We are urgently requesting donations of events, vacation homes, services, classes, and specialty food items! Simply submit your listing using the auction donation form and we will contact you. Find creative inspiration on our Donations Ideas List.
To date we have +200 of our 300 goal for physical donations (keep them coming! Last day to notify us of your donation is October 16th)
But we only have 5 of our goal of 25 experiences, services, and vacation home submissions!
Kick up the fun-raising and offer a themed party, class, service or vacation home! In recent years these have raised 70% of our total funds – critical to reach the $20,000 goal!
Events large and small, fixed price or bid item, all are highly sought after and great ways to meet other UUs and build community. Offering a vacation home stay creates amazing opportunities for memory-making – take it from longtime member Gus in his video message!
As humans, we each have a deep need for intimacy, friendship and community. As Unitarian Universalists, we fulfill these needs as we give and receive from one another. Contact care@uufws.org if you are in need of a kindness, or would like to be with another as they are facing their storm.
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dayne-topkin-jU_JzSFYN2Y-unsplash.jpg400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-10-02 13:40:192025-10-02 14:02:46Caring for Each Other
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Volunteers-Needed.png400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-09-25 23:20:152025-09-25 23:20:15Share Your Gifts On Sundays
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Help-UUs-Serve.png400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-09-25 21:36:082025-09-25 21:36:08You Can Now Sign Up for All the UUs Serve Opportunities in One Place!
This Sunday, we kicked off our year’s worship theme of Stories of Bread and Roses, by hearing the story of the origin of the phrase “Bread and Roses”.
We learned that it likely came from Helen Todd, factory inspector turned Suffragette due to her heartbreak over seeing children working in factories. We also learned that it was likely written down by Helen because of Maggie, the hired help of an older woman hosting the Suffragettes on their tour across Illinois. Maggie shared with the Suffragettes that their reflection on how we needed “bread, and roses, too” was her favorite part. The phrase then went on to become a rally cry and song for workers and so many other fighting for justice.
To read Helen’s full article in American Illustrated Magazine, Volume 72, you can go to the Google books link here, and then search for “Helen Todd”. This will take you to her article “Getting Out the Vote” on page 611.
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Reflections.png400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-09-25 17:44:202025-09-25 17:45:30Reflections From 9/21/2025 ~ Bread and Roses
Small Group Ministry (SGM) is a program that deepens relationships amongst members and friends, creating intimate spaces to explore UU values in our growing congregation. There are openings in our traditional small groups (themes vary monthly), groups based on a book, and groups based on a specific theme. These groups fill up fast, so don’t hesitate!
SGM groups typically gather monthly around a UU values-based theme or resource/book. Groups re-formed or expanded in September/October of each program year, and they run through June of the following year.
Small groups are covenantal, confidential, closed, and committed. Small Group Ministry functions best when all members of a group attend regularly. This builds trust based on shared experiences.
If attending regularly is challenging for you, reach out to Caron with questions about other ways to engage in community that require less commitment.
Signing up for groups that begin in January 2026 does not commit you to that group nor does it guarantee a spot. This is one of several ways we’re assessing interest for our January startup groups.
NOTE: Due to limited space, members and friends who are not facilitating a small group may participate in ONE small group at a time.
Please make your selection by Sunday, October 5th. SGM facilitators will be in touch after that date with specific details about your group.
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Small-Group-Ministry.png400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-09-25 09:20:442025-09-25 17:13:53Small Group Ministry Signup Deadline Extended!
If you play a musical instrument we would love to have you join us! If you are interested in joining a UUFWS House Band, please complete the interest form
Next Rehearsals at 2:00 – 4:00 pm on:
October 19 • November 9 • November 16
First Performance: November 23
Second Performance: January 25
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/House-Band-Coming-Soon.png400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-09-16 10:22:552025-09-25 22:55:29A UUFWS House Band Is Forming!
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Fall-2025-Grounds-Work-Day.jpg400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-09-15 13:03:032025-09-15 13:06:29Fall Grounds Work Day
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston Salem (UUFWS) Veterans would like to recognize and celebrate those of us that have served in the US Military. Please send your photos to slides@uufws.org . Be sure to put “Veteran” in the subject line and include any relevant information such as name, date, location and relation, if not self, before 4 November.
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Coffeehouse-interest-Meeteing-1.png400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-09-03 16:14:472025-09-03 16:16:28Calling All Musicians, Music Lovers, and Marguerite’s Coffeehouse Fans!
The Clothes Closet remains closed on a permanent basis. All of the remaining donations have been given to other community helping organizations. We are not able to accept or process any further donations.
Please share your future donations with either The Shalom Project, at 631 South Green St. or Sunnyside Ministries, at 319 Haled Drive.
This past Sunday, Rev. Kenneth Pettigrew and Rev. Kayla engaged in a conversation on what it is to worship and be in community across theological, cultural and racial diversity. Rev. Kenneth named that often in predominantly white spaces, the people of color are not seen as being there, or fully human. This naming received words of gratitude from the congregation. He also named that it is a matter of intellectual integrity and honesty to be able to express different names for and expressions of the holy in theologically diverse spaces (including God and Jesus).
He challenged us: how can we be present and take the light, word, hope we find when we’re together, while acknowledging not everything can be for us in a space of theological and cultural diversity?
And I challenge us: let’s be more consciously present of what speaks to us, and what we imagine might speak to someone else. Let’s move that imagination into knowing by taking the time to have a real conversation and get to know someone we don’t know. Especially someone who has a different theology or culture from us, someone who is of a different race, class or age group.
We are only as real, as deep and as honest as we make ourselves. Let’s co-create this community together.
Curious about how we are framing being in such a diverse community, working to truly make space for all, instead of unconsciously centering a few? Read more about Paula Cole Jones’ framework of Community of Communities here.
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Reflections.png400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-08-28 10:08:052025-08-28 10:10:04Reflections From 8/24/2025 ~ In Conversation: On Being Human
What a beautiful weekend we shared at Laurel Ridge. From heartfelt conversations and laughter around the firepit to quiet moments of journaling and connection, the 2025 UUFWS Women’s Retreat was a true gift. Thank you to everyone who brought your spirit, stories, and presence to this sacred space. Whether you shared, danced, hiked, sang, or simply rested—you helped shape a weekend of deep nourishment and joy.
We’re already dreaming ahead! Save the Date: August 14–16, 2026
We’ll return to Laurel Ridge next summer, and we hope you’ll join us again. More details will be shared in the spring, but for now, mark your calendars and hold the vision of gathering once more.
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/August-16-18-2024-Thank-you-495-x-400-px.png400495Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-08-28 09:39:242025-08-28 09:39:24Reflections From the Mountain Women’s Retreat – And a Look Ahead
https://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/UUAM-1.png788940Libbie Mayrhttps://uufws.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Horiz-logo-NAM.pngLibbie Mayr2025-08-07 15:29:352025-08-07 15:29:35UU Animal Ministry: Now Meeting Every Other Month
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Auction Update! Donation Submissions Due by Oct. 16th!
(That’s just two weeks away!)
We are urgently requesting donations of events, vacation homes, services, classes, and specialty food items! Simply submit your listing using the auction donation form and we will contact you. Find creative inspiration on our Donations Ideas List.
To date we have +200 of our 300 goal for physical donations (keep them coming! Last day to notify us of your donation is October 16th)
But we only have 5 of our goal of 25 experiences, services, and vacation home submissions!
Kick up the fun-raising and offer a themed party, class, service or vacation home! In recent years these have raised 70% of our total funds – critical to reach the $20,000 goal!
Events large and small, fixed price or bid item, all are highly sought after and great ways to meet other UUs and build community. Offering a vacation home stay creates amazing opportunities for memory-making – take it from longtime member Gus in his video message!
DONORS – WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU NOW!
Reach the Auction Team directly.
Caring for Each Other
As humans, we each have a deep need for intimacy, friendship and community. As Unitarian Universalists, we fulfill these needs as we give and receive from one another. Contact care@uufws.org if you are in need of a kindness, or would like to be with another as they are facing their storm.
Share Your Gifts On Sundays
You Can Now Sign Up for All the UUs Serve Opportunities in One Place!
Reflections From 9/21/2025 ~ Bread and Roses
This Sunday, we kicked off our year’s worship theme of Stories of Bread and Roses, by hearing the story of the origin of the phrase “Bread and Roses”.
We learned that it likely came from Helen Todd, factory inspector turned Suffragette due to her heartbreak over seeing children working in factories. We also learned that it was likely written down by Helen because of Maggie, the hired help of an older woman hosting the Suffragettes on their tour across Illinois. Maggie shared with the Suffragettes that their reflection on how we needed “bread, and roses, too” was her favorite part. The phrase then went on to become a rally cry and song for workers and so many other fighting for justice.
To read Helen’s full article in American Illustrated Magazine, Volume 72, you can go to the Google books link here, and then search for “Helen Todd”. This will take you to her article “Getting Out the Vote” on page 611.
Small Group Ministry Signup Deadline Extended!
Small Group Ministry (SGM) is a program that deepens relationships amongst members and friends, creating intimate spaces to explore UU values in our growing congregation. There are openings in our traditional small groups (themes vary monthly), groups based on a book, and groups based on a specific theme. These groups fill up fast, so don’t hesitate!
SGM groups typically gather monthly around a UU values-based theme or resource/book. Groups re-formed or expanded in September/October of each program year, and they run through June of the following year.
Small groups are covenantal, confidential, closed, and committed. Small Group Ministry functions best when all members of a group attend regularly. This builds trust based on shared experiences.
If attending regularly is challenging for you, reach out to Caron with questions about other ways to engage in community that require less commitment.
Signing up for groups that begin in January 2026 does not commit you to that group nor does it guarantee a spot. This is one of several ways we’re assessing interest for our January startup groups.
NOTE: Due to limited space, members and friends who are not facilitating a small group may participate in ONE small group at a time.
Please make your selection by Sunday, October 5th. SGM facilitators will be in touch after that date with specific details about your group.
A UUFWS House Band Is Forming!
If you play a musical instrument we would love to have you join us! If you are interested in joining a UUFWS House Band, please complete the interest form
Next Rehearsals at 2:00 – 4:00 pm on:
October 19 • November 9 • November 16
First Performance: November 23
Second Performance: January 25
Fall Grounds Work Day
New Year, New Sundays!
UUFWS Veterans: Call for Photos
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston Salem (UUFWS) Veterans would like to recognize and celebrate those of us that have served in the US Military. Please send your photos to slides@uufws.org . Be sure to put “Veteran” in the subject line and include any relevant information such as name, date, location and relation, if not self, before 4 November.
Any questions please contact John O’Connor at uuveterans@uufws.org.
You’re Invited! Keys to the Community: Centering Our Gifts
Young Adult Teambuilding, Ropes Course, and Zipline at Crossnore’s Miracle Heights
Calling All Musicians, Music Lovers, and Marguerite’s Coffeehouse Fans!
Clothes Closet Closure
The Clothes Closet remains closed on a permanent basis. All of the remaining donations have been given to other community helping organizations. We are not able to accept or process any further donations.
Please share your future donations with either The Shalom Project, at 631 South Green St. or Sunnyside Ministries, at 319 Haled Drive.
If you have questions, contact pam@uufws.org
Reflections From 8/24/2025 ~ In Conversation: On Being Human
This past Sunday, Rev. Kenneth Pettigrew and Rev. Kayla engaged in a conversation on what it is to worship and be in community across theological, cultural and racial diversity. Rev. Kenneth named that often in predominantly white spaces, the people of color are not seen as being there, or fully human. This naming received words of gratitude from the congregation. He also named that it is a matter of intellectual integrity and honesty to be able to express different names for and expressions of the holy in theologically diverse spaces (including God and Jesus).
He challenged us: how can we be present and take the light, word, hope we find when we’re together, while acknowledging not everything can be for us in a space of theological and cultural diversity?
And I challenge us: let’s be more consciously present of what speaks to us, and what we imagine might speak to someone else. Let’s move that imagination into knowing by taking the time to have a real conversation and get to know someone we don’t know. Especially someone who has a different theology or culture from us, someone who is of a different race, class or age group.
We are only as real, as deep and as honest as we make ourselves. Let’s co-create this community together.
Curious about how we are framing being in such a diverse community, working to truly make space for all, instead of unconsciously centering a few? Read more about Paula Cole Jones’ framework of Community of Communities here.
Reflections From the Mountain Women’s Retreat – And a Look Ahead
What a beautiful weekend we shared at Laurel Ridge. From heartfelt conversations and laughter around the firepit to quiet moments of journaling and connection, the 2025 UUFWS Women’s Retreat was a true gift. Thank you to everyone who brought your spirit, stories, and presence to this sacred space. Whether you shared, danced, hiked, sang, or simply rested—you helped shape a weekend of deep nourishment and joy.
We’re already dreaming ahead! Save the Date: August 14–16, 2026
We’ll return to Laurel Ridge next summer, and we hope you’ll join us again. More details will be shared in the spring, but for now, mark your calendars and hold the vision of gathering once more.
With gratitude and hope, Women’s Retreat Coordinator
womensretreat@uufws.org
UU Animal Ministry: Now Meeting Every Other Month