What's Happening at UUCDC?

Activities	Religious Education
Interest Groups	Stewardship
Arts Council	Church Operations
Outreach	Building and Grounds
Spirituality	UU Denominational Connections
Friends and Neighbors

Activities

Family & Friends Group - Mary Schuler & Michelle Yerger

Get ready for some family-oriented fun with the Family and Friends Group! Our goal is to organize social activities geared toward UUCDC kids and their families, plus friends (church or visitors). The F&F Group is intended to be inclusive for all who are "young at heart".

LGBTQ & Friends - Jean Lenke

Everyone is invited to join us periodically through the year for potlucks, fun activates, guest speakers, and movies. Allies, friends and seekers are all welcome. You don't have to identify as LGBT to join in the fun, us, just be sure to bring something good to eat. Watch the church calendar.

International Supper Club - Judy Beavins and Lou Bickford

Usually held on the 3rd Saturday of the month, October-May in people's homes. You don't need to be gourmet cook! A potluck of thematic-based food, conversation, and friendship.

Hilltop Lunch Bunch - Joyce McKee

An after-church "lunch bunch" that meets at 12:15-12:30 at McClaskey's Hilltop Pub, Route 1, Chester Heights, PA - 510-459-8656. Breakfast and lunch menus available with separate checks.

Interest Groups

Book Club - Brian Boosz

Interesting books and lively readers make good company at the monthly Book Club! Thoughtful conversation is paired with refreshments. The Book Club generally meets the third or fourth Friday of the month at 7:30PM at UUCDC. Please check the church calendar to confirm meeting date.

Arts Council

Art Exhibits - Church Office

The exhibits in the hallways of our church are usually drawn from the Delaware County Art Guild, but occasionally from members and friends. There are times when these exhibits are for sale.

Second Saturday Showcase - Dot Wyman

A different happening every second Saturday of the month, (though occasionally held on the fourth Saturday) September through May, including Entertainment Night, Cabarets, Poetry Readings, Readers' Theatre, and the Opera Gala Night. These events are usually inexpensive or no charge entertainments. Watch the Focus Newsletter and Sunday Orders of Service Announcements for particular dates.

Opera Gala - Dot Magaragal

Provides annual operatic entertainment given by and for members of the UUCDC and its friends. The 2007 Performance will be on Saturday, March 3rd at 7:30 PM. (This is the FIRST Saturday of March, 2007). Rehearsals will be held on the evenings of Monday, February 6th and Friday, March 2nd.

Rose Tree Concert Series - Dick Veleta and Sue Adnopose

These professional concerts are held three times each year. Stellar events!

Thespis, Etc. - Bruce Wyman

Thespis produces "A Gilbert and Sullivan Christmas Carol" by Gayden Wren each December and one full length Gilbert and Sullivan operetta each February. Open auditions for parts. Many opportunities on and off stage.

Community Outreach

Interfaith Hospitality Network - Marybeth Hoffman & Tiffany Hanulec

Did you know that the average age of a homeless person in the U.S. is 9 years old?

Delaware County's IHN (the Inter-Faith Hospitality Network) program is part of a national organization of 500 chapters that have been formed to help homeless parents find sustainable employment and transitional housing to minimize the frequency of this statistic. IHN provides lodging, meals, support and life/work readiness skills training for these families.

Church congregations are vital to the effort, as they provide sleeping quarters, support and meals for a week at a time. At the end of the week, our guests move to another church, and so the program continues. Meanwhile, during the day, parents are receiving job coaching, life skills training and budgeting information as they work on finding sustainable employment and transitional housing.

Guests spend the evening and overnight hours at our church. They enjoy a home-cooked dinner, and are supported during their stay by our volunteer hosts. All three meals are provided by church members/friends too. Weeks are rotated throughout all the host congregations in the local Delaware County network. UUCDC hosts families for approximately 5 weeks, spread over the course of the year. We are in need of volunteers to several hours on-site as a host, to provide meals, or other support activities.

Social Justice Committee - Patti Fiske

This group serves as an umbrella committee for the various ongoing social justice projects at UUCDC. We sponsor forums, coordinate events, develops the social justice budget, and support on-going social justice projects. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month of the church year at 7PM. If you can help with this work or have a project you'd like us to consider supporting, please join us. We welcome your participation.

New! Chester Corps! - Neil Goldstein

It's now easier than ever for you to match your talents and interests with the many opportunities to volunteer in Chester. When you do, you'll put our Unitarian Universalist Principles into action while raising UUCDC's profile as a force for progress. The Social Justice Committee is establishing the UUCDC Chester Corps, a way for you to help - and learn from - residents of our struggling neighbor six miles to the south. All you need do for now is tell us what you'd like to do and when you'd like to do it. Working through the Unity Center, volunteers can do almost anything, from reading with children to painting and cleaning buildings to teaching computer basics to baking goodies for after-school programs. (For more ideas, read below about the Chester Student Center's needs for volunteers and donated materials.) Anyone, including children, can join in, and you don't need a special skill to work with the many programs and institutions that are making life better in Chester.

Caring Committee - Jean Taranta, Lucille Mathis and Joan Pelc

Helps friends and members in times of concern with cards, visits, and calls, as well as helping to arrange rides, meals, etc. when necessary.

Interweave - Interweave Committee

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals are a vital and vibrant part of our community. To foster an environment that is sensitive to and supportive of the presence, needs, and concerns of LGBT members in our congregation and the community at large, UUCDC church members have created a chapter of Interweave at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County (UUCDC), in Media, PA. We want to encourage the development of a community within the community - one that is a distinct, yet an integral part of the whole. We want to become a more visible and active presence in our church and in Delaware County through activities such as outreach, social action, religious education, inclusion in worship , and, of course, good old-fashioned fun. Interweave sponsors many different interest groups and special events. Learn more about these programs.

Taskforce on Hunger - Michele Yerger or Ruth Keleman

UUCDC's Task Force on Hunger prepares and serves dinner for approximately 150 homeless individuals at the Life Center Shelter in Upper Darby on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Volunteers are needed to purchase and prepare food items in advance, and also to serve the dinner. A sign-up sheet for food servers is located on the bulletin board near the Fellowship Hall.

Lavendar Women - Intervweave

Supported by the Interweave Committee, The Lavender Women's Lesbian Activity Group hosts hosting a Spring Dance at UUCDC. The turn out was fantastic! Five dances later, UUCDC's Interweave Chapter continues serving the Lesbian Women's Community of the Greater Delaware Valley, hosting a two dances each year as well as other gatherings. Your volunteer participation and support of these events will insure their continued success.

Adopt-a-Family for the Holidays - Priscilla Hopkirk & Marge Caton

UUCDC brightens the lives of some families known by the County Child Welfare Agency every Christmas season by providing gifts and food for their holiday season. We can always use assistance organizing the gift donations, gift wrapping, shopping and of course donations of money to support the project.

Spirituality

Small Group Ministry (SGM) - Loretta Orndorff

Several small groups of 6 to 10 church members meet with their UUCDC facilitator once or twice monthly to discuss matters of faith and self. All are welcome to learn more about this small group ministry program and sign up to participate in a group. The topics vary, with discussions that are both lively and meaningful. All SGM groups undertake bridging activities where each group does service or projects which give back to UUCDC or the greater community. This is a new way to connect with others from the church and to learn more about yourself and your faith. Please contact Loretta Orndorff, to sign up for the next round

Women's Spirituality Group - Interweave Committee

With a goal of exploring a deeper sense of women's spirituality, Interweave is now sponsoring a Women's Spirituality Group for women interested in journeying together in a supportive and nurturing environment. Possible paths of exploration may include celebrating the wheel of the year, a film series, sharing personal religious journeys, women's spirituality workshops, a writing circle and a full moon circle. Come join us and share your spirit with us! All women welcome.

Sunday Services - Rev. Peter Friedrichs

Come join us every Sunday morning at 10:30 in the sanctuary. Everyone of every faith, denomination, creed and belief system is welcome to join us as we seek greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. For greater detail on a typical Sunday Service, click here.

Worship Associates - (Church Office)

The Worship Associates work in conjunction with the minister to help facilitate the Sunday morning worship services. They are responsible for overseeing those who help on Sunday mornings, including the ushers, greeters and service assistant, working with the minister to provide a worshipful service each week. They also coordinate with the minister and actively participate in the presentation of the Sunday morning service. Their responsibilities include coordinating with guest and lay speakers when the regular minister is away from the pulpit.

Sunday Morning Personnel - Church Office

Sunday morning worship just could not happen without the help of our Greeters, Ushers and Service Assistants. Greeters arrive early before the service to greet and register visitors and guests. Ushers facilitate seating and hand out the Order of Service, as well as collect and count the offering. Service Assistants help set up for the service. Everyone is welcome to volunteer.

Chorus - Beth Youse, Chorus Director

Do you like to sing? Do you feel it's time for your talents to come out of the shower? Give us a call. Rehearsals are every Thursday at 7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. Beth Youse will serve as the Acting Music Director (AMD). She will have overall responsibility for coordinating the music program, and will serve as Chorus Director.

Music for Worship - Ann Seidman, Asst. Music Director & Russ Ferrarra, Asst. Music Director

Ann Seidman and Russ Ferrara serve as Assistant Music Directors (AMD). Ann and Russ coordinate the non-chorus music for our worship services, with Ann focusing on vocalists, and Russ focusing on instrumentalists. Russ also works with our children and youth in providing music for our worship services, and children's worship. New talent is always welcome!

Flowers for the Sanctuary - Janet Boosz

Every Sunday, flowers are provided by church members and friends for the sanctuary. Often, they are in honor or remembrance of a loved one. Please contact her by e-mail.

Fair Trade Coffee and More - Carol Burk and Phoebe Cassidy

At UUCDC, we practice what we preach. Thus, at our fellowship hour, we serve fair trade coffee to our friends and members. We also offer it for sale every month or so, along with fair trade teas, chocolate bars and hot cocoa mix. Net profits get put right back into social justice programs.

Fellowship Hour - Janet Boosz

Every Sunday following the service, September through June, we like to enjoy coffee, tea and juice with conversation. We need your help in serving! Please contact us by e-mail.

Religious Education and Religious Services

Lifespan Religious Education Program - Jean Campbell, Director of Religious Education

Comprehensive Religious Education: Preschool - Adult. To learn more about our religious education programming, call Jean Campbell at 610-566-4853 x3.

Religious Education Council (REC) - Richard Cairncross, Chairperson

The Religious Education Council works with the DRE to formulate the philosophy of the church's Lifespan Religious Education Program and makes decisions regarding appropriate curriculum and activities. They coordinate and oversee the efforts of the teams of volunteers in the three religious education programs: Sunday School (preschool-8th grade), Youth Programs, and Adult Faith Development. The REC meets on the 1st Monday of each month at 7:30 PM. Your participation is encouraged.

Sunday School Team - Tabby Parsons

The Sunday School Team Leader (Tabby Parsons) is primarily responsible for managing the Sunday school program (preschool-8th grade) and recruiting volunteers to teach. The team leader is a member of the RE Council and works closely with the DRE to ensure a smooth running Sunday morning program. The year's team includes Dino Ramos, Clarie Brill, Laura Fetterman and Penny Joines.

Youth Programming Team - Marge Caton

The Youth Programming Team works with the DRE to make decisions regarding current and future programming for the pre-youth and youth including the implementation of our Middle School Activity Group, Coming of Age, and the YUCKI Senior High Youth Group scheduling and activities.

Adult RE & Faith Development Team - Loretta Orndorff

The Adult RE Team works with the DRE to strategize and implement Religious Education activities that address congregational wants and needs and is in line with the annual and long-term goals set by UUCDC.

Stewardship

Canvass - Church Office

Responsible for the annual campaign for pledges of financial support from the members and friends of UUCDC. Supervises the canvass of new members and friends as they join during the year.

Finance - Church Office

Assists the Board and Coordination Council with the budget. Receives and disburses money for the church, keeps the financial records, prepares periodic bills for pledges, and checks for accounts payable.

Grocery Scrip - Dot Wyman

Many Sundays following the service, you can exchange your personal check for these certificates that can be used as cash at any Acme or Pathmark store and 5% comes to the church. This is not an activity, but a way to painlessly contribute to the special building maintenance fund of the church. These certificates are sold in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour. Also by contacting Genuardi's you can arrange designate a portion of your Genuardi's expenditures to go to the church. Also, if you bring your Acme receipts into church, we can get money back form them as well!

Goods & Services Auction - Skip Seelaus, Stu Greenberg & Mike Mitchell

The Goods and Services Auction is a major fundraising event at our church where treasure maybe found, good fun may be had, and the foods usually pretty good as well. Usually held in the Spring, there is something sure to please everyone.

Church Operations

Board of Trustees - <Mark Bernstein, President & Donna Harris, Vice President

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance of the church. Specific major responsibilities include: overall policy; establishment of departments and committees; budget development and oversight; recommending Ministerial appointments and compensation, and long range planning.

Lay Leadership Council - Joe Miller, Chairperson

The LLC helps to coordinate the work performed by the various church committees. It also helps to insure that activities are fully publicized and fully coordinated so everyone gets to enjoy them with out duplicating efforts and resources. The Lay Leadership Council meets every 4th Monday of the month at 7:15 PM.

Church Administrator - Rina Jurceka

Responsible for the church office and the business aspects of the church (e.g. building rentals and use). Provides communication and coordination among the minister, administrative assistant, Board of Trustees, and the congregation.

Personnel Committee - Judy Farling

Finds staff, and works with all employees to resolve personnel-related matters.

Nominating Committee - Mark Bernstein

The Nominating Committee's mission is to facilitate a process for identifying and nominating candidates for positions on the Board of Trustees.

Committee on Ministry - Penny Bartlett

The Committee on Ministry studies and listens to the ministerial needs of the congregation and facilitates open communication between individuals and groups within the congregation.

Communications Committee - Craig Harris

The mission of the Communications Committee is to promote the growth and recognition of our church to the community through the internet and other media, and to keep friends and members informed about what is happening in our church.

Website - Craig Harris, Webmaster

Our website is designed to introduce our church to the community at large, and to keep members and friends informed about what is happening in our church. For day-to-day events, users can reference the calendar.

Focus Newsletter Team - Bette Austin & Neil Goldstein, Editors; Rina Jurceka, Production

The FOCUS Newsletter Team overseas the production of the church's monthly newsletter.

Focus Folders - Church Office

The FOCUS, our church newsletter, is folded and readied to mail monthly during the church year. We would only ask for your help once every two months on a Friday morning for about two hours. A great chance to chat informally with other members. Drop-ins welcome.

Membership - Bill Henderson

Responsible for maintaining close contact with the friends and members of UUCDC and for welcoming visitors and prospective members.

Congregational Meeting

Our congregation has formal meetings twice a year. The minutes of the meeting on January 13, 2008 can be read by clicking here.

Please note: The Focus is in PDF format, which means that it can only be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you are not sure whether your computer has this program, click on the icon for FOCUS. Your system will let you know whether you have it. If you need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader, free copies are available from Adobe. Just click on the icon below to be taken to their website.

Building and Grounds

Memorial Garden Work Committee- Lois Morrigan and Joyce Kwapien

Memorial Garden Work Committee has a mission to maintain the Memorial Garden next to the church that was created for interring or memorializing members and friends of UUCDC. It also serves as a quiet place for contemplation and meditation. Anyone interested in maintaining the beauty of the gardens may join us on the last Saturday of most months from 9 AM to noon. Space in the garden is also available for purchase.

Property - Bob McClennen

Responsible for maintaining the church building and the grounds around it. Uses, to the greatest extent possible, the abilities and knowledge of members and friends. Help is frequently needed and always deeply appreciated.

Aesthetics - Gayle Beany and Marge Caton

The Aesthetics committee is a sub-committee of Property, is dedicated to promoting an attractive and welcoming atmosphere at UUCDC and to maintaining and enhancing the church environment so that it is maximally functional. The committee will coordinate space utilization as well as recommend and facilitate physical changes to improve the functionality and appearance of the church. The committee also oversees maintaining a clean and orderly church.

UU Denominational Connections

Denominational Affairs - Church Office

Provides the link between UUCDC and the wider denomination; the UUA, the Joseph Priestley District, and the Delaware Valley Area Council. Encourages and supports representation at, and participation with activities of the state and national UU organizations by members of the congregation.

Other Denominational Related Programs

Joseph Priestly District of the UUA (JPD)
Joseph Priestly District Chalice Lighters
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)
Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO)
Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC)

Friends and Neighbors

Media Depression and Bipolar Support - Brennan Mayka

60 million Americans suffer from a mental Illness at any given time.(1 in 5 with a population of 300 million) They and their families need a greater understanding of how these illnesses affect their lives. And we all need support from people who have been there and who understand our journey. After proper diagnosis and treatment, the support from others is vital to a lifetime of wellness. The Media Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is a self help support group whose purpose is to assist people who suffer primarily from depression and bipolar disorder, as well as the loved ones who support them. The group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 7-9 pm in the UUCDC Youth Room. If you know anyone who suffers from depression or bipolar disorder, or a loved one who supports them, have them contact Brennan Mayka at 610-892-0555 or contact the Church Office.

St. Mary of Grace Independent Catholic Church - Fr. Joseph Menna, AIHM

St Mary of Grace invites you to experience a Catholic Church where diversity is not only welcomed, but embraced! At St. Mary's, an Independent Catholic community, we strive to live the Gospel mandate to love, without exception and without condition. We believe that all are welcome at the Lord's Table, and we will not exclude anyone because of marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or other circumstances. Mass is every Sunday at 6 pm at UUCDC in the UUCDC Sanctuary.

Yoga Class - Suzanne Clauser

Suzanne Clauser leads Yoga sessions in the Fellowship Hall at the church every Tuesday from 5:45 PM to 7:00 PM. This is a wonderful, relaxing session. 100% of the small fee charged goes to the church.

Rose Tree Day School - Andrea Sampson, Director; Cheryl Schlenker, RTDS Board of Directors

In existence since 1979, the Rose Tree Day School, located in the lower level of the church, offers a morning and full day pre-school program to children 2½ to 6 years old. The staff provides a loving, stimulating and healthy environment for all children, including those with special needs, at a low cost. The school is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:45 PM with a full-year program available. The Day School is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare for the State of Pennsylvania, and falls under our 501(c)3 status as a non-profit organization. It is also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children out of Washington, DC. The RTDS Board of Directors meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 PM in the Lounge.

Anjuman-E-Fakhri: Dawoodi Bohra Jamaat of South-Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware - Shk. Kasim Mun

This is a group of adherents to the Shia Fatimi tradition of Islam. It was formed locally in 1999 and meets regularly at UUCDC. Contact their Board President, Shk. Kasim Mun, for more information.

Sacred Crossroads Coven and Inner Path Fellowship - Susan Ellison

Sacred Crossroads Coven is a local traditional Wiccan Coven. The Inner Path is a group that has grown from attending our rituals, classes and workshops, but is more of a fellowship than a coven. They worship deity in both its male and female aspect, and they see the divine in all of nature. In their ceremonies, they celebrate and honor the God and Goddess, Nature and our connection to one another. They worship privately on the Full Moon and New Moon at their coven stead, but offer public ceremony to the community every six weeks, at UUCDC, where they honor and celebrate the changing seasons at these Sabbat celebrations. Everyone on a positive path of spirituality is welcome to join them.