What's Happening
​​​​​​​Christmas Alternative Giving Program
This Christmas our Alternative Giving Program contributions will go to support World Central Kitchen (WCK). WCK is a nonprofit organization that provides fresh meals at the frontlines when disaster strikes. WCK partners with a network of local restaurants, food trucks, and emergency kitchens so that people can receive meals quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK purchases local ingredients to cook with or to distribute directly to families in need. Since its founding, it has served more than 500 million meals throughout the world that are comforting, nutritious and culturally respectful. The Alternative Giving Program will designate the donation made in your name for WCK’s operations in Gaza.
You can support the Christmas Alternative Giving Program by a cash or check donation at the Alternative Giving table in the narthex of RUC (Sundays, November 30th through January 4th). Checks should be made out to RUC and designated to Alternative Giving. You may also give online by clicking here. You may also download a special flyer to send by clicking here.
Annual Giving Tree
The annual RUC Giving Tree supports two programs of Community Reach that provide help to Montgomery County residents in financial need during the holidays. Each of the ornaments on the Giving Tree offers the opportunity to purchase gift cards for the residents of the Community Reach Houses, or toys and gift cards for Montgomery County children ages 11-17 through Community Reach’s Holiday Program.
Please select an ornament off the Giving Tree, purchase the item noted on the back, then attach the “ornament” to the unwrapped toy or gift card. Toys and gift cards may be dropped off in the labeled box and basket under the tree in the Narthex. If you prefer to donate directly to the Giving Tree, you can write a check or make an online donation on the RUC website by clicking here and choosing "Giving Tree" in the drop down.
Please make all toy or gift cards donations for the 11-17 year olds by December 14th. For gift cards/donations for the residents of the REACH houses, please provide those by Sunday, December 21st.
Questions? Contact Donna Perry-Lalley.
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2026 Stewardship Campaign Continues!
Thanks to everyone who has made an estimate of giving, we have reached 90% of our goal for the 2026 Stewardship Campaign! Your incredible generosity during a period of great uncertainty for many of us will help continue to make RUC a place of spirit-filled welcome and mission.
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As we continue our Stewardship Campaign, please know that every estimate of giving is important. Please prayerfully consider the support that you can offer to our church community for 2026.
To make your 2026 Stewardship Campaign estimate of giving you may:
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Fill out and return to the church an estimate of giving card
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Contact Bill Kirby, Finance Elder​​​​​​​
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On-going events
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Meditation Groups at RUC
Please join us for meditation at the church. No experience necessary and instruction is offered. Meditation groups meet on three different days:
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Sunday evening 7-8:30 pm meditation involves a more traditional Zen format.
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Mondays 4:30-5:30 pm in the sanctuary.
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Tuesday afternoon meditation from 4:45-6 pm.
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All groups are led by RUC member Martine Palmiter, who is a Zen teacher. Email her with questions: mpalmiter@gmail.com.
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Men's Meditation Group
The Fall 2025 season of the Men's Mindfulness Meditation group is underway - Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Further information is available in the group newsletter or contact the group facilitator Vic Caldarola.
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​Women's Breakfast: (second Saturday of each month)
The Women’s Breakfast will be meeting at 8:30 a.m. each month at The Silver Diner, 12276 Rockville Pike.​
Men's Breakfast: (third Saturday of each month)
The Men's Breakfast will be meeting at the Brooklyn Deli (1089 Seven Locks Road), to allow us to take advantage of the outdoor tables, weather permitting. We have not been able to provide a consistent Zoom connection, so the breakfast will be only in person. Hope you can join us at 8:15 AM for good food and fellowship.