What could be more Halloween than witches, wizards, scarecrows, and the like? With special music and theater, this week’s all ages service will follow the yellow brick road of Unitarian Universalism, as we learn what it is to grow, love, and serve together.
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
On All Souls Day we honor our ancestors, name loved ones we have lost, and remember the dead. This special service will include a ritual of remembrance. All who come are invited to bring a photograph or a memento of someone you are remembering for the altar. (Remember to set your clocks back one hour for Daylight Savings!)
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
10:00 am: 20 Men Photography Exhibit - Open to the Public
– November 9, 2024
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
The 20 Men Project consists of a traveling photography exhibition of black men from Chester County. Often panel discussion is part of the experience. On one night close to the end of the exhibition, some of the men participating in the project will lead a panel discussion about aspects of life as a black man in Chester County. Printed materials and cards with questions from audience members, and quotes can spur conversation and examine our biases.
How did the 20 Men Project Begin? After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, concerned Chester County residents met on Zoom to talk about what was happening. One of the discussion points was the way black and brown men are portrayed in the media. Christine Martey Ochola envisioned positive images of men in our community and asked Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman if she would like to bring this project to life.
The idea was to ask the men who signed up to be part of the project during their photo session: how do you want the community to see you, where do you want to be photographed, with whom do you want to be photographed, how is it to be a black man in Chester County, what would you like to change to make sure your children will live in a better world?
It took almost 9 months for the first man to be photographed but when more and more men were being photographed, there came more trust and understanding about the project. As of September 2024, 34 men have been photographed and interviewed. The men created an organic network and remain connected. They participate in panel discussion during the exhibit and become mentors to black boys and young men in the community.
The 20 Men Project will be exhibited at the UCWC starting Friday, November 1, with an opening reception from 5 – 7 pm.A panel discussion with participants will take place on Wednesday, November 13, from 6 – 8 pm. Refreshments will be provided at both events. Please join us! Questions? please contact racial-justice@ucwc.org
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.
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.
“The Great UU Bread Service” - Rev. Dan Schatz and Cassie Lengel
Ready. Set. Bake! There’s no competition as we gather for one of our favorite services of the year. For this all ages service, we invite all members and friends of our congregation to bring a kind of bread that represents your background or in some way describes you or your family. (Store bought, homemade, and bakery are all fine.) Together we will share the bread and the stories that come with it. Gluten free bread is especially welcome so that everyone can participate in the bread communion.
This special service will be followed by a soup and bread lunch.
For those interested in finding out the latest information on what we can do to quell the national epidemic of gun violence in this country, please contact Tom Buglio by email at gun-safety