Restoring Our Spirits in Summertime, Sunday, June 11, 2023

Ruby Wiles

​Jamestown, N.Y. – “Summer is a good time to restore our spirits, by resting, playing, learning, and giving our brains time to put things together,” says Ruby Wiles, founder/director of Warren, Pennsylvania’s Free Books for Kids Town. “It is a time to be aware of opening doors and opportunities that might come our way.”

The former Lutheran pastor, who served in North Dakota, New York City and Kane, Pennsylvania, will deliver the message “Restoring Our Spirits in Summertime” when she addresses the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown’s (UUCJ) hybrid service Sunday, June 11, 10:30 a.m.

Wiles’ message relates primarily to the second and third of the seven Principles that Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations, and acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.

Passionate about encouraging children to read by having books that belong to them, Wiles will share a Story for All Ages. 

In 2017, Wiles received the UUCJ’s Richard T. Parker Award for Social Justice that recognizes individuals whose volunteer work for social justice has not been widely acknowledged. The research she shared on the importance of books in the home for a child’s future success inspired the church’s Social Justice Committee to prioritize giving away books, most recently during Jamestown’s Memorial Day parade.

Rosemary MacKown, UUCJ’s longtime pianist who is now retired, returns to share her music with the congregation this Sunday. 

Participation can be in person at 1255 Prendergast Avenue in Jamestown or online. To join virtually, use the link at UUJamestown.org/calendar. 

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown is a progressive, liberal religious community serving the southern tier of Western New York and Warren County, Pa. The UUCJ’s mission is to support and celebrate each other, encourage spiritual and individual growth, and serve the wider community.

---