The Share-the-Plate program raises money to give to local agencies which are trying to improve life for Chester County residents.
Eleven times a year, UCWC gives approximately half of the collection plate to a congregation-nominated recipient. Funds are given to small, local organizations for whom our gift is very meaningful in the continuance of their efforts.
The 2024-2025 Recipients
Nov 17 – Baby Food Fund
Dec 15 – Melton Center
Jan 19 – Citizen Advocacy of Chester County
Feb 16 – West Chester University Resource Pantry
Mar 16 – Educational Equity Alliance
Apr 20 – Community Youth and Women’s Alliance
May 18 – Maternal and Child Health Consortium
Jun 15 – West Chester Food Cupboard
Jul 20 – Kennett Area Community Services
Aug 17 – Act in Faith
Sep 21 – Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children
Oct 19 – UCWC Board Selection
Rev. Dr. Gabi Parks joins us to focus on the question of whether it is acceptable to use humor in church. Be ready for a lot of “LOL”.
The Reverend Dr. Gabriele Parks came to the United States as a (legal) immigrant from Germany in 1991, with her husband Roger and her then six-year-old twins. Well, the kids are 39 now, and obviously a lot has happened.
Reverend Gabi discovered Unitarian Universalism in Columbia Maryland, where she joined UUCC in 1996. After serving in many volunteer roles at the church, she felt the call to UU ministry, and went to Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2001, where she received her Masters of Divinity after three years. Since then, she has served five congregations all over the United States, as an intentional interim minister; now called transition minister. In 2015, she went back to seminary, this time to Wesley in Washington DC, where she graduated with the Doctor of Ministry in the field of Narrative Theology.
She has served our congregation in York, Pennsylvania, until her retirement in February of 2019. She now serves four cats, her husband, and one rambunctious dog.
Unitarian Universalist History and Theologies – November 18 6:30-8:30 pm on Zoom
What’s the difference between a Unitarian and a Universalist? Who were the Socinians? What does Count Dracula have in common with the Unitarianism? Who was Pete Seeger’s favorite circuit riding Universalist preacher? What does it mean to be a religious liberal? Could it be that UUs actually have a theological tradition of our own?
We’ll cover this and more in Rev. Dan Schatz’s Zoom class and slideshow on Unitarian Universalist History and Theologies on Monday, November 18 from 6:30-8:30. There will be stories, new perspectives, and some mind blowing theology. Bring your questions, and invite a friend if you know someone who is interested in learning more about our “Faith of the Free.” The class is open to all – newcomers as well as those who would like to grow in their understanding of Unitarian Universalism. “Walk-ins” are welcome, but it is extra helpful to RSVP in advance to minister@ucwc.org.
Transgender Day of Remembrance – Wednesday November 20, 7 pm at UCWC
Each year our congregation partners with community organizations to host a Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil. We will honor and share the names of transgender people who have lost their lives to violence in the past year, and have an opportunity for conversation and sharing. The vigil will be at UCWC, beginning at 7pm on Wednesday, November 20. Co-sponsors include the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County, West Chester University’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance, Arrive Therapy, Free Mom Hugs, and the Trans-Parent Support Group. If you would like to help with the vigil or help provide snacks afterward, please contact Rev. Dan at minister@ucwc.org.
All vaccinated adults are welcome. Bring your instrument. Munchies are optional. At the home of Linda & Steve Sander. Maps are in the foyer. Contact folk-singing@ucwc.org.
What’s the difference between a Unitarian and a Universalist? Who were the Socinians? What does Count Dracula have in common with the Unitarianism? Who was Pete Seeger’s favorite circuit riding Universalist preacher? What does it mean to be a religious liberal? Could it be that UUs actually have a theological tradition of our own?