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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair
THE GAZETTE
Our Newsletter for September 2020
Vol. 124 Issue 1
Our Mission:
Grounded in faith, we come together to nurture the soul,
inspire hope and bring into being a more just and loving world.
“The receding wave does not despair; it knows it will rise again.”
—Marty Rubin
The Gazette is a monthly publication of:
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair
67 Church Street, Montclair NJ 07042 THE DEADLINE FOR
(973) 744-6276 THE OCTOBER GAZETTE IS
Website: www.uumontclair.org
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
At the time of this printing, all UUCM staff are working re-
motely from home. We can be reached at the emails listed below.
OUR MINISTERS AND STAFF:
Senior Co-Minister: Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, Ext. 0011, revanya@uumontclair.org
Senior Co-Minister: Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, Ext. 0011, revscott@uumontclair.org
Intern Minister: Antonia Bell-Delgado, intern@uumontclair.org
Director of Music Ministries: Markus Grae-Hauck, Ext. 0015, musicdir@uumontclair.org
Administrator: Danielle Carlo, Ext. 0012, admin@uumontclair.org
Office & Communications Manager: Jaclyn Puleo, Ext. 0010, officemgr@uumontclair.org
Director of Religious Education : Judith Hogan, Ext. 0016, jhogan@uumontclair.org
Bookkeeper: Emilia Sadonis, Ext. 0019, accountant@uumontclair.org
Technology Systems Consultant: Bruce For, bruce.for@uumontclair.org
Lead Custodian: Dawn Coleman, custodian@uumontclair.org
Affiliated Community Minister: Rev. Jacqueline Lahey
Minister Emeritus: Rev. Charles Blustein Ortman
Minister Emerita: Rev. Judy Tomlinson
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2020 –2021
President: Peter Arian, boardpresident@uumontclair.org
President-Elect: Michael Hetrick
Past President: Susan Raufer
Treasurer: Chris Corbett, boardtreasurer@uumontclair.org
Secretary: Shannon Gattens, boardsecretary@uumontclair.org
Trustees-At-Large: Lauren Carlton, Francesca Elms, Elaine Gibson, Ramona Hilgenkamp, Wil Hylton,
David Jones, Nick Lewis and Matt Silverman.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ministers’ Columns………………….…………………………...……..……....…page 3
Theme of the Month………………………………………………...…………….page 5
Family Ministry………………………………………………...……...………...….page 6
FAQ’s……………………….………………………………….….………….…….…....page 9
Worship & Celebration…………………………..…….………………...…….page 10
Welcome & Engagement………………………….……....…………………..page 12
Governance…………………………………………………………………………..page 14
Service & Justice…………………………………………..…..…………….…….page 16
Care & Connection………………………………………...…….………..……...page 18
Upcoming Services…………………….……….……………..….…………back cover
2
The Listening Booth
From Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, Senior Co-Minister
Theme of the Month: Renewal
One hundred years ago, in 1920, our congregation was
emerging from a World War, a pandemic, and a fire that
ravaged our Sanctuary. The good folks of UUCM dug
deep and found the money to build their congregation of
tomorrow.
Now it is our turn to build our congregation of tomor-
row. UUCM is planning what our congregation needs to live with power into the promise of our
founders’ vision and the beauty of our congregational mission. Our big focus in the 2020-2021
Congregational year is: re-opening UUCM after a pandemic, amid an exciting time where we wit-
ness and promote the need to rebuild our nation from the fires of racial injustice.
In these COVID-19 times, we have learned that people yearn for what we offer - opportunities
for compelling, mission-driven service. Therefore we must prepare our staff, volunteers and facil-
ity to be able to safely offer all our programming both in-person and virtually. To that end we are
embarking on a ”Live-Streaming Tech” project to make it as easy as possible to welcome mem-
bers, guests and newcomers who need what we offer but cannot physically make it into our spac-
es.
Our programs of teaching, preaching, caring, personal transformation, movement building will
thrive in this new understanding of what Congregational Life can be. Using technology more
widely and wisely, we will serve families by: offering the best Religious Education programming
found anywhere; continue deepening partnerships with community partners as we actively dis-
mantle racism and other injustices; and deepen our connections with one another as together we
build beloved community.
Join us - by donating generously, volunteering to teach Religious Education, and spreading the
good news about the renewal taking shape at UUCM with your friends, neighbors and families.
In Faith and Renewal,
Reverend Scott Sammler-Michael
A Big “Thank You” from Rev. Scott
Thank you so much for your financial and moral support during my
recent medical leave. Your prayers were a welcome balm in a trying
time. As you can see in the photo, many of you also sent me tangi-
ble evidence of your love and care. It is a pleasure beyond measure
to serve a congregation made of folks who live their proclamations
of love and truth so whole-heartedly. I offer my deepest, sincerest
gratitude for the time off and space to focus on my health. And -
according to my latest blood test - there is no evidence of cancer in
my system. Thank you for being the blessings you are ...
In Healing and Strength,
Rev Scott
3
We Renew.
We Prepare for Focused Action.
From Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, Senior Co-Minister
“It was my conviction and determination that the church would be a
resource for activists -- a mission fundamentally perceived. To me it
was important that individuals who were in the thick of the struggle
for social change would be able to find renewal and fresh courage in
the spiritual resources of the church.”
—Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman (quoted in Mark Morrison Reed's
Black Pioneers)
Every year lay leaders, working with core staff members, choose
a visional goal for our congregational year. This goal invites us to
knit our many activities to a common project. 2020-2021 will be
the year of Focused Action.
The times we are living in demand focus. We are each exhausted in our own way and our collective ex-
perience is a continual effort through new and challenging circumstances.
The times we are living in demand action. The movement for black lives is a movement to save lives - the
consequences of inaction are existential. At the same time the soul of our nation is at stake as well as our
democratic experiment, and we would be wise to maintain constant vigilance in the effort to abate a cli-
mate crisis.
We need rest. We need renewal. Without them we will not be able to focus and act. May our congrega-
tion be the place, as Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman states, where we find the “renewal, fresh courage” and
“spiritual resources” that we need to serve our calling in our world.
iPonder: Renewal
From Antonia Bell-Delgado, Intern Minister
Wow! September already? Amazing. My summer was filled with
studying, family time, and joining you in worship. I have enjoyed
joining you in the virtual pews on Sundays. Worshipping with you
gave me a place to lay down my burdens and pick up the tools that I
needed to get through the week. Sometimes, the tool was hope.
Sometimes, togetherness and many times it was renewal. When I
think of renewal, I think of the regenerative nature of worship.
When I am worshipping, I am shedding the things that do not serve
me. I am connecting to the nourishment of community, the suste-
nance of spirit, the life-sustaining power of faith. Worship renews
me. I leave each Sunday like a phoenix rising from its ashes.
What renews you? What have you enjoyed about our Sunday worship service?
If you are looking for a way to get to worship, here is a link: www.facebook.com/uumontclair/live.
See you on Sunday,
Intern Antonia
4
MATERIAL PREPARED FOR OUR CONGREGATION BY THE UUCM STAFF FROM THE THEME OF THE MONTH, SEPTEMBER 2020
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RENEWAL
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What does it mean to be a people of renewal?
RENEW YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF HISTORY
The Movement for Black lives and the spring/summer protests against police violence have left us with a re-
newed sense of urgency about moving into a new and more just future. At the same time, leaders from these
efforts remind us that a new future isn’t possible without a truthful telling of the past. So this month, along-
side your other efforts to support the Black and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities,
make some time for the spiritual practice of revisiting, correcting, enriching and renewing your understand-
ing of our country’s history.
Below are a number of resources to help you along your way. Use them as is helpful and/or seek out your
own.
• Article - Five Truths About Black History: www.aclu.org/issues/racial-justice/five-truths-about-black-
history
• Podcast - ‘1619’: www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/podcasts/1619-podcast.html
• Documentary - Reconstruction: America After the Civil War: video.kpbs.org/show/reconstruction-
america-after-civil-war/?_ga=2.205144848.1807498231.1594489242-1530964149.1594489240
• Video - Reconstruction in America: www.youtube.com/watch?
time_continue=103&v=HRj35PtXnLs&feature=emb_logo
• Article - on Richard Rothstein’s book, The Color of Law: ggwash.org/view/77589/richard-rothstein-lays-
out-the-reality-of-government-mandated-segregation-in-color-of-law
• Video - Segregation Myth: Richard Rothstein Debunks An American Lie: www.facebook.com/watch/?
v=270363507375249
• Segregation Myth: Richard Rothstein Debunks An American Lie: www.facebook.com/NowThisPolitics/
videos/270363507375249/
• Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise: www.pbs.org/show/black-america-mlk-and-still-i-rise/
• Video - Jim Crow and America's Racism Explained: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_gOtZ--4WE
• Podcast - American Police, Throughline: www.npr.org/2020/06/03/869046127/american-police
• Documentary - The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution: video.kpbs.org/video/independent-lens
-black-panthers-vanguard-revolution-full-episode/?_ga=2.74058514.1807498231.1594489242-
1530964149.1594489240
• Article - The Enlightenment’s Dark Side: getpocket.com/explore/item/the-enlightenment-s-dark-side
• Movie - When They See Us: www.huffpost.com/entry/ava-duvernay-when-they-see-
us_n_5ceedc40e4b0508c91e1095a
Renewal: to begin or take up again, as an acquaintance, a conversation, etc.; resume. to make effective for
an additional period: to restore or replenish.
Antonyms: impair, wear, deteriorate, vitiate, exhaust, discontinue, corrupt, weaken, defile, deprave
5
FAMILY MINISTRY
Soul Matters for Family Ministries::
Becoming a People of Renewal - Dismantling Racism!
As the pandemic stretches on and wears us down, the theme of renewal becomes an extra important focus for
us. Exploring the many ways our UU faith invites us to become “A People of Renewal,” allows us to look at how
we are renewed and what we are called to renew ourselves to. Our faith reminds us that we must renew our
vigor in the fight against racism. In light of the current events which have catalyzed the world, we renew the
energy with which we teach our children about racism. So what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into be-
coming a people of renewal? It tells us, “Renew your commitment to dismantling racism!”
Ways we can help to dismantle racism for our kids:
• Introduce It - Becoming a People of Renewal
Our faith wants us to notice this about people - how our differences are wonderful, and each difference
is wonderfully unique. Some people are treated badly because of the color of their skin. That is called
racism. We are working hard to make racism go away. No one should be treated badly because of the
color of their skin. We are different and that makes life beautiful.
• Tell It and Talk About It - Story Time
Reading antiracism books to children and inviting them to discuss the story will help to outline the ba-
sics of what racism is.
• Meditate On It - Mindfulness
Renewing our commitment to anti-racism means some anxious and tense times. It’s inevitable given the
heartbreak and difficulty we face when we do this hard work. This mindfulness exercise teaches chil-
dren how to calm themselves whenever they are anxious and need to pause during hard conversations
or to discuss hard things.
• Explore It - Small Group Activities and Experiential Learning
Games can “act as catalysts for meaningful discussions between parents and children about race, eth-
nicity, and culture…” - Common Sense Media Review
• Take it Home - Home based activities
Provides parents with some ways/activities to use to build on the theme of dismantling racism.
Family Activity: Recommit to Dismantling Racism (Anti-Racism)
To focus on how we recommit to anti-racism work, you can play the Who Am I? Race Awareness Game. It is
originally a two-player game meant for a parent and child. We suggest you play it together as a family. Both
players see a set of faces. The first player selects a face and passes the device to the other player who then tries
to guess which face the first player chose. Players can test out their detective skills by asking questions about
the physical appearance of the target face (i.e. gender, age, race, etc.) to eliminate the other choices. When the
second player guesses, players can read more about the selected person. Parents get conversation tips be-
tween rounds. Note: Unfortunately, this app is available only for iPhone and iPad at this time.
Who Am I? Race Awareness Game for iPhone and iPad (free)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/who-am-i-race-awareness-game/id372945923
Review: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/who-am-i-race-awareness-game
Or Watch Nick News Presents: Kids, Race, and Unity | Hosted By Alicia Keys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWsMEIODo6g&feature=youtu.be
Hosted by Alicia Keys, Nick News talks with founders and leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement, offers
tools for families to have constructive conversations about race, and highlights teen activists who are fighting
racial injustice in Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special. Oriented to older elementary and tweens.
6
Family Ministries—Religious Education
From Judith Hogan, Director of Religious Education
“Seeds are the one thing that are the only genuine promise we have of the fu-
ture.” ---Nun/Activist Sister Joan Chittister
A great deal of contemplation goes into any new beginning. Having re-
cently accepted the position of Director of Religious Education for
UUCM, I am faced with the challenge of growing the seeds that Lily Rap-
paport, our former Director of Family Ministries, has planted. My goal is
to create a thriving and sustainable Religious Education program.
Clearly, the ability to plan, grow, sustain, and tend to our “RE garden” will
be impacted by the current pandemic. Like all programs at UUCM and
elsewhere, the restraints that come with this global challenge require us
to be innovative, patient, and intentional about how we use our human,
financial, and intellectual resources.
Being intentional means having a clear vision of the role we want Religious Education to play in our
congregation. First, my vision is that RE at UUCM will grow beyond its traditional format, which is
geared primarily towards children and adolescents. This means offering meaningful UU-related
learning opportunities not only to ALL members of our congregation, but to other UUs whose congre-
gations have been impacted by the pandemic, resulting in decreased educational opportunities.
Additionally, it is important to have creative and compelling programming that addresses the spiritu-
al, developmental, and practical needs of the community, while also offering formats that take into
consideration the reality of pandemic living. As such, I am working to cultivate a religious education
program rooted in faith, grounded in practice, and nourished by the community.
Specifically, some of the programming initiatives currently either in use or being considered include
the following:
• Creative and compelling programming that works well in an online format and encourages contin-
ued dedication to RE
• Innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and community-building in RE
• Expanded reach into other UU communities
• Revitalized curricula
• Expansion of the core group of RE teachers to include other individuals who can bring their tal-
ents, skills, and life experience into the classroom
• Allowing space for additional input from our ministers, members, parents, students, and external
UU-related sources
The foundation is being laid for a beautiful and thriving garden. As with any garden, we must have pa-
tience, trust the process, and deal effectively with things outside of our control. We then have the joy
of reaping a harvest in which individuals and the community as a whole can blossom and grow.
7
8
FAQ’S
How do I schedule a meeting with a minister?
Contact Rev. Scott (revscott@uumontclair.org) and Intern Antonia (intern@uumontclair.org) di-
rectly. To schedule a meeting with Rev. Anya please use this application: calendly.com/revanya.
How do I submit an announcement?
For Sunday announcements, all requests need to be sent to our Office & Communications Manager
Jaclyn Puleo (officemgr@uumontclair.org) by Wednesday. We also send out our weekly email
blast on Wednesday. All announcements are included in the blast and also added to our website
and social media pages. UUCM-related events take precedence over outside events but we do our
best to accommodate all requests.
How do I make a monetary donation to UUCM, especially during this difficult time?
You can visit our website at www.uumontclair.org. Our homepage has buttons on how to donate
electronically. You can also text UUCM Plate $5 or UUCM MESH $5 (or the dollar amount of your
choice) to 73256. Standard text message rates do apply. Checks may also be made out to UUCM.
Please use the memo line to indicate to us your intentions (i.e., Annual Pledge, Plate Collection,
MESH). You can also make donations via electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Can I get a Member Directory?
If you are a member, you can access the UUCM directory via Realm. If you are not currently on
Realm, please let us know when any changes are made to your address, phone number, and/or
email address so we have the most current information.
Who Should I Contact?
Oftentimes, many members confuse the duties of our Administrator Danielle Carlo and our Office
& Communications Manager Jaclyn Puleo. We’ve created this helpful chart below that can help
clarify our duties. And as always, please reach out to us if you have any questions.
9
WORSHIP & CELEBRATION
Ordination of Emily Conger
Emily Conger grew up in our con-
gregation and holds UUCM in her
heart. Even after moving across
the country, and with many years
past, she still wears our UUCM
chalice necklace every day.
Emily is about to celebrate her
ordination. Some of our members
knew Emily when she felt called to
ministry at age 15, and this invita-
tion is to them, but not only. Emily
would like to invite our whole con-
gregational community to cele-
brate her ordination. Ordinations
are amazing occasions, where new
ministers are granted the title
"Reverend" from their ordaining
congregation. There is also great
music and a cascade of powerful
words, and the possibility of see-
ing where a child reared in our
congregation can accomplish.
At UUCM, Emily led the youth group and planned district youth cons, she served as the youth representative
to the Board, and served on the search committee that brought in Rev. Judy Tomlinson, she represented the
congregation as a delegate at the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association and in Transyl-
vania, on a partner church trip. Emily also worked as a Religious Education Assistant and Summer teacher.
Emily shares: "I would love to have UUCM represented at my ordination, because your community is central
to my call." Please see the invitation that follows and reach out to Rev. Anya if you wish to know more about
how you can honor Emily at this occasion.
Rosh Hashanah Service
Our Rosh Hashanah service will be held on Saturday, September
19, 2020, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. (Hebrew: ,ר ֹאׁש הַ ָּׁשנָּׁהliterally
"head of the year") is the Jewish New Year. This High Holiday cel-
ebration with Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael will be co-led by our
congregation’s new UU’s for Jewish Awareness group. All are
welcome and all ages may appreciate our multifaceted worship. If
possible, prepare sliced apples and honey, to participate in the
closing blessing which will remind us of the sweetness possible, in
the year to come. Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/
uucm-rh.
10On That Note...
From Markus Grae-Hauck, Director of Music Ministries
Can songs change the world?
Peter Arian, the president of our congregation’s
Board of Trustees, recently emailed me because
he had heard a story on the radio that he thought
might be of interest to my wife and I as parents of
a transgender child (as well as to Beatrice, our
daughter, herself):
https://www.npr.org/2020/08/13/901747509/
I’ll make this brief: the album is a great mix (for all
ages), and Beatrice loves it. There are 21 tracks
covering a large range of topics, in a wide variety of styles. I imagine that these songs are going to be im-
mensely helpful to strengthen the inner resources of a person struggling to be accepted in a world where
gender identity is still used as grounds for discrimination. And yes, this struggle can be a person’s world,
especially when they are young.
If you want to change the world, you can download the album here:
https://antsonalog.bandcamp.com/album/trans-nonbinary-kids-mix
Payment is voluntary, and all proceeds go to Camp Aranu'tiq, a summer camp for transgender children.
Our theme for September is Renewal. Here is some music that speaks to this topic:
• Cleanse - Boatkeeper: www.youtube.com/watch?v=58IxUOtOxQk
• A New World (Latino Remix) - Jason Robert Brown: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8q3onU82Us
• The Sound Of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqgHosrqJ8o
• Cantata No. 4 “Christ Lay in Death’s Bonds” - Johann Sebastian Bach: www.youtube.com/watch?
v=3ffg4mU7FNE
• Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kfv4BZ9pJI
• We Shall Overcome - Nahko And Medicine For The People: www.youtube.com/watch?
v=fBrjpcmk734
Animal Blessings
We will gather with all ages and all species for our virtual Animal Blessings on
Sunday, October 4, 2020, at 1:00 PM. We will bless your pets (or pictures of your
pets), or your dear stuffed animals. More information will be provided as the date
draws closer. This service draws from the inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi. In
this Unitarian Universalist version we will take a moment to grieve the animals
that have died, share our gratitude for the animals that make our lives better,
bless the animals that make their home among us, and commit to treating our ani-
mals like partners not things. Please contact Rev. Anya at
revanya@uumontclair.org for more info.
11WELCOME & ENGAGEMENT
Virtual Connection Café
You are invited to join us for our virtual Connection Café on Sunday morn-
ings, held at 11:00 AM via Zoom. Our Connection Cafe Team is hard at work
creating a meaningful space for us to gather and share. If you haven’t yet ex-
perienced our online Connection Cafe, give it a try. Participants report that
this format allows us to build relationships across the congregation in ways
that will sustain us as individual participants and support our growth as a
community. So grab your coffee and join us for a fun way to connect on Sun-
day morning. All are welcome. We hope you can join us!
Find us on social media!
Join us on social media by visiting us at:
Facebook: UU Congregation at Montclair
Twitter: @uumontclair
Instagram: uu_montclair
YouTube : www.youtube.com/channel/UCiu_muZvGUZpyiDUfT88hMg/
If you have an update or announcement you would like posted through our social networks or on our website,
send to officemgr@uumontclair.org.
MEMBERSHIP CORNER
Newcomer Connections
Are you new to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair? Are you visiting or "Congregation
Shopping" for yourself or your family? Do you want to know a bit more about our congregation and the Uni-
tarian Universalist tradition? Join with one of our ministers and other newcomers to for a short, honest, in-
depth conversation. We will meet on the first Sunday of the month. Our next meetings will be held on Septem-
ber 6, 2020 at 11:00 AM. All of your questions will be honored. Register in advance for any one meeting. After
registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Register:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrf-GorDgoHNW_UgfyshcgKN--qMnqrAEa
Pathways to Membership Class
Join us for our 2-session Pathways to Membership Class on Wednesdays, August 26 and September 2, 2020
from 7:00 to 8:30 PM as we deepen our understanding of the intricacies of the UU tradition as well as the
complexity of our congregational life. This class is your path to becoming a member and joining UUCM.
New Member Covenant Group
Brand New to UUCM, or new in the past few years? Join a welcoming group of other newcomers for a New
Member Covenant Group. This group is for new members and visitors who wish to know the congregation
better. The next group is set to meet in October 2020. More details will be forthcoming. Please contact Rev.
Anya (revanya@uumontclair.org) for more information.
12Let’s Be Drawn Together: A Virtual Unity Gallery Exhibition
This is a call to UUCM members of ALL ages. Making art can be a powerful way
of recording what we are experiencing, as well as a means of processing events
and helping us to grieve, heal, celebrate, and bring beauty to the world. Have
you made art of any kind during these many months of lockdown and social dis-
tancing? Whether it is a doodle, a collage, a painting, a sculpture, or even a work
in progress, please share it with our UUCM community! Unity Gallery will host
an online virtual exhibit of images contributed by you. Please add your images
by SUNDAY September 6, 2020 to this Google folder link: tinyurl.com/
y2k8syz3. Images can be taken on your phone and sent in jpeg format if that is accessible to you, though not
necessary). Please include: your name, title of artwork if you have one, and any other words about your piece
that you’d like to share. Questions? Contact Karen Fried via Realm or email officemgr@uumontclair.org.
Photos for UUCM’s New Website
Some of you may know that UUCM member Laurice Grae-Hauck is building our
new website. The needs of our online community have changed significantly
over the last several months and our site is no longer just a marketing tool.
The new site will be very image heavy in its design and we need your help. We
have a varied view and involvement in congregational life, so we’re asking you
to think about your favorite UUCM moments and if you have a great image or
short video to go with that you could share. We’re looking for both great photographs AND maybe more im-
portantly the connection/story/feeling that goes with it.
A shared Google album has been created for you to contribute to. Please select one or two photos and in the
description name it in this format: place or event [underscore] your name [underscore] and the date, for exam-
ple: NarthexMantel_LauriceGraeHauck_8_9_2014. Here is the link to the folder: https://tinyurl.com/y2acgp5a.
After you've named it, include a brief recount of what makes this special to you. Please also include any roles
you might serve in the congregation, such as trustee, RE teacher, choir member, etc. By adding your photo to
this shared album you give UUCM rights to publication.
We are excited to share our new website with the congregation very soon! Thank you for all of your help and
contributions to making this happen.
So Many Selfies!
Thank you to all who have submitted photos of themselves wearing our new UUCM shirts. We will use your
fabulous selfies on our new website and at our Virtual Ingathering and Water Communion Service on Septem-
ber 13, 2020. Still need a shirt? Contact us at officemgr@uumontclair.org.
13GOVERNANCE
The Board Corner
From Board of Trustees President Peter Arian
Back in March, when this unprecedented period in con-
gregational and world history began, our Board of Trus-
tees and Senior Co-Ministers decided that we would
close the doors at 67 Church St. and provide virtual pro-
gramming. In June, we announced that the buildings and
grounds remain closed until at least August 31 and the
formation of a task force to help guide the reopening
process. In the beginning of May, the Unitarian Univer-
salists Association's advice was that we should consider
planning to remain virtual until May 2021. That seemed
like an impossibly long period of time (the eternal opti-
mist in me still thinks it is), but our experience since then has made it seem more plausible.
The UUCM Reopening Task Force includes:
• David Hanley (Lead Greeter and HR professional)
• Jill Magioncalda (APRN FNP-BC, Internal Medicine Provider)
• John Carlton (Building and Grounds Lead)
• Stephan Schwander (M.D., Ph.D. Assoc. Prof., Rutgers School of Public Health)
• Rae Dumont (M.D., Pediatrician and Family Therapist)
• Nick Lewis (Board Member and Past UUCM Board President)
• Senior Co-Minister Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael
The Reopening Task Force has been meeting to discern how and when we can safely return to in-
person programming. Our planning has included: increasing the use of technology so that we will be
able to stream ALL major programming; looking into improving air flow, employing ultraviolet light-
ing, methods of social distancing and anything else that would permit us to reopen safely.
Unfortunately, in an abundance of caution, we must report that there appears to be no possibility to
reopen our building and grounds for any UUCM related programming in the near future. There are
so many variables in the process of this pandemic that it would be disingenuous for us to predict
when we might feel confident in reopening while protecting the health and safety of our staff and
membership. The task force members and the board would have loved to suggest a more definite
timetable, however, any predictions are impossible (or not warranted) at this point.
In the interim, I urge you to remain active in congregational activities, even if you are now completely
sick of Zoom calls. It is so important for us to keep together and to continue to check in with each
other. We will be in touch with periodic updates. I am available to discuss this or any other UUCM
related issues by using https://calendly.com/uucmboardpresident/peter-arian to schedule.
14My First General Assembly Experience
From UUCM Member Deborah Ann Tripoldi
I was one of seven delegates with fellow UUCM members Nicole Gray,
Dana Moore, Sarah Scalet, Jennifer Bell, Dave McGowan and Shirley
Matthews (with alternate Giancarlo Ponticello and advisement from
Rev. Scott). This was my first GA experience and although it was not in
person in Providence, RI, it was still a great one.
The lectures and workshops were informative. Participants had the
choice of joining 5 of the 46 Zoom workshops. Although the jam-packed
schedule was more than anyone could do during the actual assembly,
the availability to view everything later and throughout the summer
was easily accessible and informative.
Some of the many workshops included Creating a Community of Com- UUCM member Stearns Matthews
munities, Being a Social Class Ally for Social Justice, Why We Want and singing at General Assembly.
Resist Diversity, Visioning and Governance Can Be Inclusive, Equitable,
Co-owned and Sacred Mental Health Matters with our very own Carol McGough. There were also six lectures
including “Reflecting on Teachings about Indigenous Peoples;” “Settler Colonialism and a History of Erasure and
Exclusion” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz; and an environmental lecture by Naomi Klein- Canadian author, social
activist, and filmmaker.
I enjoyed learning through the educational workshops and the informative lectures. One of the best parts
though was participating in the Reflection groups and Coffee Hours (East and West Coast) to interact with UUs
from all over through Zoom. It really is a small world. In one breakout room, I met a person from the UU Congre-
gation of Princeton and in another room one of the participants knew exactly who our ministers are without
even saying their names or where I was from. I decided to “crash” the West Coast Sunday morning Coffee Hour.
Two of the people in my breakout room did the exact same thing and enjoyed meeting people from the other
side of the country.
Throughout the GA, the pending eighth principle — to dismantle racism and other oppressions, came up various
time in lectures, sermons, and conversations in Reflections. It shocked me how many UUs just heard of it, or felt
it is unnecessary claiming the seven principles cover it. As still a relative newbie, less than five years as a mem-
ber of UUCM and UU, I can say differently. Our congregation has been in discussion about it for as long as I have
been attending. I really did not expect so much controversy on it. One discussion group I was in, more were
against it than for it, to my surprise. We have to keep the discussion going to bring awareness to it. Adopting the
eighth principle is a start. Beacon UU has, and by doing so, brought attention with an article by TAPinto Summit
and other news outlets.
The voting started by adopting the rules and procedures, a long contentious process. We voted on UUA busi-
ness items including adopting the resolution— Embodying Human Rights in Our Investment Decisions and by-
law amendments for Co-Moderator Vacancies and Timelines for Nominating Committee. In addition, we voted
and approved both Actions of Immediate Witness — Address 400 Years of White Supremacist Colonialism and
Amen to Uprising: A Commitment and Call to Action in response to police brutality towards Black people. Also
adopted are the following Responsive Resolutions— Widening the Circle: Establishing Ongoing Intersectional
Accountability Commission and Sunsetting the JTWTC (Journey Towards Wholeness Transformation Commit-
tee); Supporting and Investing in Youth and Young Adults in Unitarian Universalism; and The Pandemic: a Reli-
gious Response.
I was grateful that I received the scholarship from the UUA to be able to attend the GA and I would like to thank
the UUCM Board for the opportunity to serve as a delegate. Next year’s assembly is planned for Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, but the UUA has already been talking about at least partial, if not all, virtual again.
15SERVICE & JUSTICE
Where is Earth Justice?
From Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, Senior Co-Minister, with UUCM member Roz Gohagan
From time to time core congregational teams choose to take a break, rest, and reevaluate their mission. This
is exactly what the Earth Justice Team has chosen to do. Coordinator Roz Gohagan shares: “For some, likely
many, COVID-19 and the political uncertainty is all consuming and is exhausting. Energies are being put towards
making sure voting is secured and fair in November. I think what happens after that will impact when people will have
appetite to tackle new issues including environmental justice.”
I am grateful for the work of the Earth Justice Team and am glad that they are choosing rest, in this time of
uncertainty. I am sure that many of us still pursue Environmental aims - I know Roz and I do. When the time
comes the Earth Justice Team will reemerge, stronger and more able to do the work of their calling.
If you have a passion for Earth Justice, I welcome you to give me, Rev. Anya, a call or send me an email at
revanya@uumontclair.org. When it comes time for this team to regroup, you will be notified.
Exploring BLUU Group
Have you heard of BLUU?? Black Lives of UU (BLUU) is for all people con-
nected to Unitarian Universalism that identify* as Black. We invite you to
join us for an Exploring BLUU Meeting on Friday, September 18, 2020 at
6:00 PM to learn more about the BLUU Collective, connect and support
each other in our shared and unique experiences as UUs of Color. For those
who do not identify as black or a person of color, we invite you to join the
UUCM's Undoing Racism Committee and Allies for Racial Equity group to
empower and support members in dismantling systems of oppression through BLUU, DRUUMM (Diverse
and Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries) and ARE (Allies for Racial Equity). During this time of global
challenge, groups like these are especially needed. Please contact Dana Moore at bluum@uumontclair.org
for more info.
Sharing Our Riches
As Unitarian Universalists, one thing that we value is the interdependent web of existence of which we are
a part. The health of this web relies on us giving of our time, our talents, and our resources. When you give
monetarily to the U, 80 percent of your gifts will care for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at
Montclair, and 20 percent will support our justice recipient.
This month's Sharing Our Riches recipient is the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, America’s
premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF
seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society
that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. LDF also defends the gains and protections won over
the past 75 years of civil rights struggle and works to improve the quality and diversity of judicial and exec-
utive appointments. Learn more at www.naacpldf.org.
During the months of May and June, UUCM donated $1498.33 to the Newark Emergency Services for Fam-
ilies, a non-profit organization, which has served the Greater Essex County Community for over 40 years -
providing quality services to individuals and families who need assistance with emergency food, clothing,
shelter, utilities, rent, and basic necessities during times of crisis. Thank you all for your generosity,
16Social Justice Coalition and MESH Volunteering
From Teresa DeSousa and Johanna Foster, Co-Chairs, Social Justice Coalition
Thank you all for your continued support of our efforts to partner with the amazing folks
at MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless) in providing a weekly meal to
our friends and neighbors in need. The SJC volunteer crew is carrying on in our coordina-
tion of ready-to-eat bags to supplement the weekly MESH dinner service. Below is a re-
minder for how you can help us coordinate ready-to-eat bags to supplement the weekly
MESH dinner service during this critical time.
Sign up to be a shopper or a bagger of groceries using this required Google link: tinyurl.com/ybmufnea or
email socialjustice@uumontclair.org for a volunteer slot. It is very important to remember that only folks
who sign-up with us and are confirmed by our coordinating team may shop, deliver, or bag for grocer-
ies!
A reminder that we've added 50 two-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer to our grocery list. Currently, they
are hard to find and must be ordered through Amazon or found at Costco or other such bulk retailers.
Please be advised: We can NOT accept any non-scheduled grocery donations or deliveries anywhere on
the UUCM property under any circumstances! To clarify, this means any grocery donations or other
packages that are left at the UUCM for this project, no matter how clearly labeled, carefully prepared, or
well-meaning in the delivery, will be rejected/discarded for health and safety reasons! The unscheduled
delivery of such items to the UUCM endangers our staff and community members. Failure to follow these
guidelines may result in the termination of the project.
If you wish to donate groceries, we will happily provide you with a pre-approved list of items, and also
schedule your drop-off during our once-a-week only drop-off time and location, which is Wednesday at
3:30 PM in Fletcher Hall. Again, please see the required sign-up sheet and one of our coordinators will
contact you. All shoppers will be reimbursed (please send receipts to SJC Co-Chair, Teresa DeSousa
at socialjustice@uumontclair.org).
Also, so that all are safe, a reminder that all SJC volunteers who sign-up to shop, deliver or bag, must com-
ply with State, Federal and Congregational guidelines by wearing a mask, gloves, and practicing social dis-
tancing.
As always, thanks again to the MESH team for their on-going front line work, and for allowing the SJC to
help contribute whatever additional support we can in these dire times. To be in touch with us,
please send an email to socialjustice@uumontclair.org.
We are your Social Justice Coalition members:
Deirdre Birmingham, Kathryn Counsell, Teresa DeSousa, Johanna Foster, Roz Gohagan, Georgiana Hart,
Peggy Hayden, Nick Lewis, Mike Mernin, Anne Sailer, David Sailer, Peg Seip, Maria Towe
Allies for Racial Equity (ARE)
Allies for Racial Equity (ARE) is a race based affinity group intended to ground
white people in accepting their own whiteness without shame or defensiveness,
with curiosity around how whiteness has played out in their family and history to
build healthy anti-racist identities. Additionally, ARE disrupts oppression, uproots
white supremacy, and plants seeds of justice. This is a ministry of faith which leads
all who participate to spiritual growth and wholeness. We honor each other’s hu-
manity and capacity for growth by offering ourselves and each other grace and
accountability. Our next meetings will be on Tuesdays, September 1, 15 & 29,
2020, at 7:30 PM. Please contact Anneliese Scherfen via Realm for more infor-
mation.
17CARE & CONNECTION
Care Team Ministry
In this challenging time, the Care Team Ministry, together with the Membership Committee, is working to
reach out to every family in the congregation. Our goal is to stay connected; to provide a contact to combat
loneliness and isolation or to offer help by shopping for food or medicine for people who are unable to leave
their homes. We offer information on how to stay connected with the congregation, help with accessing the
weekly Sunday services and lessons on using Zoom, to participate in the virtual gatherings of various groups
within the congregation, and Realm, to stay up-to-date with UUCM messages. You can also refer to the
weekly eblast, sent as an email entitled “Coming Up @ UUCM: Virtual Meetings and Services”, for a partial
list of the ways to stay connected.
We also want to encourage members to enter their birthdays into Realm. Your birth year will not be shared
with anyone other than our staff and the members of the Care Team. The Care Team would like to use this
information to send you a card.
Please reach out to us by email at careteam@uumontclair.org if there is any need we can help with or if you
are interested in volunteering with this ministry. For pastoral care, contact Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael at
revanya@uumontclair.org or Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael at revscott@uumontclair.org.
Covenant Groups at UUCM
Since 2001, when they were first introduced to our congregation, Covenant Groups have
been an important lay led small group ministry at UUCM. Now, more than ever, they’re
instrumental in providing the opportunity to build and strengthen social and spiritual
connections in our community. There are several groups that meet monthly around a
shared interest and three new Soul Matters groups that meet to discuss the theme of the
month. Information on our current groups is listed below. Please consider signing up to
engage in a Covenant Group at UUCM. Explore our existing Covenant Groups by visiting:
www.uumontclair.org/commuunity/covenant-groups/ or contact Covenant Group Program Coordinator
Claudia Sanders at covenantgroups@uumontclair.org with any questions you may have.
• Drop In Covenant Group meets weekly on Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Looking for spiritual con-
nection in this time of distancing? This group creates connection through a chalice lighting, check-in and
discussion. No commitment is required - drop-in any week. Open to High School Youth and Adults.
• New Member Covenant Group is for new members & visitors who wish to know the congregation better.
• Art and Soul welcomes anyone with a passion for the visual arts; anyone who finds spiritual connection
and personal expression within the act of making, contemplating and/or discussing visual creation and ide-
as relating to it.
• The Poetry Covenant Group is open to those who enjoy reading poetry and sharing this love with others.
After the reading of each poem there is an opportunity for a discussion of the offering. Bring your favorite
poem to share with us and be prepared for a good time with this group.
• Soul Matters Covenant Groups:
Each will meet monthly and consider the theme of the month and to share personal reflections of our re-
spective life journeys relative to each theme. All groups will resume in September 2020.
• Monday Soul Matters meets on the fourth Monday at 4:00 PM. Leader: Claudia Sanders
• Tuesday Soul Matters meets on the third Tuesday at 7:30 PM. Leader: Nicole Rinklin.
• Wednesday Soul Matters meets the third Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Leader: Shirley Matthews.
18Ongoing Groups at UUCM
Below are our groups that meet on a regular basis and their upcoming meeting dates. All meetings meet via Zoom.
The Senior Lunch Bunch meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from Noon to 1:30 PM.
Our next meetings will be on September 9 & 23, 2020. Our meetings focus on simply sharing general conver-
sation about things that we have done recently and things going on around us. Remember, all UUs and their
friends are welcome; there are no age constraints on participation. For more information, contact Gary Sand-
erson via Realm.
The UUCM Men's Group welcomes everyone who identifies as male to share mutual support and discus-
sions about our lives, triumphs, and struggles. During this time we will meet online via Zoom on the 2nd and
4th Thursdays at 7:30 PM. Our next meetings will be on September 10 & 24, 2020. Due to scheduling con-
flicts not all meetings can be hosted or moderated, but in light of the ongoing crisis all are welcome to gather
weekly to receive and provide support. Email mensgroup@uumontclair.org for information.
Our UUCM Women’s Group meets on the second Friday of the month. Our next meetings will be on Friday,
September 11, 2020 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. An email with the details will go out one week ahead. Please con-
tact either Marcia Mandel or Maryann Ficker at womensgroup@uumontclair.org to get info or get on the
email list. Come and enjoy the company and support of other women! Our intention is to be compassionate to
one another by being responsive to each other's needs, maintaining and respecting each other's confidentiali-
ty, while being responsible for our own needs.
The UUCM Dream Group meets on the second Monday of the month from 7:30 to 9:00 PM via Zoom. Our
next meetings will be on September 14, 2020. Are you interested in learning more about what your dreams
can reveal about you and your life? Bring a brief written description of a recent or past dream to share. Feel
free to bring in a snack as well (which is optional). Instructions for new members will be provided. Please con-
tact Jerry Boutcher via Realm for more info.
The Crazy QUUilters continue to stay connected through ZOOM on the third Saturday at 11:00 AM. Our next
meeting is on September 19, 2020. Contact Arlene at crazyquilters@uumontclair.org for more information.
The work done by the Crazy QUUilters brings joy to the creators and the recipients. We also offer the com-
panionship of our monthly meetings to other crafters. If you knit, crochet or do other hand work you are wel-
come to join us for about 4 hours of shared creating.
Our Grief Support Group provides a caring and confidential environment that allows its members to share
their experiences with others around their loss. We all experience losses throughout our lifetime, whether
they are a loss of loved ones, others important to us, or important parts of our lives. The group is facilitated by
an experienced group leader and participation guidelines are provided. The group meets on the third Monday
of each month. Our next meetings will be on September 21, 2020. Please contact Dick Kessler at griefsup-
port@uumontclair.org for info.
Our new group, UU’s for Jewish Awareness, will meet on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 7:30 PM . It is open
to all members and friends of UUCM who have Jewish roots or relatives and/or an interest in learning more
about Jewish customs and culture. Led by UUCM members Hilary Fandel, Marcia Mandel and Helen Lippman,
the group will provide an opportunity to honor Jewish heritage, share cultural and religious memories, and
explore feelings about dual identity as UU and Jewish. Much of the focus will be shaped by the interests and
needs of attendees. Hope to see you!
19Yes, you can still share remembrances at our virtual services. If you would
like to have the Sunday worship leader share your remembrance please
send it to Remembrances@uumontclair.org by Thursday at 10am.
If you would prefer not to have your concern read aloud, email your name,
address, phone number to PastoralCare@uumontclair.org and explain
your situation or concern.
Wayne Foti lit a candle in memory of Raymond, assistant director of maintenance at Elmora Hills Healthcare where
Wayne resides, who died on August 10, 2020 of a cardiac arrest. He would have turned 50 next month.
Ginny Crooks lit a candle of concern for friend and retired theatre teacher Hal MacIntosh, who is in the ICU fighting
COVID-19 with underlying medical conditions. Ginny lit a candle of concern and healing for her sister's best friend,
Mary Jo Santo Pietro, who had a bad fall that resulted in broken ribs and a broken vertebra. Ginny lit a candle for her
dear friend Gordon Pate who died on June 27, 2020 at the age of 71.
Lauren Carlton lit a candle for her friend of 37 years, Sheila Crotty who died on August 7, 2020. She was a brave and
successful warrior for children and families.
We lit a candle for all who, in this time, are facing economic uncertainty, those who have lost their jobs or have been
unable to find employment, those who have reached out for assistance and not received enough. We lit a candle as a
beacon and a reminder, that our congregation stands with you and is ready to assist.
We lit a candle for Frank Lynch, father to Lianne Schoenwiesner, who passed away on July 30, 2020. We send our
loving thoughts to Lianne and her family during this time.
Peter Arian and Aleona Russu lit a candle for Olya Russu. She is very sick and can use everyone's prayers.
We collectively mourned the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki - violence done 75 years ago.
We lit a candle in celebration of the marriage of Juliana Carr and Paul Lombardo, soon to be members of our congre-
gation. Juliana and Paul we are so happy for you!
We lit a candle for Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Earnst. If you joined us for the July 26, 2020 service, you heard from Rev.
Virginia. Since preparing for that service, she had a bad fall, and has sustained a challenging broken leg.
Wendy McNeil lit a candle for her dear friend who is facing a foreshortened life due to a challenging cancer. Wendy
prays for her friend, wishing her peace - a friend that has been like a mother to her.
Ursula Wolz seeks thoughts and prayers for her husband Jim Dunne who was diagnosed with a kidney tumor on July
17. The prognosis is good. Please send your loving thoughts his way.
Laura Thomas lit a candle in memory of her children’s uncle Dan Nakrosis who died suddenly on July 21, 2020 with
appreciation for his cartooning skills and the love of graphic art he inspired in his nieces and nephews.
We lit a candle of healing and recovery for Wayne Foti who had foot surgery on July 15, 2020.
Dana Moore lit a candle and dedicated our June 28 flowers with gratitude for the strength our community has
brought to her in these challenging times.
We lit a candle for Doris and Pete Williams, two dedicated and loving elder members in our congregation. Doris re-
cently fell and her injury is such that she is unable to walk. In this challenging time, Pete is Doris’ aid.
Carolyn Burr and David Lewis lit a candle of joy and hope celebrating the birth of their third granddaughter, Fenagh
Keith Osborn Burr born on June 10 to Carolyn’s son Matthew Burr, his wife Holden Osborn, and her big sister Keziah.
We lit a candle for Althea Bernstein, a bi-racial Unitarian Universalist, who suffered a crime of hate in Madison, WI.
We ache with this news and we pray for Althea, her family and our nation.
We lit a candle for Bubba Wallace and the unanimous support shown by his Nascar colleagues. Bubba is the only
black Nascar driver; a noose was found in his garage. This candle burns in lament, support, and solidarity with Bubba
and those who seek change.
20UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION AT MONTCLAIR
67 Church Street, Montclair NJ 07042
DATED MATERIAL ~ PLEASE EXPEDITE
SEPTEMBER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
A Month of Renewal
SUNDAYS SERVICES WILL BE STREAMED LIVE AT 10:00 AM
AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/UUMONTCLAIR/LIVE
September 6, 2020
“Healing Mother Earth”
UUCM Member Deb Ellis
September 13, 2020
“Love is the Water that Wears Down the Rock ”
Rev. Anya & Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael
September 19, 2020 (6:00 PM)
Honoring Rosh Hashana
Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael
September 20, 2020
“We Begin Again in Love”
Intern Minister Antonia Bell-Delgado
September 27, 2020
“Humble Before All”
Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael
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