July/August 2025

Congregational Engagement News: UUCWC Group Leaders Resource Guide Available

By Martha Bell and Holly Bussey, Congregational Engagement Ministry

UUCWC honors its incredible leaders in various ways—during chalice lightings, through words from our ministers, and through leadership recognitions. Another way we can show our appreciation is by providing resources to help everyone become better volunteers and leaders.

That’s why members of the Congregational Engagement ministry have created a new UUCWC Group Leaders’ Resource Guide. It covers best practices, how our ministries and committees operate, the basics of scheduling and managing meetings, and practical topics such as budgeting.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Visit the Leadership Resources webpage and download the new guide. Note that the last section, “Leadership Basics Cheat Sheet,” is also offered as a 1-page (double-sided) quick reference that you can print and use.
2. To open the Guide, use the same password you use to open the Church Directory.
3. If you need more guidance and information, email us at congeng@uucwc.org. We’re here to support you!

Congregational Engagement | Spotlight on Family Ministry: Many Ways to Get Involved

By Martha Bell, Congregational Engagement Ministry

There is something truly special about helping kids with their spiritual development. Participating in Family Ministry offers a unique kind of worship that not only allows you to be silly and spontaneous but also provides adults with a life-enhancing opportunity to listen to our children, nurture their sense of belonging, and hear them articulate their faith. Adults often learn about their own spirituality as they share it with our children. The work of developing inquisitive, justice-oriented, compassionate members of society has huge potential for impact, not just for you personally, but for UUCWC and the greater world.

How You Can Participate

There are many one-time events where volunteers are welcomed. Here are some examples of projects you might want to participate in:

• Social and holiday events that support families connecting with each other and the church
• Super Sundays, which are all-ages activities during the full worship hour
• Volunteering in the nursery to introduce the youngest members of our congregation to rituals like chalice lightings and singing together

More About Family Ministry

Family Ministry members work with the Director of Family Ministry. Together, they strategize our children’s educational programming and how to support it, taking the long view of a child’s experience at church from nursery to bridging at 18 years old.

Teachers are fully supported with prep time and supplies, and do not need any teaching background to take on this role, which sits at the center of our ministry. There are also many ways to participate that don’t involve teaching, including working to support individual projects or events. Anyone who loves kids can support our families and parents by volunteering in the Family Ministry program! Contact the Director of Family Ministry, Julie Rigano, at jrigano@uucwc.org to learn more.

Roland Rahn Memorial Scholarship Fund Supports Culinary Academy Graduates

By Marcia Wittmann, Food Ministry

Roland (Rollie) Rahn, a cherished UUCWC member and co-founder of the Food Ministry, believed that no one should ever go hungry. He loved cooking, and his mission was to prepare meals for the underserved whenever he could. After Rollie passed away in 2015, Lori, his wife, and Renae and Natalie, his daughters, established a scholarship fund to support young adults.

This June, the scholarship fund awarded $948 to purchase chef knife sets for 11 graduating students of Emilio’s Culinary Academy, a workforce training initiative of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). Established in 2020, the academy creates culinary employment pathways for non-traditional students who face significant barriers, such as past incarceration, substance abuse recovery, homelessness, and chronic poverty.

Students receive intensive, hands-on training in menu planning, purchasing, meal preparation, and food safety. In addition, participants receive extensive wraparound support to address barriers that could impact their success, including transportation stipends, case management and housing referrals, workforce preparedness counseling, financial literacy education, digital literacy training, and life and soft skills development.

Rollie was known to be a stickler for sharp knives, and when Lori first learned that graduates were given knife sets, she jumped at the opportunity to provide them through the scholarship fund. “Giving these deserving students the tools of the trade that will help them achieve their goals would mean so much to Rollie,” said Lori.

Lori and Renae presented the knife sets and a certificate to each of the graduating students at a ceremony on June 19. A gourmet dinner prepared by academy students preceded the ceremony. At the event, a few of the students shared their aspirations with Lori and Renae: “To operate a food truck.” “To work in a restaurant kitchen.” “To prepare meals tailored to people with MS.”

The certificate presented to each of the graduates reads, in part:

“The scholarship honors the memory of our former co-chair, Rollie Rahn, who left a legacy of support for those entering the culinary field. Rollie believed that feeding those in need was an act of love and service.

“May you continue his legacy and passion for cooking as you use these knives, whether it be for friends, family, those in need, or in your professional career.”

Support UUCWC Every Time You Grocery Shop: It’s Easy!

By Holly Bussey and Steve Saddlemire for the RaiseRight Team

We all need groceries, so why not help UUCWC while you’re at it? Whether you shop at Acme, ShopRite, Giant, or another store, you can support the church simply by purchasing gift cards through RaiseRight.

Here’s How It Works

Stop by the RaiseRight table in the Crossings Room on Sundays starting in late August. A team member will assist you in placing an order for grocery store gift cards. You can pay for them with a check (preferred) or Venmo, then pick them up at UUCWC. Afterward, just use the gift cards when you shop.

Once you have the cards, place the gift cards in your wallet or with your regularly used credit cards. Then, when you shop, pay by using the gift cards. It’s that simple. Every time you use a gift card purchased through RaiseRight, UUCWC earns a percentage of the value at no extra cost to you. You can order cards in large or small amounts, and once you get into the habit, it becomes automatic.

Attending Virtually?

No problem! Contact us at raiseright@uucwc.org, and we’ll help you arrange a convenient way to participate. If your preferred grocery store isn’t listed, let us know; we may be able to accommodate your request.

Feedback from a Longtime RaiseRight Shopper

“Once I got used to it, it was easy—and UUCWC can earn cash. Why wouldn’t everyone do this?”

When You Need More Cards

• Email us at raiseright@uucwc.org.
• Stop by the RaiseRight table on Sunday.
• Contact us directly if you’re a virtual attendee.

Gift Cards are Available Monthly

This is a simple way to make your grocery shopping more meaningful. Instead of paying by credit card or cash, use RaiseRight gift cards and help support UUCWC with every trip to the store.

Why not give it a try? Stop by the table, send us an email, or reach out with questions, we’d love to help you get started.

Council for Faith in Action News

Celebrating Community and Connection with Trenton Microloan Collective

By Holly Bussey, Facilitator, Faith Expression and Funding Team Ministry  

On Sunday, July 27, members of the Trenton Microloan Collaborative (TMC) joined our worship service to share stories of hope, transformation, and entrepreneurship. During coffee hour, we were treated to delicious cupcakes from one of TMC’s loan recipients—Royal Cakes & Café, located at 240 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ. Visit them on Facebook.

TMC offers zero-interest loans, accounting assistance, and ongoing support to formerly incarcerated individuals working to build successful businesses in the Trenton area.

One of those entrepreneurs, Jeff Augustine of Dealz Dealz Dealz (103 E. State St.), spoke to the congregation about his journey. His retail store sells clothing, handbags, and more. Watch a short video introduction here. During fellowship, Jeff shared, “Help doesn’t know any boundaries. People can be any color, creed, or orientation, and they just want to help us build success.”

One of the best ways we can support these entrepreneurs is by visiting their businesses. Shopping local becomes even more meaningful when it helps build stronger communities, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love great baked goods?

TMC Board member Jacque Howard also spoke during coffee hour, expressing how warmly he felt welcomed:

“You folks are incredibly welcoming! That was clear the minute I came through the door. After speaking with many of you, I’ve concluded: 1) You are incredibly loving and welcoming; 2) you love to eat; and 3) you love to laugh. Joyful caring is alive here, and we look forward to building closer ties.”

This event was sponsored by UUCWC’s Council for Faith in Action, through its Racial Justice, Faith Expression, and Funding Ministries. Last year, UUCWC contributed $6,000 to TMC, supporting three microgrants. We hope to continue welcoming recipients of our support so we can deepen these community connections.

Want to learn more about how your 50% of the plate donations make a difference? Interested in supporting or getting involved with TMC? Contact us at: FaithFunding@uucwc.org or RacialJustice@uucwc.org

May this be a joyful year of giving and connection for us all.

Jessica Alaimo

Parker Cohen

Help Us Revitalize and Reposition Murray Grove: Your Gift Will Be Matched!

By Jessica Alaimo, Executive Director, Murray Grove & Parker Cohen, Murray Grove Board Secretary

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the birthplace of Universalism! Murray Grove has received a generous grant from the UUA for its revitalization and repositioning. This support acknowledges our efforts and inspires us to move forward, as it allows us to double the impact of every dollar we raise.

The grant will fund a new part-time development staff member, increasing our ability to build relationships, share our story, and secure the resources necessary for success. The important point is this: it’s a matching grant. This means every donation we get up to a certain limit will be matched by the UUA, doubling your support and helping us reach our goal faster.

For more than 250 years, Murray Grove has been sacred ground for seekers, thinkers, families, and leaders. It’s the birthplace of Universalism in America, a refuge for renewal, and a vibrant gathering place for all people, including those who have been historically marginalized. Today, we’re proud to continue this legacy by welcoming a diverse range of groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and families, social justice organizations, interfaith communities, and of course, UU congregations from across the region.

Now, we’re entering a new chapter. Revitalization means expanding our programming, deepening our justice work, improving our facilities, and ensuring Murray Grove continues to serve generations to come. With your help, we can meet, and exceed , the UUA’s match, strengthening our foundation for the future.

Whether your congregation has visited Murray Grove recently or has fond memories from years past, we invite you to be part of this transformative moment.

To donate and learn more, visit www.murraygrove.org/donate. Together, we can ensure that Murray Grove remains a beacon of love, justice, and spiritual growth for all.

Making the World More Fair and Caring: Voices from UUCWC

The Violent Undoing of the American Democratic Spirit

By Michael Wilson

Let’s agree on something that should be obvious but increasingly feels like a whisper in a hurricane: violence erodes democracy. It doesn’t just break bones or windows; it weakens the invisible bonds of trust and mutual responsibility that keep a diverse society functioning. It doesn’t just threaten lives; it hollows out a nation’s civic soul.

In recent years, we have observed something troubling and personal: the subtle and obvious normalization of political violence in American life. This trend has developed not only in words, gestures, or occasional actions but also in governance—weaponized, politicized, and increasingly disconnected from the quiet virtues that uphold democratic citizenship. At the center of this storm has been Donald Trump.

President Trump’s approach to power has not been one of stewardship but of siege. His actions have not focused on governance through norms and persuasion but through threats, chaos, and spectacle. Essentially, he has turned the machinery of the state against the very idea of community, using fear to divide, threats to manipulate, and force to suppress.

And yet, this isn’t just about Trump. His behavior is extreme, but the environment was already ripe. The broader conservative movement, especially its more radical factions, has long embraced polarization as a political tool. We’ve witnessed election interference, wedge issues, gerrymandering, misinformation, and a deliberate erosion of trust in democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary.

So, where does this leave us? Many thinkers across the ideological spectrum have offered blueprints for repairing the wreckage. They propose restoring voting rights, securing the information system, reforming Congress, and placing limits on executive power. Some suggest that we need to rebuild democratic norms and enhance civic disposition. All are thoughtful proposals. But what is missing is the personal, intrinsically motivating, moral, and emotional dimensions of democracy.

You can’t legislate an essence that inspires a person’s life force, spirit in the power needed to fulfill their lives, or command pride in compromise and collaboration. Yet this is how democracy functions, and what the violence in the streets and our hearts is destroying. It is not a failure of policy, but rather a failure of personal connection to the meaning of democracy that is unraveling. And it is our inability to recognize how violence has brought us here that leaves us helpless to change.

The great paradox of our time is that we desperately seek community and meaning but are increasingly encouraged to see fellow citizens as enemies. We can’t simply fix our democracy from the top down; we must rebuild it from the inside out, starting within our hearts, homes, neighborhoods, classrooms, and community centers where democratic habits are learned or lost.

There are no shortcuts. It cannot start until we can see the violence within and without. Our only recourse is to recognize the whole problem and learn to live and work united in a democracy full of freedom for all Americans. That is the antidote to violence. That is the real beginning of freedom.