Upcoming Schedule of Events!

In-Person NRUUF Meetings are currently being held at 855 Mercer Street, Princeton, WV

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May 28th – 11AM
“Why Church?” speaker – Bill Cassidy

June 11th – 11AM
“Social Needs of Princeton” – speaker: Sgt. Melissa White, Salvation Army

June 11th – 5PM – ZOOM
Annual Congregational Meeting

June 25th – 11AM
“Defining Unitarian Universalism” – speaker: April Cassidy

July 9th – 11AM
NRUUF Picnic – Little Beaver State Park, Shelter #1

Annual Congregational Meeting: Sunday June 11th – 5:00PM
Zoom Meeting Info:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81650122590?pwd=L0M5L1NGWlBFL1QvbnFCa1Rzc09NUT09

Meeting ID: 816 5012 2590
Passcode: nruuf1
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Meeting ID: 816 5012 2590

Memorial Service for Yvonne Frost Roberts – July 2023
TBA

Located in the Former "Stages" Music Building

Legal Meeting – Sunday Service

Join us this Sunday – 1/8/23 for a brief Service including the reading of our legal notice of sale for the former Fellowship Building located at 911 S Kanawha St.

The reading will be followed by an Open Forum format. This is a great time to share your memories of the building we have shared for the last 30 years.

This will be an meeting on Zoom. Link information is below.

NRUUF Beckley is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: ONLINE – NRUUF Sunday Service
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89763644642?pwd=TzE4V1locmFxNlNJS2FGNUhOQ0NNQT09

Meeting ID: 897 6364 4642
Passcode: nruuf1
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Meeting ID: 897 6364 4642
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc6rBaZcvg

Monthly Wednesday Night Men’s Group!

We are now hosting a Men’s Group Online. 

It’s being held the first Wednesday of each month at 7PM

You can view and/or download our Meeting Format and Ground Rules at the links below.

NRUUF Men’s Group Meeting Format – https://www.newriveruu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Mens-Group-Format.pdf

NRUUF Men’s Group Ground Rules – https://www.newriveruu.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NRUUF-Mens-Group-Ground-Rules.pdf

This meeting is open to ALL Male Identifying humans who agree to abide by the Ground Rules listed above.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85034440540?pwd=VHBNMGJMN0M5cTdvaUpWR1FTTmdEQT09  

Meeting ID: 850 3444 0540

Passcode: nruuf

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,85034440540# US (Washington DC)
+13092053325,,85034440540# US

Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 719 359 4580 US

Meeting ID: 850 3444 0540

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcKaYV42vx

NRUUF MEN’S GROUP GROUND RULES
(courtesy of Kenny D’Cruz, Menspeak)
(i) CONFIDENTIALITY
Traditionally ‘what is said in this room stays in this room’, though we usually agree that we may discuss
our own process and even refer to something that may be helpful to someone out of the group as
‘something I saw on TV’, or ‘my friend said’, etc. The important thing is that no one can be identified!

(ii) RESPECT
Respect in this group means to listen to others when they speak, and be aware of how you are behaving.
Treat others in a way you would expect to be treated by them. Respect of other people naturally follows
on from self-respect, as lack of self-respect will reflect in lack of respect for others. Respect our own truth,
boundaries, feelings, instincts and intuition.

(iii) TAKE PART
It would be better to authentically and honestly say “Pass” than to lie, perform, get into automatic-pilot
banter, go into our heads and out of touch with ourselves. Telling the truth and sharing our selves gives
everyone else in the room safety and permission to do the same.

(iv) BE HONEST
Be honest to ourselves – about our feelings as well as our words – because that way we can own our
feelings and work things through, rather than quietly internalize and carry it until we find an opportunity
to dump it on someone else, within / outside the group.

(v) OWN IT
Use “I” statements, rather than “you”, “one” or “we”. What is being said by you may not be true for all
present. Depersonalizing is often a way of avoiding ownership of a feeling, an experience, opinion, or
issue.

(vi) DON’T BULLY
Neither aggressive, nor passive-aggressive bullying is an option here. No one’s safety is to be
compromised. This is a space where people can learn how to challenge, or disagree with another person,
clearly, honestly, honorably and with respect.

(vii) DON’T VAMP OR STEAL
When someone is telling their story, give them the space to express it from their experience, without
projecting how good, bad or ugly it is; without jumping into / steering / boosting their drama; without
upstaging them with a more dramatic story, so they can listen to their own words and choose how to
work it through.

(viii) EXPERIMENT WITH WHO YOU ARE
You may be known as a joker, peacemaker, shy, confident, introvert, extrovert, whatever personalities
your circles are used to. This space encourages us to experiment with allowing some of the quiet parts
inside to come out and see how authentic they feel; with the option of asking for feedback.

(ix) STAY UNTIL THE END
If something said by another, or something comes up that may feel uncomfortable, bring up anger,
sadness, etc. it would probably be better to work this through with the group – or at least name it, instead of quietly holding on to it – rather than taking it away with you and allowing its power to overshadow you for however long it may take hold.

(x) LIVE BEYOND THE RULES
Playing small to ‘be good’ in the group would be less valuable than playing big and growing within the
group. That’s not to say ‘break the rules’ but it is to say play big enough that you may be challenged and
we may all grow in awareness and life choices from our time together.
Disclaimer: All activities are undertaken entirely at the participant risk and no responsibility can be taken
for any physical, mental or emotional injury suffered by any participant. By taking part each participant
accepts full responsibility for his safety and well-being. If in doubt, please seek professional advice before
participating.

Op Ed on Supreme Court’s Decision Removing Abortion Protections

The Supreme Court’s decision to ignore the precedents of the 50 years since the Roe v. Wade decision has cancelled federal protections of access to abortion as part of women’s health care. We Unitarian Universalists (UUs) in Central Appalachia are relieved that Judge Salango has ruled that their decision could not take effect in West Virginia. While not surprised, we deeply regret that WV’s Attorney General Morrisey is appealing Solango’s ruling.

The overwhelming majority of UUs in the nation think that abortion should be legal in most or all cases.  The Supreme Court’s decision will most hurt poor, working class, rural and minority women and their families, a large portion of Appalachia’s population.

Roman Catholic and evangelical Christian views of abortion tend to be most restrictive. Other Christian denominations, Jews and Muslims are much less so. The Supreme Court’s decision seems to come from a very conservative religious perspective, thus favoring some religions over others. It would seem that the Supreme Court’s decision violates the U. S. Constitution, which requires a separation of church and state.

Unitarian-Universalists are accepting of all religious views that do not violate the principles that guide our actions. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade violates our principle of justice, equity and compassion in human relations and our principle that all people have a right to follow their conscience. It returns us to a time in this nation when all people in a religiously diverse nation were required to follow the dictates of the few or be punished.  We UU’s join the majority of Americans in calling for a nation that protects and defends all people’s right to follow their conscience in personal decisions.

Would you Like to Build a Labrynth?

Walking meditation labyrinths have been around for centuries. One of the most famous is the ancient labyrinth in Chartres France (pictured above) which was constructed in the 15th century. 

Fortunately for us, we don’t have to travel far to find a great labyrinth! Friend and member, Andrew Caldwell, has been constructing copies of the Chartres walking labyrinth since 2005 and he’s looking for your help!

The Chartres labyrinth is a “12-tiered” labyrinth. It has a 100 foot diameter and takes 15-20 minutes to walk with a slow, meditative pace and a total walking distance of 1 mile. Be aware that this is not a “maze”, there are no junctions of the path. There is an entrance which then leads you on a winding walk to the center and back out again.

Our labyrinth will be constructed at New River Park in Beckley, WV using soccer field paint, which is biodegradable and lasts for several weeks, so even if you’re not helping with the construction effort, don’t forget to take advantage of it while it’s there!

The construction usually takes about 4 hours of work, which includes a lot of bending over, and 4-5 volunteers.

We will be constructing the labyrinth this year in late Summer, early Fall.

If you would be willing to help construct this lovely, transient gift for health and mental wellness, please contact Andrew Caldwell by Saurday, June 25th and let him know!

Some images below for inspiration and a great article on walking labyrinths!

304-237-2860

Transitions – Honoring our Former Affiliate Minister

We honor and appreciate our relationship with Rev. Kayla Parker over the past couple of years. She has helped us through one of the most difficult times we’ve seen as a Fellowship. Her final Service with us as our Affiliate Minister was held today, leaving our hearts warm and our eyes a bit tearful. We wanted to share her parting message and wish her only the best in life moving forward!
 
Dear New River UU Fellowship,
It has been such a joy to be with you the past year-and-a-half. I am writing to let you know that I have accepted a position as the Interim Minister for our congregation in Glen Allen, VA. Dan and I will be moving to Richmond right before we get married in early August, and I’ll be starting my new job right after. As I need to be preparing for a very busy August, my last Sunday with you all and my goodbye to the congregation will be on Sunday, June 13th. We will do a bit more sharing then, but I wanted to take a moment here to reflect on our time together.
 
You welcomed me as your Community Affiliate Minister when I was frazzled with long hospital chaplaincy hours and then more frazzled once covid hit. Together, we made time for togetherness and community amidst an isolating pandemic. Or really, you made the time and you welcomed me into it. Thank you for that, and for all the ways you served so many by your steady witness and presence.
 
When my chaplaincy job ended, you welcomed more of my time and energy in more worship services, pastoral presence, and beautiful tries at programming that didn’t hit the mark. We experimented together, I got to talk more deeply to some of you, and worship more with even more of you. I have been so impressed by your true understanding of how to be in community. By your holding one another and the whole of your fellowship amidst internal conflict and external threats.
 
Most recently, I have been so impressed by the bravery and vision that has emerged from you all as you consider a united UU fellowship with other UU congregations and fellowships in WV. In thinking about your long-term sustainability, you have our faith in all of West Virginia in mind. This is a faithful move and action in the trust sense of the word, and I am both blown over at the ingenuity that you all have, and am grateful for your care of a faith I love in a state I have come to call home.
 
Thank you for our time together, and for all of the ways you carry our faith into the world. I look forward to seeing you and celebrating all you are June 13th.
 
In Faith and Love,
Rev. Kayla

Meeting Status Update 6-13-21

EXCITING NEWS!!

Prepare to GATHER IN PERSON once again!! That being said, we have also decided to take a Summer break in our programming.

This is a complicated decision, but we feel that with the level of fully vaccinated folks in our State, we are able to cautiously start meeting in person again! We plan to meet ONCE A MONTH in both July and August at an outdoor venue (watch for Events!). Congregation members are welcome to bring family and close friends, but the exact location will be shared by our private mailing list, or direct inquiry only.

**We are asking that folk who attend be fully vaccinated for everyone’s safety**

There will be a short opening service, followed by a pot-luck picnic! We look forward to seeing everyone in person again!

We are asking that folks who want to attend regular streaming services during July and August please consider attending the Charleston Unitarian Universalist Church – http://www.uucharlestonwv.org/calendar-of-events/

We are hoping to start meeting INDOORS again as early as September, depending on the pandemic situation and our ability to continue providing streaming services for those folks who cannot attend in person, either due to health or distance. Please understand that when we do start meeting again indoors, PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION for ALL attendees may be required! More information on that will be available later.

Much love to everyone and thanks so much for sticking with us during these difficult times!

Small Numbers, Infinite Possibilities – Part 3

Small Numbers, Infinite Possibilities - Part 3

Part 3 - "Stewardship and Sustainability for the Long Haul" - A Year of Learning and Connection for Smaller Congregations. Brought to you by your Regional UUA Congregational Life Staff. https://www.uua.org/central-east/blog/small-numbers-infinite-possibilities Join us for the third in a series of 4 Webinars designed to help Small Congregations reach their full potential! Join us as we watch a recording of the live webinar and have discussion and community. These will be offered in lieu of the regular Sunday Service on the following dates: 1/19, 1/26, 2/16, 2/23 These webinars run approximately 1.5hrs There will be a "Pie Day" regional gathering in March for participating congregations to get together and discuss what they learned over the course of the series. I am hoping that OUR Fellowship will have the opportunity to host this event. Here is the list of webinars: Part 1 - Smalls Making a Big Difference (1/19 - luncheon) Part 2 - Right Sizing Your Congregations' Operations (1/26 - pizza) Part 3 - Stewardship and Sustainability for the Long Haul (2/16 - luncheon) Part 4 - Being Beloved Community (2/23 - pizza) Pi Day In-Person Event Near(ish) You! March 14, 2020 Why Pi Day? Small number, infinite possibility! Facilitated by our regional staff with a video welcome from UUA president Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray Meet other smaller congregation leaders Meaningful conversations Share support, ideas, and resources Explore opportunities for collaboration and ongoing shared learning Of course, there will be PIE! Want to be on our email list? Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/gDT52z Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1044190312590548/"

New Affiliate Minister!

We are excited to have the Reverend Kayla Parker joining our Fellowship as Affiliate Minister!

Rev. Kayla was approved by congregational vote on January 5th, 2020. She has agreed to do six services for us through November 2020. She will be leading a service approximately every two months.

Rev. Kayla brings a fresh, new energy into our Fellowship and we are happy to have the opportunity to work with her!

In addition to being our Affiliate Minister, Rev. Kayla Parker currently serves as a Chaplain Resident at St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, WV. There, she particularly enjoys working on the Behavioral Health Unit, as well at recovery centers in the greater community. Previously, she served as the Minister of Congregational Life at All Souls Unitarian in Indianapolis, IN and the Contract Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charleston, WV.

Welcome to the NRUUF Family, Rev. Kayla!