Something’s always happening at UUCDC.
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MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMPLETE!
in NewsAfter a nearly year-long process, a candidate for settled minister at UUCDC has been chosen! Because there are still a few I’s that need to be dotted and T’s that must be crossed, the name of this person cannot yet be revealed. More information will be provided once everything is officially set. On Sunday, April… Continue Reading MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMPLETE!
The hypothalamus is a tiny part of the brain that serves many functions. Among them, it tells us to laugh when we experience a light touch to a sensitive area, and at the same time, tells us to expect a painful sensation. That’s why we tell people to stop. Laughing when tickled could be a… Continue Reading
How do chimpanzees recognize each other?
in TriviaHumans recognize others by their faces. And yes, chimpanzees can do that. But they also recognize each other by looking at their anogenital areas, their butts. Rear ends serve a big purpose in the chimp world. Bottoms and faces are both symmetrical, and interpreting what a behind is saying is crucial to chimpanzees’ reproductive success,… Continue Reading How do chimpanzees recognize each other?
Happy
in Weekly Musical InspirationThere is one particular song that embodies April’s Soul Matters theme: The Practice of Joy. When Pharrell Williams was young, he always had big goals. He still believes that the sky’s the limit, and has a song that lightens his spirit and brings him joy whenever he’s upset or angry: Happy.
Thresholds
in Share the PlateThe Share the Plate recipient for April is Thresholds, a nonprofit organization working to prevent violence and enhance problem-solving skills, and provides education to develop a more positive self-image for incarcerated citizens. Share the Plate receives half of all plate collections and funds received by text: $20 to 610-756-8883 for a $20 donation.
How did Louis Armstrong get the nickname Satchmo?
in TriviaLouis Armstrong had many nicknames as a child, all of which referred to the size of his mouth: “Gatemouth,” “Dippermouth,” and “Satchelmouth.” During a visit to Great Britain, Louis was met by Percy Brooks, the editor of Melody Maker magazine, who greeted him by saying, “Hello, Satchmo!” (He had inadvertently contracted “Satchelmouth” into “Satchmo.”) Louis… Continue Reading How did Louis Armstrong get the nickname Satchmo?
What country lies south of Detroit, Michigan?
in TriviaIf you take the Ambassador Bridge south from Detroit, it will take you directly into Windsor, Ontario, the only major Canadian city south of the U.S. Windsor is home to, among other things, an engine plant for Ford. Detroiters had been able to pop down to Windsor and do duty-free shopping. But with tariffs, is… Continue Reading What country lies south of Detroit, Michigan?
Ministerial Search Update
in NewsThe Ministerial Search Committee has finished meeting with the pre-candidates for settled minister at UUCDC. Over the next few weeks, the committee will be meeting and discussing their relative suitability for our congregation. Our rankings of these candidates will be submitted to the UUA before the end of March, and the name of our candidate… Continue Reading Ministerial Search Update
What ballerina is on an American coin?
in TriviaIn 2023, the US mint released a quarter that bears the image of the woman considered to have been America’s first prima ballerina, known as Maria Tallchief. Her American name was actually Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief, and her Osage name, Wa-Xthe-Thoṉba, translates to Two Standards. Her stage and Osage names adorn the back of the… Continue Reading What ballerina is on an American coin?
What does rain smell like?
in TriviaRain itself has no scent. But moments before a rain event or as it begins, an earthy smell known as petrichor permeates the air. This comes from the moistening of the ground. Tiny microorganisms decompose dead or decaying organic matter, and a byproduct is a type of alcohol that has a strong scent. Its complex… Continue Reading What does rain smell like?
Count On Me
in Weekly Musical InspirationThis Soul Matters theme for March is The Practice of Trust. In that spirit, the First Unitarian Brooklyn has a cover of Bruno Mars’ Count On Me. As the lyrics say, “We find out what we’re made of when we are called to help our friends in need.”
ACHIEVEability
in Share the PlateThe Share the Plate recipient for March is ACHIEVEability, a nonprofit working in West Philadelphia to permanently break the generational cycle of poverty for low-income, single parent and homeless families through higher education, affordable housing, supportive services, community and economic development and accountability. Share the Plate receives half of all plate collections and funds received… Continue Reading ACHIEVEability
What was the inspiration for Godzilla?
in TriviaThe first movie to popularize the idea that nuclear weapons could “awaken” something monstrous was The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms. It is cited as having inspired the movie Godzilla. Based in part on a short story by Ray Bradbury and with stop-motion effects by Ray Harryhausen, Beast was one of the top grossing films of… Continue Reading What was the inspiration for Godzilla?
Turning Points in UU History
in NewsThis six-session series is an exploration of turning points and controversies in our Unitarian Universalist history. Facilitated by Mark Bernstein, each 75-minute session reflects the different sides involved in the controversy, inviting you to put yourself in the shoes of those who lived through it. This class is offered in two formats on March 18… Continue Reading Turning Points in UU History
What animal is known for walking into snowstorms?
in TriviaMost animals will run away from an approaching snowstorm. But one member of the bovine family, bison, turns into storms, meeting them head on. According to the National Bison Association, bison do this instinctively, knowing that if they head into the storm, they can get through it more quickly, effectively reducing their exposure. It helps… Continue Reading What animal is known for walking into snowstorms?
Ministerial Search Update
in NewsThe Ministerial Search Committee has begun meeting with candidates who want to be our settled minister! This process will continue through late March. The visits include an extensive interview and dinner, and giving them a tour of UUCDC and the surrounding area. Candidates provide vesper services. Candidating Week will be from May 3-11. That is… Continue Reading Ministerial Search Update
What do you mean, George Washington wasn’t our first president?
in TriviaThough George Washington was the first President of the United States, he technically wasn’t the first person in the federal government with the title of “president.” Washington was elected under the government formed by the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788. But in 1781, the Articles of Confederation — the United States’ first constitution… Continue Reading What do you mean, George Washington wasn’t our first president?
Inclusion Song
in Weekly Musical InspirationInspired by people with special needs and physical, intellectual, emotional, and psychological/mental challenges, Amber Crowley wrote a song that promotes kindness and acceptance of diversity in our schools and workplace. Hear now The Inclusion Song.
Baker Industries
in Share the PlateThe Share the Plate recipient for February is Baker Industries, a paid workforce development program serving adults with intellectual or physical disabilities, on parole/probation, or have other barriers. They operate in Malvern and Philadelphia. Share the Plate receives half of all plate collections and funds received by text: $20 to 610-756-8883 for a $20 donation.
What little critters are elephants afraid of?
in TriviaYou’ve probably heard that elephants are scared of mice. Not really. However, they are afraid of bees. If they disturb a hive, the bees come out and attack them, stinging their eyes, behind their ears, and in their trunks. Elephants even have a sound that they make, a bee rumble, when they hear bees. A… Continue Reading What little critters are elephants afraid of?