Entries by Craig Harris

Ministerial Search Update

The 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 […]

What ballerina is on an American coin?

In 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 […]

What does rain smell like?

Rain 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 […]

Count On Me

This 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

The 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 […]

What was the inspiration for Godzilla?

The 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 […]

Turning Points in UU History

This 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 […]

What animal is known for walking into snowstorms?

Most 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 […]

Ministerial Search Update

The 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 […]