Zoom

Sunday, March 16, 1–2:30 p.m. in Knatvold

All Ages worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via livestream

Sunday, March 9, 10:30–11:15 a.m. in Knatvold Sunday, March 16, 10:30–11:15 a.m. in Knatvold Sunday, March 23, 12:45–2 p.m. in Knatvold During our June 2024 Annual Congregational Meeting, the Board of Trustees agreed to follow UUA guidance regarding pursuit of Minister Emeritus status for Rev. Jon Luopa . The Board would like to hear your views on this matter, so we will be hosting listening sessions on the next three Sundays. These sessions will allow you an opportunity to comment and listen to others’ comments. If you are not able to attend one of these sessions, we invite you to respond via our survey . This input will help shape an overview summary laying out reasons for or against Emeritus status. The Board will provide the congregation that summary, and a proposed motion, in advance of the Annual Congregational Meeting in June 2025. This will be on the agenda for a congregational vote at that meeting. There was strong support expressed during our June 2024 congregational meeting, but we wanted to have a thoughtful process that fairly captures a full range of congregational views. The Board looks forward to your participation in one of these listening sessions and/or the survey.

Saturday, March 15, in person; or Wednesday, March 19, online

Saturday, March 15, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in the Channing room RSVP through UUC Connect

Saturday, March 15, 2 p.m. at Haller Lake Methodist Church

Saturday, March 15, 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the Seattle Labor Temple

Friday, March 14, 4–6 p.m. in the Knatvold room

UUC Board of Directors Sooraj Kuttykrishnan and Lora Poepping, Board Members Very few things that a congregation does affect it as greatly, or are as important, as the choice of a minister. Wonderful ministerial-congregational matches provide new life and purpose to a community and help lead well into the future. The UUC Board of Directors is pleased to take the lead on the nomination and selection process of our Ministerial Search Committee . While the Board takes the lead, YOU are an integral part of this important process. This article lays out the process and will be shared multiple times with the entire congregation so that we are able to reach as many members as possible. You will hear messaging repeatedly from the pulpit, via The Gateway , on the UUC website, in handouts available at church, and by request. This work is so important, that we believe it warrants repeating in the coming month. What is the Ministerial Search Committee? To call a Senior Minister, UUC convenes an ad hoc committee of the congregation, approved by a congregational vote. Its role is to identify, evaluate, and recommend a final candidate for Senior Minister. It's important that the search committee be chosen with mindfulness to the congregation's future, including a diversity of identities. The committee works closely with the Interim Minister, staff, multiple groups within UUC, and the UUA. Of great importance: the members of the committee work collaboratively with one another. Key Attributes of a Search Committee Member Before making your nominations, we encourage you to carefully read through this description of the attributes needed in a Committee member. Integrity & Confidentiality – Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information with trustworthiness. Commitment & Dedication – Willing to invest significant time and effort in the search process. This role requires many meetings, both in-person and virtual. It also may require travel to hear candidate sermons, time spent watching candidates’ videos and follow up with candidates and key stakeholders. Discernment & Wisdom – Able to evaluate candidates thoughtfully and align choices with the congregation’s needs. Strong Communication Skills – Listens actively, speaks effectively, and conveys information clearly. Team Player – Works collaboratively, respects differing opinions, and prioritizes the church’s best interests. Objectivity & Open-Mindedness – Approaches the search process without bias and considers diverse perspectives. Knowledge of Church & Congregation – Understands the congregation’s history, values, and vision for the future. Leadership & Decision-Making Ability – Capable of making informed recommendations with confidence. Patience & Perseverance – Navigates the lengthy selection process with diligence and a steady commitment. Important Dates and Deadlines: March 9 - Nominations open April 6 – Last day to submit nominations – all nominations must be made online or in the UUC office by this date April 10 – UUC Board will tally nominations and select up to 16 finalists April 11–12 – The finalists will be contacted by the Board April 20 – Finalist statements and bio due to Board May 1 – Board will finalize slate June – Slate will be voted on in the Congregational Meeting How Do I Nominate? We encourage you to use this link to make your nominations online. ( https://bit.ly/4iepJjM ) Each church member is allowed one ballot. Paper Ballots Locations for paper ballots: church office, both entrances on Sundays. If you need a ballot mailed to you, please contact lbpoepping@yahoo.com . The deadline for nominations is April 6. No exceptions. Who Should I Nominate? Consider those in our community who exemplify the attributes detailed in the description. Who would you trust to select our called Lead Minister? You can nominate up to three (3) people. (Please note that each church member is allowed one ballot, so put all three of your nominations on a single ballot.) Can I nominate myself? Yes, you can nominate yourself. If I have questions about this process, who should I contact? Two Board member, Sooraj Kuttykrishnan and Lora Poepping are leading this work on behalf of the Board. Please contact them via email. Your patience is appreciated, and we will reply within 48 hours. sooraj1.k@gmail.com lbpoepping@yahoo.com

May 23–26 at the Seabeck Conference Center Registration is filling quickly (214 of 250 spaces)

Dear Beloved Community, We are writing with updates about hosting Tent City 3 (TC3), which soon will arrive at UUC: Family Ministry Welcoming Work (Saturday, March 15) UUC folks of any age will gather from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday in the Channing Room to assemble personal care kits for TC3 residents. The kits are meant to welcome our new neighbors. More information here . Learning Stations (Sunday, March 16) Members of the planning team will be in Nathan Johnson Hall after each service on Sunday, ready to answer your questions and (we hope) sign you up for different activities. Moving Day (Saturday, March 22) You can help at either or both ends of the process next Saturday: the site being vacated at the UW, or the new site in the UUC parking lot. Come whenever you can and stay for as long you wish. Choose the tasks that suit you. (Some, like loading and unloading pallets, are more physically demanding than others.) If you have work gloves, bring them. Also useful: crowbars and hammers. Here is the general timetable or the day: Loading will happen from 8:30 a.m. until about noon at the W41 lot on the UW campus (4029 11 th Ave NE); Unloading will follow from about 12:30 p.m. throughout the afternoon on the south side of our parking lot. Contact Pam Smith Mentz . Lunch on Moving Day (Saturday, March 22) We will be preparing 65 sack lunches for resettling TC3 residents as they arrive at UUC. One set of volunteers will donate and deliver food to the church between 9:30 and 10 a.m. that morning. Another will help make and pack lunches. If you are willing and able to volunteer for either or both of these tasks, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ABA72AA4FD0-55602388-sack# . Weekly Dinners (Wednesday evenings) These will happen on Wednesday evenings, beginning April 2. We soon will be posting menus and recruiting folks to prepare and deliver menu items. In addition, UUC members should feel free to bake cookies or muffins and deliver them on their own to TC3 throughout their stay. More info? Contact Allie Harris . Parking You can sign up to be a parking ambassador and/or learn about off-site parking options at our Sunday learning stations. Maps should be available. Contact Cynthia Salzman . More questions? Feel free to email us at uuchomelessness@gmail.com . As background: Tent City 3 is the nation’s longest running self-governed and city-sanctioned camp for unhoused people. Just as we did two years ago, UUC will provide pavement, electricity, water, and love/solidarity over their 4-month stay. TC3 is quite different from random homeless camps. To begin, it has strict rules of conduct, including no drugs or violence. Members are required to participate in leadership, security, cleanup, donation collection or other aspects of community life. Rule-breakers are asked to leave. We hope you will feel free to become more involved. ~UUC Tent City 3 Team

Thursday, March 13, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in Knatvold

It’s not too late to contribute to March's Second Sunday Plate to support the Art Program at Wa Na Wari . This non-profit organization provides an inspirational haven of community, which builds hope through black ownership and celebrating art and culture. Info: www.wanawari.org . UUC’s Second Sunday Plate collections serve as a direct expression of our faith through justice and service work. Donations may be made by check, electronic transfer or text. Be sure to indicate that your donation is for UUC’s Special Plate Collection or Second Sunday Plate. Thank you for your support.

We fund our church! A pledge is your stated financial commitment to support UUC’s operating budget for July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026. The ministries and programming of UUC are funded almost entirely by the donations of its supporters. Our endowment, program fees, and other donations will provide additional revenue to support this budget. We make our pledges in the early spring to give our Board of Trustees, Finance Committee and staff Leadership Team enough time to determine a realistic budget that aligns with our mission to Awaken Spirit, Nurture Hope and Inspire Action. Our draft budget for the 2025-2026 church year is $1.7 million. To support this, our giving campaign this year needs to raise $1.4 million in pledges from UUC members and friends. During the first week of the campaign, 88 pledges were made for a total of $485,736 . Thank you so much! The pie chart below highlights what your pledge supports. NOW is the time to pledge! March is pledge month. Submit your pledge now for the 2025-2026 church year!

The Fleagle Lecture with Alex Kapitan Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall, by registration

Wednesday, March 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Wednesday, March 12, 7–9 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall

What You Need to Know About Phishing Emails and Text Message Scams

Wednesday, March 19, 6:30–7:30 p.m. in Knatvold

Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at University Congregational United Church of Christ

Sunday, March 9, both services (9:30 and 11:15 a.m.)

Worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via livestream

We are saddened to announce the death of the Rev. Dr. Patrick O'Neill. Patrick was UUC's first ministerial intern in 1977, and then ordained at UUC in 1979. He went on to serve well and faithfully as a parish minister in several UU churches. In recent years, Patrick, along with wife, Patricia Williams, became UUC members after retiring and returning to Seattle.  Obituary . There will be a Celebration of LIfe for Patrick at UUC on Saturday, April 12 , at 2 p.m. Notes of condolence can be sent to Patricia at her home address or via email.

It’s that time of year where we, once again, commit to the life and work of UUC by submitting an annual pledge. A pledge is your stated financial commitment to support UUC’s operating budget for our next church year which runs July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. Our draft budget for the 2025-2026 church year is $1.7 million. To support this, our giving campaign this year needs to raise $1.4 million in pledges from UUC members and friends. The ministries and programming of UUC are funded almost entirely by the donations of its supporters. Our endowment, program fees, and other donations will provide additional revenue to support this budget. Some key aspects to know: The proposed budget is an increase over last year’s—primarily for staffing-related and minister search expenses. The budget includes two full-time ministers and full staffing for our Family Ministry program. If you are able, please increase your annual operating pledge to UUC. This year, we plan to have only one giving campaign, so your pledge in March will be critical to the budgeting and planning process. The Executive Leadership Team, Board of Trustees and Finance Teams will review our fundraising and make adjustments to the budget until early May when a budget will be finalized to be approved by the congregation at the June Annual Meeting. NOW is the time to pledge! March is pledge month. Submit your pledge now for the 2025-2026 church year!

Dear Beloved Community, As most of you know, Tent City 3 (TC3) will soon be returning to UUC, beginning March 22 and ending July 26. As we did two years ago, we will provide some space in our parking lot, as well as electricity and water for the country’s longest running self-governed and city-sanctioned camp for unhoused people. We also will have the opportunity to be in solidarity with them. You may recall that TC3 is quite different from random homeless camps. To begin, it has strict rules of conduct, including no drugs or violence. Members are required to participate in leadership, security, cleanup, donation collection or other aspects of community life. Rule-breakers are asked to leave. In 2023, our church community responded lovingly, with more than 100 congregants volunteering in multiple ways. We are again seeking volunteers. Here are some ways to help: The Move We will need bodies to help TC3 pack and shut down its current camp at UW early on March 22, and also help them unpack and set up midday at UUC. This is physical labor that includes unloading or installing pallet boards, removing or hammering nails, schlepping boxes, and more (including lighter duty tasks). If interested, contact Pam Smith Mentz . Lunch on Moving Day We plan to provide sack lunches for resettling TC3 residents as they arrive at UUC on March 22. Volunteers are needed to purchase and drop off sandwich makings, fruit, beverages, chips, and cookies. Others are needed to make sandwiches and pack lunch bags. If interested, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44ABA72AA4FD0-55602388-sack# . Weekly Dinners Just as we did in 2023, we again will be hosting supper each week for TC3 residents. This is a wonderful way to welcome our neighbors. But success will depend on lots of volunteers: preparing and bringing food to Nathan Johnson Hall; helping set up and serve; welcoming our guests; and helping clean up after. If interested or just curious, contact Allie Harris . Parking We may need ambassadors to guide congregants to off-site places to park, at least for the first Sunday (March 23) and perhaps the second (March 30). If interested, contact Cynthia Salzman . Donations TC3 needs different items at different times. After the camp is settled at UUC (maybe late March or early April?), you might check the Share/Wheel website to determine outstanding needs. What else? We obviously haven’t thought of everything. Feel free to suggest another way to help by contacting us at uuchomelessness@gmail.com . Thank you, ~UUC Tent City 3 Team

Wednesday, March 5, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Fridays, March 7 & 21 and April 4 & 18; register now

2/20/25 Dear Members of the University Unitarian Church, As we take in the news from Rev. Beth's letter , the Board and I want to express our heartfelt support and best wishes to Rev. Beth as she embarks on an exciting new journey with Common Power. This is a wonderful opportunity for her, and we have no doubt that she will make a significant impact in an organization that has partnered so meaningfully in the past with our congregation! We will deeply miss Beth's excellent ministry within our community, and we take comfort in knowing that her passion for social justice and compassion will continue to guide her work. Her dedication has inspired us all, and her absence will be felt deeply. In the coming months, let us come together to ensure that caring ministry and social justice remain a priority in our shared mission. We have a unique opportunity to build on the foundation Beth has laid, and explore new ways to engage with our community and develop a staffing plan that is strategic, effective, and sustainable as we prepare for a new era of ministry! Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our congregation's mission. Let us keep Beth in our thoughts and good wishes as she embarks on this meaningful new ministry. We will honor Beth's ministry as we wish her well. Stay tuned for further details on our goodbye celebration for Rev. Beth! With warm wishes, Paula Nurius, Rev. Doug Wadkins And the Board of Trustees, University Unitarian Church.

2/20/25 Dear Members and Friends of University Unitarian Church, Nine years ago this week, I flew from Denver to Seattle to interview for the Assistant Minister position at the University Unitarian Church. It was a position I had dreamed of during seminary, but did not know was possible. A role which combined my callings to justice, transformation, community building, and pastoral care. That week, I met with Rev. Jon and the members of the assistant ministry search team; Rochelle Coffey, Anne Eaker, and Rev. Linda Kaufman. We sat in a room in the old church building and shared our stories and hopes with one another. I had spent very little time in Seattle before this visit and I marveled at how green everything was, even at the end of February. By the end of that visit, Rev. Jon invited me to join the staff of UUC. In gratitude and anticipation, I said, “yes!” Thus beginning what became a shared story of ministers and congregation, journeying together through incredible transformations, joy, and challenges, both anticipated and unforeseen. What an impactful time it has been. I write to you now to announce a turning of a season of my life, and by extension, in the life of the congregation. I have accepted a position within Common Power, where I will be working with David Domke to amplify and support the organization's fundraising and development efforts. Common Power’s (CP) mission is to foster, support, and amplify a democracy that is just and inclusive through civic education, developing young diverse leaders, building last community, and voter engagement all over the country. Our two organizations have partnered in a number of ways over the past several years. Many UUC members have traveled to other states to knock doors with Common Power. Last year, Professor David Domke and Executive Director Charles Douglas III visited UUC to deliver the annual Fleagle Lecture, which led to a group of UUC members traveling to Georgia and Alabama on a Truth and Purpose Tour. There has been so much synergy between our organizations in large part because UUC and CP are so aligned in vision and commitment. For this reason and many others, this transition feels like a continuation of my calling and an extension of the work we have done as a faith community. It was not easy to make this decision. The last 9 years of journeying together have been full of meaning, growth, and the power of living our values, earnestly and imperfectly, within our community and in the wider world. It has been such an incredible privilege to work with the members and staff, and to have the opportunity to create worship, strengthen the community, and form justice partnerships in response to such extraordinary times. I have learned from you and loved you. As I prepare to transition from UUC, please know how much I will carry our time together in my heart. I so believe in this religious community and have faith in the possibilities that lie before you. With so many other staff positions in flux, UUC is in (yet another!) time of transition. It is not yet known how the staff will be best configured to partner with the members in leading through this transitional time. However, in the month of March, there will be interim conversations on UUC’s mission, as well as the 2025 “Blessing Our Becoming” pledge drive. I encourage you to show up with a generous and discerning heart to both the pledge drive and the on-going conversations about UUC’s shared future. The church as an institution has always been more than the ministers, or even the tradition. The church is a complex, living, interdependent web of people, values, relationships, mission, vision, generosity, memory and hope. Now is a time to lean in and help this community emerge into your next chapter. Over the next couple of months, I will be primarily focused on transitioning from my role and preparing to hand over my responsibilities to those who will carry forward the Justice and Care programs. Rather than taking on new projects, we will do the important work of ending well and saying good-bye and thank you. Though I will be staying in Seattle in my new position at Common Power, after I finish at UUC this spring, I will take at least a full year from UUC to honor the space needed for transition as is customary. I invite you to join Rev. Doug, Aria and myself on April 27th at the All Ages service where we will be celebrating our time together in both services and in a reception to follow. In covenant, Rev. Beth Chronister Minister of Justice and Care

Sundays, March 2 and 16, 12:45–1:45 p.m. in the King room

Worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via livestream

Artist Reception on Sunday, March 2, 1–3 pm, in the chapel

From Samantha I am excited to share that my son, Arthur ("Artie"), was born on Feb. 12, 2025. Artie and his dad, Bryce, and I are all doing well. We are first-time parents and look forward to connecting with other families at UUC! We also have a Meal Train and we would greatly appreciate that kind of support. Here's the link: https://mealtrain.com/zrw53o .

Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. in the King room and via Zoom

Thursday, February 27, 7:00–8:45 p.m. in Knatvold

Friday, February 28, 6–8 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall

Worship services at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel and via livestream

Sunday, February 23, 10:30–11:15 a.m. in the Knatvold room UUC’s Faith Land Initiative (FLI) cohort team has started mapping out a process for the congregation to discern how we might share our resources to benefit the community. We are excited to provide information about the FLI process and how we can all contribute as we proceed in our learning. Join us Sunday, February 23, between first and second service in the Knatvold Room for a brief update and information about how you can become involved. The FLI tools are helping the team to plan how to broaden our workgroup, how to best involve the wider congregation in discussing ideas, how to center values in our discernment, and how to learn from those in our neighborhood and beyond about existing and/or anticipated needs in our community. For UUC, the Faith Land Initiative process is intended to be synergistic with and supportive of our interim ministry work. The team anticipates offering opportunities for congregants to share ideas in venues and ways that benefit the FLI process and interim discernment process at the same time. Work through June will include conducting learning sessions with our church and external communities, refining criteria for screening future action options and drafting a short- mid- and long-term plan. Many congregants have expressed a desire for UUC to use our extra capacity for the benefit of the community. FLI, an established program offered by the Church Council of Greater Seattle, offers cohort teams a process and tools to use to lead a discernment process that aligns with congregational values, interests, and processes. If you can’t join us February 23 and have any questions or would like to share any input relating to this process, please contact Patricia Graesser , Gayle Childers or Dave Mentz .

There’s Still Time to Contribute to Our February Second Sunday Plate

Find them in the atrium before Sunday, February 23 Our Lost & Found cabinet in the church office runneth over! If you have lost something at UUC, please come look for it on the tables in the downstairs atrium. We have a variety of water bottles, thermal cups, sweaters and sweatshirts, gloves, hats, kitchen supplies likely brought for pot-lucks, an assortment of shiny things, books, notebooks, and much more. Anything left after Sunday, February 23, will be donated, recycled, or otherwise disposed of.

Saturday, February 22, 1–3 p.m. in Nathan Johnson Hall Wise Women Connecting will gather on February 22 for an afternoon of games and fun together. Participants are welcome to bring games and finger food snacks to share in Nathan Johnson Hall where we can spread out at tables to play in small groups. Board games and card games that have a shorter play time than Monopoly, and that can be played by 4 to 8 people, will work the best with our time frame. We hope you will come share a game and maybe learn a new one! Questions? Contact Cindy Rose . Wise Women Connecting welcomes all UUC members and friends who identify as women and are retired, contemplating retirement and/or interested in issues of aging.

May 23–26 at the Seabeck Conference Center Registration will open at noon on Friday, February 21

On Sunday, February 9, 58+ UUC community members gathered in-person and via Zoom for an information-packed session on "The Road Ahead." The result of the Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, the Stewardship Committee and Rev. Doug working together, its purpose was to shine the light on transitions in UUC staffing and operations, as well as on UUC finances, budget and fundraising. This joint effort represents a new way of communicating to the congregation on matters of money and operations with greater transparency, in a way that paints the whole picture in context and (hopefully) fosters greater understanding. Paula Nurius, Board President, led off with welcoming remarks and explaining the session's purpose Reverend Doug Wadkins, our Interim Senior Minister, offered perspectives and updates on operational and staffing changes Rick Johnson, Finance Committee Chair, gave a primer on UUC's finances under the heading 'Let's Talk About Money: Did You Know?' Kathleen Cromp, of the Stewardship Committee and the Transition Team, shifted the focus to the coming church year, previewing what to expect as next year's budget takes shape and we step into our Annual Giving Campaign in March With a commitment to open and timely communication, we want to spread this information broadly across our community. It is in our collective interest that we all understand why and how these things matter. So for those not able to attend (or for those who want a second look): View the slides from the session Watch the Zoom recording of the meeting Whether you attended on February 9, viewed the slides and/or recording after the fact, or simply want to weigh in with questions and suggestions—we are asking for feedback. Please take a few moments to respond to our short survey (only 6 questions). Thank you! You can expect continuing communications on these topics. Questions? Contact Kathleen Cromp .

About a dozen people from UUC attended the official grand opening celebration for the Kenmore Senior Women’s Shelter on Friday, February 14. The new shelter, operated by Lake City Partners Ending Homeless (LCP), was the recipient of our Christmas season offerings. The Kenmore Senior Women’s Shelter actually opened in December. About ten women are in residence, and new people are being added gradually until it reaches capacity at about thirty-five women. Each resident has her own furnished “room” in a private cubicle. Three meals per day are served in the dining room, recreational activities are available in a lounge, and offices are available for staff. There are laundry facilities on site, and public transportation nearby. No additional donations of furniture or linens are needed at this time. This is a specialized shelter serving women who are community-minded, socially-stable, and retirement-age with very low fixed incomes. They have few or no chronic mental or physical health issues or substance abuse issues. LCP provides a full array of services. Staff work with residents to provide a pathway into a shared housing solution, such as a group of two to six women sharing an apartment or house. For more information see https://lakecitypartners.org/kenmore-senior-womens-shelter/ .

The Messiah’s Hallelujah Chorus We at UUC are justly proud of our outstanding music program with a significant focus on the European classical tradition. Until the pandemic intervened, that program included a yearly sing- and play-along performance of Handel’s Messiah o ratorio. We’ve continued to enjoy a rousing performance of the beloved Hallelujah Chorus performed with trumpet accompaniment at our Easter Service. Longstanding tradition prescribes that audiences stand when the orchestra starts to play Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and remain standing until it concludes. How did that tradition begin? The legend suggests that on the occasion of the piece’s premier in 1743, the King rose to his feet for the chorus and the audience stood out of respect for the king. Whatever the real story is , it is a tradition that is faithfully followed at UUC. Lift Every Voice and Sing At UUC we typically sing the hymn Lift Every Voice and Sing (# 149 in Singing the Living Tradition) at least once during the year, during Black History Month. That song, written and composed by two brothers, writer and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson (lyrics, originally written as a poem) and composer J. Rosamond Johnson , was first performed in 1900 as the repressive, racist Jim Crow laws and customs were becoming fully entrenched in the South. In 1919 the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) adopted Lift Every Voice and Sing as its official song and “declared the song to be the ‘Negro National Anthem’ (later the ‘ Black National Anthem ’)” As such the tradition, especially in many primarily Black spaces, is to stand for the singing of the song, just as people stand for other national anthems whether watching an in-person performance or singing together. Some UUs follow that tradition; others are unfamiliar with it. Perhaps some consciously choose not to follow it. As UUC aspires to be an anti-racist community , let’s familiarize ourselves with the history of this song, and express our respect for the brave and continuing battle against the effects of slavery and Jim Crow in this country, by standing for Lift Every Voice and Sing . ~ UUC Acting for Racial Justice Team

Wednesday, February 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold and via Zoom

Wednesday, February 19, 6:30–7:30 p.m. in Knatvold

Sunday, February 16, 1:15 p.m. via Zoom (online-only this month)