Thursday, March 04, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Green Sanctuary Talk with Eric Strauss
Eric Strauss to speak at First Parish
On Friday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m., the Green Sanctuary Committee of the First Parish of Watertown will present Boston College biology professor Eric Strauss with a talk and discussion on “The Challenge of Rejuvenating America's Cities through Urban Ecology.” Strauss will lead us on a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding and transforming the role of humans as ecosystem engineers . We will learn about urban ecology as a tool for greater human sustainability in managing our cities. Strauss is the founder of the Boston College Environmental Studies Program and Co-Founder of the Urban Ecology Institute. He will use research experience in animal ecology, urban forest dynamics and science education as a platform for considering how this novel means of collaboration can build strong networks for research and community action. He will also discuss initiatives from the USDA Forest Service and the National Science Foundation that will bring about more mission-driven community involvement leading to the preservation of our environment. This event is free, and open to the public and will be held in the church sanctuary at 35 Church St., Watertown. Refreshments will be served.
On Friday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m., the Green Sanctuary Committee of the First Parish of Watertown will present Boston College biology professor Eric Strauss with a talk and discussion on “The Challenge of Rejuvenating America's Cities through Urban Ecology.” Strauss will lead us on a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding and transforming the role of humans as ecosystem engineers . We will learn about urban ecology as a tool for greater human sustainability in managing our cities. Strauss is the founder of the Boston College Environmental Studies Program and Co-Founder of the Urban Ecology Institute. He will use research experience in animal ecology, urban forest dynamics and science education as a platform for considering how this novel means of collaboration can build strong networks for research and community action. He will also discuss initiatives from the USDA Forest Service and the National Science Foundation that will bring about more mission-driven community involvement leading to the preservation of our environment. This event is free, and open to the public and will be held in the church sanctuary at 35 Church St., Watertown. Refreshments will be served.
Benefit Concert with the Dave Rowe Trio on 2/27/10
Benefit Concert on Saturday, February 27, 2010
8:00 p.m. at the First Parish, 35 Church St., Watertown
Dave Rowe Trio
Folk Music from Maine
A Benefit concert for the Helen Robinson Wright Fund - to benefit local charities and needy residents of Watertown
Admission $20 - tickets on sale at church, or go to www.fssgb.org
Refreshments will be served
Hairy-chested nautical songs, rollicking bluegrass and Appalachian tunes, old-timey instrumental masterpieces, broad-shouldered Celtic classics, captivating originals, and Downeast wit pepper every show by the Maine-based Dave Rowe Trio. This group of seasoned musicians seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary music with themes of northern New England, its interesting culture and rich heritage, effectively transporting the listener to the great state of Maine—from mountains to foothills to coast, from factory worker to farmer to fisherman. Dave’s own sturdy songcraft is uniquely suited to express these traditional themes and imagery of hard work, community, and family together with stunning clarity. The trio’s inventive use of instrumentation on guitar, mandolin, electric bass, and tin whistles along with their strong three-part vocal harmonies which hearken back to the great folk bands of the 1960s create an unique musical tapestry rarely heard in the contemporary folk landscape.
Dave Rowe has a strong heritage to draw on, having grown up immersed in music. His father was Tom Rowe, Schooner Fare's bass player. The trio includes Dave on guitar, Kevin O'Reilly, an electric bass player with a background in rock music, and Eric McDonald, a Boston-based mandolin player.
"…youthful zest, pulsing melodicism, and pedal-to-the-metal energy, Rowe and his pals prove there's nothing retro about carrying on the family name. "
Scott Alarik
The Boston Globe
8:00 p.m. at the First Parish, 35 Church St., Watertown
Dave Rowe Trio
Folk Music from Maine
A Benefit concert for the Helen Robinson Wright Fund - to benefit local charities and needy residents of Watertown
Admission $20 - tickets on sale at church, or go to www.fssgb.org
Refreshments will be served
Hairy-chested nautical songs, rollicking bluegrass and Appalachian tunes, old-timey instrumental masterpieces, broad-shouldered Celtic classics, captivating originals, and Downeast wit pepper every show by the Maine-based Dave Rowe Trio. This group of seasoned musicians seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary music with themes of northern New England, its interesting culture and rich heritage, effectively transporting the listener to the great state of Maine—from mountains to foothills to coast, from factory worker to farmer to fisherman. Dave’s own sturdy songcraft is uniquely suited to express these traditional themes and imagery of hard work, community, and family together with stunning clarity. The trio’s inventive use of instrumentation on guitar, mandolin, electric bass, and tin whistles along with their strong three-part vocal harmonies which hearken back to the great folk bands of the 1960s create an unique musical tapestry rarely heard in the contemporary folk landscape.
Dave Rowe has a strong heritage to draw on, having grown up immersed in music. His father was Tom Rowe, Schooner Fare's bass player. The trio includes Dave on guitar, Kevin O'Reilly, an electric bass player with a background in rock music, and Eric McDonald, a Boston-based mandolin player.
"…youthful zest, pulsing melodicism, and pedal-to-the-metal energy, Rowe and his pals prove there's nothing retro about carrying on the family name. "
Scott Alarik
The Boston Globe
January Events - Window Workshop, Serving a Meal, Benefit Concert
Window Workshop
Saturday, January 16
1 – 4 PM
Once again, David Russo of the Watertown Historic Commission and an expert on all things Charles Brigham, is offering his expertise to repair and restore our historic sanctuary windows. Please join Buildings & Grounds and the Green Sanctuary on Saturday, January 16, for a hands-on workshop on the structure and repair of double-hung windows.
Call Kathy Button or the church, if you are interested in attending the Windows Workshop, Saturday January 16, 1-4 PM.
Volunteering at the Friday Night Supper Club
On Friday evening, January 22, First Parish has committed once again to serving dinner to the needy at the Arlington Street Church in Boston. The program, run by the Friday Night Supper Program, has been in place since 1984. Dinner is from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., and volunteers, 14 and up are needed. Contact the church office if you help. We will meet at the church at 4pm to carpool.
Benefit Concert:
On Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., First Parish in partnership with Tremendous Hearts presents Boston’s Premier South African Musical Group Matimba ya Ripfumelo (Power of Hope) in a Benefit Concert for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa. Tickets will be on sale at church during the next few weeks.
Saturday, January 16
1 – 4 PM
Once again, David Russo of the Watertown Historic Commission and an expert on all things Charles Brigham, is offering his expertise to repair and restore our historic sanctuary windows. Please join Buildings & Grounds and the Green Sanctuary on Saturday, January 16, for a hands-on workshop on the structure and repair of double-hung windows.
Call Kathy Button or the church, if you are interested in attending the Windows Workshop, Saturday January 16, 1-4 PM.
Volunteering at the Friday Night Supper Club
On Friday evening, January 22, First Parish has committed once again to serving dinner to the needy at the Arlington Street Church in Boston. The program, run by the Friday Night Supper Program, has been in place since 1984. Dinner is from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., and volunteers, 14 and up are needed. Contact the church office if you help. We will meet at the church at 4pm to carpool.
Benefit Concert:
On Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., First Parish in partnership with Tremendous Hearts presents Boston’s Premier South African Musical Group Matimba ya Ripfumelo (Power of Hope) in a Benefit Concert for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa. Tickets will be on sale at church during the next few weeks.
Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve services at the First Parish of Watertown will be held on Thursday December 24 at 5:30 and 7;00 p.m. These candlelight services will be exactly the same. The First Parish Adult choir will sing at both services. If you have no time preference, please join us at the second service. A social hour will be held between the two services from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. Please bring cookies or other goodies to share. Cider is provided. Come enjoy a quiet, spiritual experience at First Parish.
Film Showing of Food, Inc." on Friday, December 4, 2009
"Food, Inc." to be shown at First Parish of Watertown.
The award winning film, Food, Inc. will be shown at First Parish, 35 Church Street, Watertown on Friday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. This showing in the sanctuary on a large screen is sponsored by the church's Green Sanctuary Committee. There is no charge for admission. Food, Inc. lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing how our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. What are you eating? Where does it come from? The San Francisco Examiner called the movie, "one of the year's most important films." All are welcome.
The award winning film, Food, Inc. will be shown at First Parish, 35 Church Street, Watertown on Friday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. This showing in the sanctuary on a large screen is sponsored by the church's Green Sanctuary Committee. There is no charge for admission. Food, Inc. lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing how our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. What are you eating? Where does it come from? The San Francisco Examiner called the movie, "one of the year's most important films." All are welcome.
Climate Action Initiative
CLIMATE ACTION INITIATIVE!
The Green Sanctuary Committee is excited to announce our Climate Action Initiative! Due to the urgency of climate change we are launching a year-long initiative to minimize our congregation’s energy use and help save the planet. Each month we will be offering multiple ways to get involved. This will include environmental films, speakers, low carbon actions that you can do at home and more! Please join us for the kickoff of this exciting initiative at the service on October 25th. The service coincides with the weekend of the International Day of Climate Action.
Actions planned for October
Windows Workshop
B&G and Green Sanctuary will be sponsoring a Workshop on Sat., Oct 17th from 1-4pm. David Russo of the Watertown Historical Commission will do a hands-on workshop about repairing our sanctuary windows.
Eco Vigil for Climate Change Action
Sat. October 24th 10 am to noon in Watertown Square
Come hold a sign. Stand up for the earth. Sponsored by 350.org and WCES
Climate Action Kickoff Service
Sunday, Oct 25th 11 am – 12:15 pm
Come learn more about this exciting new initiative!
Potluck and Concert
FPW is sponsoring a concert for all ages with Jim Scott on Sun. Oct. 25 at 6:30pm. It will be preceded by a potluck dinner at 5pm. Jim Scott is an exciting acoustic guitarist and composer of powerful songs that further the ideals of ecology, peace and justice. He is one of the founders of the UUA’s Green Sanctuary movement.
Low Carbon Actions
Each month we will be asking members to do a low carbon action. Carbon dioxide is the major driver of climate change (also known as global warming). Reducing our energy usage reduces the amount of carbon dioxide produced and minimizes the increase of the earth’s temperature.
This month’s climate actions are:
1) CFLs - Replace at least one incandescent light bulb in your house with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). They use one fourth of the energy of old fashioned incandescent lights (and save money!). But don’t stop at one. Try to replace 5 of your most used light bulbs.
2) Electricity Greenup - Get your electricity from wind power by signing up for NSTAR Green. This costs only about 8% more than the “standard” electricity produced from dirty coal, natural gas and nuclear. Sign up at www.nstar.com
https://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/home/energychoice/4_greenup_provider.asp
The Green Sanctuary Committee is excited to announce our Climate Action Initiative! Due to the urgency of climate change we are launching a year-long initiative to minimize our congregation’s energy use and help save the planet. Each month we will be offering multiple ways to get involved. This will include environmental films, speakers, low carbon actions that you can do at home and more! Please join us for the kickoff of this exciting initiative at the service on October 25th. The service coincides with the weekend of the International Day of Climate Action.
Actions planned for October
Windows Workshop
B&G and Green Sanctuary will be sponsoring a Workshop on Sat., Oct 17th from 1-4pm. David Russo of the Watertown Historical Commission will do a hands-on workshop about repairing our sanctuary windows.
Eco Vigil for Climate Change Action
Sat. October 24th 10 am to noon in Watertown Square
Come hold a sign. Stand up for the earth. Sponsored by 350.org and WCES
Climate Action Kickoff Service
Sunday, Oct 25th 11 am – 12:15 pm
Come learn more about this exciting new initiative!
Potluck and Concert
FPW is sponsoring a concert for all ages with Jim Scott on Sun. Oct. 25 at 6:30pm. It will be preceded by a potluck dinner at 5pm. Jim Scott is an exciting acoustic guitarist and composer of powerful songs that further the ideals of ecology, peace and justice. He is one of the founders of the UUA’s Green Sanctuary movement.
Low Carbon Actions
Each month we will be asking members to do a low carbon action. Carbon dioxide is the major driver of climate change (also known as global warming). Reducing our energy usage reduces the amount of carbon dioxide produced and minimizes the increase of the earth’s temperature.
This month’s climate actions are:
1) CFLs - Replace at least one incandescent light bulb in your house with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). They use one fourth of the energy of old fashioned incandescent lights (and save money!). But don’t stop at one. Try to replace 5 of your most used light bulbs.
2) Electricity Greenup - Get your electricity from wind power by signing up for NSTAR Green. This costs only about 8% more than the “standard” electricity produced from dirty coal, natural gas and nuclear. Sign up at www.nstar.com
https://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/home/energychoice/4_greenup_provider.asp
Jim Scott Concert on October 25, 2009
Concert with Jim Scott
The weekend of October 24-25 is a nationwide climate action weekend. In addition to church activities that morning, we will host a concert on Sunday evening, October 25, with Jim Scott. The concert is intended for all ages, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. It will be preceded by a potluck supper at 5:00 p.m. Please bring main dish, salad or dessert. (As a result of this potluck supper, we will not have the potluck luncheon originally scheduled for October 18)
The concert promises to be a wonderful event. Jim Scott is probably best known to you as the composer of hymn #347 “Gather the Spirit.” He is an exciting acoustic guitarist and composer of powerful songs that further the ideals of ecology, peace and justice. He is one of the founders of the UUA’s Green Sanctuary movement. Fellow UU Peter Seeger says “Jim Scott is some kind of a magician!” Admission to the Jim Scott concert is by donation. We are asking for $10-12 per adult and $25 per family maximum.
It is a special treat to have him on Climate Action weekend. For more than two decades, he has made it his business to create and perform music that celebrates the earth. His songs and poetry have inspired and educated audiences around the world. He has developed presentations for every age group and crafted songs that sensitize his listeners to the beauty of the earth, teaching principles of ecology in memorable verses.
Jim arranged and edited “The Earth and Spirit Songbook,” an anthology of songs of earth and peace. This collection includes songs by many contemporary songwriters with some of Jim’s own.
From his work with the Paul Winter Consort where he co-wrote the celebrated Missa Gaia - Earth Mass and many other pieces, including his “A Song for the Earth,” recorded live at the United Nations on the album Concert for the Earth, Jim has gone on to create an extensive body of work. His own recordings “Earth, Sky, Love and Dreams” and “Sailing with the Moon” include many of his eco-anthems. Don’t miss this exciting event!
The weekend of October 24-25 is a nationwide climate action weekend. In addition to church activities that morning, we will host a concert on Sunday evening, October 25, with Jim Scott. The concert is intended for all ages, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. It will be preceded by a potluck supper at 5:00 p.m. Please bring main dish, salad or dessert. (As a result of this potluck supper, we will not have the potluck luncheon originally scheduled for October 18)
The concert promises to be a wonderful event. Jim Scott is probably best known to you as the composer of hymn #347 “Gather the Spirit.” He is an exciting acoustic guitarist and composer of powerful songs that further the ideals of ecology, peace and justice. He is one of the founders of the UUA’s Green Sanctuary movement. Fellow UU Peter Seeger says “Jim Scott is some kind of a magician!” Admission to the Jim Scott concert is by donation. We are asking for $10-12 per adult and $25 per family maximum.
It is a special treat to have him on Climate Action weekend. For more than two decades, he has made it his business to create and perform music that celebrates the earth. His songs and poetry have inspired and educated audiences around the world. He has developed presentations for every age group and crafted songs that sensitize his listeners to the beauty of the earth, teaching principles of ecology in memorable verses.
Jim arranged and edited “The Earth and Spirit Songbook,” an anthology of songs of earth and peace. This collection includes songs by many contemporary songwriters with some of Jim’s own.
From his work with the Paul Winter Consort where he co-wrote the celebrated Missa Gaia - Earth Mass and many other pieces, including his “A Song for the Earth,” recorded live at the United Nations on the album Concert for the Earth, Jim has gone on to create an extensive body of work. His own recordings “Earth, Sky, Love and Dreams” and “Sailing with the Moon” include many of his eco-anthems. Don’t miss this exciting event!