Wednesday, October 13, 2004
October 2004 Newsletter
Sermons and Services
Sunday, October 3, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"Ruled by Fear" Mark W. Harris
Here in New England our hearts rise and fall according to the play of a baseball team that many believe is cursed. Are there other ways in our lives that we find ourselves defined by fear?
Social Hour: Parish Committee
Greeters: Carole Berney and Barbara Beck
***************
Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"Life Voyages" Darrick Jackson
Columbus Day gives us a chance to look back at a voyage, recognize it's positive and negative impacts, and use this knowledge to journey into the future. This process is important in our own lives. Understanding our past journeys prepare us to begin new journeys to our own "new world." I will reflect on my own journey and how it has prepared me for this new journey in Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Social Hour: Parish Committee
Greeters: Ann Bloom and Marilyn Boneau
*****************
Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"The Values Game" Mark W. Harris
In an election year, all the politicians want to affirm that they uphold the true American values. We struggle every day to determine what our values are. Who speaks to values?
Social Hour:Parish Committee
Greeters: John Portz and Meredith Montague
*****************
Sunday October 24, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"The Future of Reason" Mark W. Harris
As Unitarian Universalists we say we affirm tolerance of other religious viewpoints, but what does that tolerance mean if in truth we find these beliefs are at the least totally irrational, and
possibly even dangerous?
Social Hour: Parish Committee
Greeters: Michael McCarthy and Beth Parsons
*******************
Sunday October 31, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"Who Are U and U?" Mark and the Congregation
In this Halloween service we ask each one of you to pick a Famous Unitarian Universalist
and either by using your costume or symbolic item tell us what is it about this person that affirms your liberal faith. Please see my minister¹s column for further details.
Social Hour:Parish Committee
Greeters:Gretchen Brown and Kathy Button
Captain's Log
Rev. Mark W. Harris
This year Halloween is on a Sunday. I am saying this as a way of telling you that adult costumes will be welcomed in church on that day. Roberta and I have decided that the theme for the costumes will be Famous Unitarian Universalists. I want to explain this a little and give you a few examples. At first this might seem like we want you to dress like stodgy, old white people. Since this is already what we are, I want you to be able to branch out a bit.
Of course you can costume like those old people, and still be creative for we have the only Unitarian king in history, John Sigismund of Transylvania, or his mother, Queen Isabella. You could be chemist Joseph Priestley or you could be the test tube. You could be an angel for universal salvation. You could be a Bible to be living proof that there is no evidence for the Trinity. Now are you getting the idea?
Once you begin pondering potential costumes, all sorts of possibilities emerge. You could be circus master P. T. Barnum himself or you could be a clown, animal or high wire act. You could be a chef in honor of cook book author Fannie Farmer. You could be Hawthorne's Hester Prynne with her scarlet A. There are lots of Transcendentalist possibilities with Thoreau and Louisa May, and during the Civil War we had nurses galore with none more famous than Clara Barton. There is the pottery of Wedgewood, and the beer bottle of Molson. Here are some other potential costume ideas: characters from Charles Dickens novels, a can of baked beans for Victor Friend, light bulbs for Lewis Lattimer, Hiawatha or Paul Revere out of the Longfellow poems, a building for Frank Lloyd Wright, or even a Thanksgiving turkey for our own Lydia Maria Child (for newcomers she is the one who wrote "Over the river and through the wood, and was the sister of one of our ministers).
Have something you want to be, but don't know a UU connection? Ask me. I'll make one up. You can be Unitarian Astronomer Maria Mitchell with her telescope or a character out of Beatrix Potter stories. Be a UU Peter Rabbit. Mr. MacGregor was clearly not a UU. The big day is coming. Even if you don't dress up, bring a representation of your favorite UU, like a 2 dollar bill for Jefferson, and tell us why you chose the person.
In an article below you will see some specifics about my time schedule for the year.
It is comforting to be back at church. Coming back to our community in these difficult times is affirming. Many of us are anxious about the election ahead, and the war continues to wear on us. Finding others who share our values about war and peace, the environment, the value of a world community and the consumerism of society even as we struggle to make ends meet and keep our families on an even keel, makes us feel as though we are not alone. Some people turn to our infamous baseball team for some respite from the world and its chaos. How do we cope with the fear and anxiety that we confornt in the world? A UU Congregation is the ideal place to find a welcoming home in these times.
This month we will have a Bring-a-Friend Sunday on October 24. This would be a good day to introduce someone to our faith. I will preach on what our UU faith means in an increasingly fundamentalist world. People in society need religious communities like ours. Some of your unchurched friends probably want to share their values in a wider community setting. Invite them to be with us on the 24th. They may be glad you did!
Mark
Mark's Schedule
I usually inform the congregation in the fall about my schedule for the year so you are aware of how to find me. My days in the office will usually be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I am generally here from 9:30-4:00, but may have meetings or lunches with people. Wednesday is my day off, as it has developed to be the day when I am most needed to watch my kids. Nancy is off on Wednesday, too, but please leave messages or emails, and we will get back to you right away. You can always call me at home (the number is printed in the church directory). I am happy to meet with any of you for any reason. If you have personal, religious, or community concerns, I will make time for you. Call me if you want to make an appointment. I am also happy to have lunch with people. We also have a new student minister, Darrick Jackson, this fall. You will see quite a bit of him on Sundays, and he will preach for the first time this month. I am usually off one Sunday per month as agreed in my contract. Finally, I also have a committee which helps understand and formulate the overall direction of the ministry of the church. Those members of the Committee on Ministry are: Steve Gustin (chair),Judy Kamm and Barbara Beck. You may speak to one of them if you have a concern you think the church should address in its ministry.
Annual Service Auction
It's time to start thinking about this year's Annual Service Auction, which will be held on Saturday, November 13. We will again conduct a silent auction starting on Sunday, October 24 and continuing for two additional Sundays, bid sheets for all services and goods will be available for review and bidding, at tables set up during Social Hour.
On November 13, the Service Auction Potluck Dinner will be held in the Social Hall. After the dinner, bid sheets will be collected, our auctioneer will call for any further bidding, and all items will be sold to the highest bidder. Children are welcome, and child care will be available throughout the evening.
While we encourage everyone to attend the
Auction and Potluck, you do not need to be present to be the winning bidder.
To begin with, though, we need services and goods to be auctioned. Items in the past have included: a painting of your house, a homemade French dinner, baby-sitting, a weekend getaway, computer help, theater tickets, gardening help, etc.
If you have a service or good to contribute to the auction, please complete the following form. Describe the service or good clearly (color, size, number of hours, etc.). If you are donating an object, a picture or sketch would also be helpful.
We will post last years items on the bulletin board in the social hall for you to review. If you have any questions, please call Jean Merkl
Service Auction Donation
Saturday, November 13 , 2004
Name ________________________________ Phone Number __________________
Email _______________________________ Minimum Bid (if any): _______________
Item or Service to be auctioned (Please describe exactly as you would like it to appear in the Service Auction Brochure): ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Please return this form by October 20 to the Service Auction mailbox on the church office door, mail to the church (attention Service Auction), or give to Jean Merkl or Meredith Montague
Among Us
Our deepest sympathy to Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees and her family, at the death of Elizabeth's mother, Jane deFrees. A Memorial Service will be held in Maine on October 2.
Our deepest sympathy to Patty Devore, our Music Director, and her family at the death of Patty's mother, Hazel Masiello. A Memorial Service, conducted by Mark, was held in Attleboro on September 24.
A Midshipman's Musings
Hello to all of you. My name is Darrick Jackson, and I have the privilege of serving as your student minister for the next two years. I have met many of you over the last couple of weeks, and I look forward to connecting with all of you. Everyone I have met so far has been extremely welcoming, and I really appreciate your support.
I learned this week that a midshipman is a student officer on a ship, so I thought that it would be an appropriate title for my column. Each month, I will share with you my thoughts and reflections as I begin this leg of the voyage with you.
This month, I thought I'd take some time to share a little bit about me. I moved here from the Midwest about eight years ago to do an internship at the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly. At the time, I was considering a career in Theater Management. I worked there for almost three years before leaving to work in Boston at a Braille printing house. This new job allowed me to be more centrally located to do more acting in the area. Although I loved the work, it did not fulfill me, and two years later I was searching again. I found a job as an office manager for an Art Therapy organization and began considering Drama therapy as a career option. It was in the right vein of work, but it didn't seem right somehow. By this time I had begun attending Arlington Street Church and was active with the worship committee. I soon realized that I had a call to ministry, and that my ministry needed to incorporate elements of theater somehow. As I began my plans to enter theological School, I began to understand how this dual call to ministry and theater could work together. I discovered Playback Theater, a form of improv where the audience shares their feelings and their stories, and the players "play back² the story using movement and sound. Playback Theater allowed me to create a safe and sacred space for people to share their stories, and to be healed. Hopefully, during the next two years, I can share this art form with you.
And so now I am here in Watertown, looking to explore parish ministry, even though I also feel called to a ministry to youth and young adults. I hope that over the next few years, I will grow clearer in my discernment as to the shape of my future ministry. Thank you for allowing me to continue on this stage of the journey with you.
Membership Growth Committee
Greetings from the Membership Growth Committee! We are working on a number of projects that we hope will bring new visitors to our services, as well as encourage visitors to become permanent members of our UU community. There is an upcoming event we hope everyone will be able to play a part in; please mark your calendars for our "Bring a Friend Service" on October 24th. Is there someone in your neighborhood or at school or work who might enjoy our services? A friend or family member who has been asking about UU philosophy? Of course newcomers are welcome at any service, but on October 24th, why not bring a friend and show off our beautiful sanctuary, warm community, and thought-provoking sermons? They might decide to come back again! Show off First Parish Watertown and "Bring a Friend" to church on October 24th.
Adult Education in October / November
Islam: What is it?
Why have we demonized this faith? Mark Harris will lead a two session class on the background of Islam. In this course we will looks at the basic tenets of its faith - history, scripture, beliefs about tolerance and the role of women in society. Then we will look at its role in the world today. Does it help us understand the struggle in Iraq, Iran, Palestine and elsewhere? What is a jihad? Is there a world wide rise of Islamic fundamentalism that threatens us? Can Islam produce a faith that is tolerant and scripturally critical? The small volume Islam by Karen Armstrong will be available for sale for this course. The course will be held on October 17 and 24 at7:00 p.m.
Maintaining Quality of Life as We Age
Sunday morning forum with Bob Dutton
November 14 , 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
(Note date change)
Bob Dutton (father of Nancy), who has become a UU later in life, first in Watertown and now at Murray Church in Attleboro, and was an ordained Congregational minister and long time prison chaplain, will join us for the second of two Sunday morning forums on October 31. The topic of this discussion will be "Maintaining Quality of Life as We Age.² Now well into his 90's Bob must cope with Parkinson's Disease, and loss of vision from Macular Degeneration. He has also endured the loss of a partner. This second aspect of aging will be the focus of his discussion with us. All are welcome to attend. How do we cope with the continuing changes in our relationships? How do we manage the loss of loved ones - partners and friends, and how do our relationships change with family and others? Please join us for this stimulating discussion. Bob will initiate our discussion, and Mark Harris will also be present to help facilitate.
New UU
Coming in November. We will have two Sunday morning classes for newcomers to First Parish and Unitarian Universalism on November 7 and 21. This is a great way to find out about our history as a parish, where UUism came from, and what is the focus of our current congregation. Everything you always waned to know about our liberal faith. Final details next month, but sign-ups will begin in October.
Newcomer Breakfast
Sunday, October 17
Are you new to First Parishmaybe you've just visited or maybe you've been here for a few months?
Why not join in the Fall Newcomer Breakfast? It's a great chance to meet more people and to find out what First Parish has to offer.
This year's date is Sunday, October 17, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. The place is the downstairs dining room, where the after-service social hours are held.
So that we can plan the food, please RSVP to Gretchen Brown. If it's easier, just tell another member of the Fellowship Committee: Bobbie Brown or Diane Shepard.
Hope to see you there!!
Giving Boxes for September and October
Our donations to the Giving Boxes for September and October are to the Watertown Food Pantry at St. John's Methodist Church. Please remember to bring in your donations of non-perishable foods. The Giving Boxes are located at the entry to the sanctuary upstairs, and downstairs in the lobby of the Summer Street entrance. The Giving Boxes are sponsored by the Social Action Committee. The Food Pantry has always appreciated and found useful our donation of "healthy² nonperishable foods so when asked they said to continue giving as as we have before, especially such things as flour, barley ,different kinds of cereals, tooth brushes and tootpaste.
Calendar
10/03 Growth Committee meets at 9:30am
10/3 Marguerite Jones, Committal Service 12:15 pm
10/4,10/18,10/25 Choir meets at 7:30 pm
10/6 Fellowship Committee meets at 7:30pm
10/13 Parish Committee meets at 7:30pm
10/17 Newcomer Breakfast at 9:30 am
10/17 Adult RE Class on Islam at 7pm
10/18 Social Action meets at 7:30pm
10/24 Committee on Ministry meets at 9:30am
10/24 Adult RE Class on Islam meets at 7pm
10/25 B@G meets at 7:30 pm
10/26 Women and Work meets at 6:30 pm
10/30 Halloween Potluck 6-10pm
2004-2005 Social Hours
Each year the committees take turns to provide the social hours. This year's committee list is similar to last year.
Also, we would love to hear from other people willing to help out on a Sunday as-needed. We know that a few more hands will make a difference. Please tell Mark, Gretchen Brown, or Bobbie Brown if you can help in this way.
September: Fellowship
October: Parish
November: Social Action
December: Worship
January: Canvass
February: Finance
March: Religious Education
April: Helen Robinson Wright
May: Trustees and Committee on Ministry
June: Buildings and Grounds
There is no problem if committees want to swap months with each other. We only ask that you let Fellowship know what you have worked out.
Thanks!! Your efforts help bring us all closer together.
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
The church year is off to a fabulous start and I'm finding wonderful inspirations every where I turn. The year started with orientation sessions for our parents and volunteers. We shared some fascinating conversations that really got me thinking about our UU theology and faith. Working in our "children's ministry" involves thoughtfully walking along many proverbial "fine lines".
This year, most of our children will be exploring our UU principles as they may be inspired by three of our six UU sources - Jewish and Christian traditions that respond to God's love by teaching us to love our neighbors as ourselves, Earth-centered traditions that affirm the sacredness of our world, and people of long ago and today who encourage us to be "courageously loving" (with a particular focus on UU people). The introduction of these sources sparked some incredible discussions in both of our orientation sessions.
I think it is important to let our children have their own experiences with the traditions we are introducing them to. It was clear during the orientation sessions that many of us have childhood exposures to some of these traditions. Some of those memories are good and some are not so good. We need to "let-go" of our own histories enough to remember that our children will be learning about these sources as they have influenced our UU faith. We aren't adopting the beliefs and the creeds of any of these traditions as our own. We are simply introducing the parts of the traditions that could be inspiring to us as UUs.
I think it is also important to empower our children to think for themselves. They need to be free to use their own minds to think critically about any information presented to them. These are invaluable tools that will last them a lifetime. From determining what value bible stories have in modern times to being able to respectfully disagree with someone else's ideas, there is great value in being able to use both your head and your heart in all religious matters.
Let us remember that our children don't need to be taught how to use their minds or their hearts. It comes naturally and they do it quite well. At our "welcome back" celebration in September, the children stopped me on several occasions to ask some really significant questions. They wondered, "if people all around the world stop at twelve noon on the International Day of Peace to share a moment of silence and prayer for peace, what about people living in different time zones?"
Another moment when the children demonstrated some creative thinking was at the special orientation session for our Principle Activators (our 10 to 13-year-olds). After reviewing the unique program they will be participating in this year, we talked about how they will automatically become "role-models" to the younger kids at church. We thought about what that means and about the responsibility that puts on them. Then they had some great ideas about some "actions of responsibility" that they should do. One of my favorites was "don't climb the poles or the little kids will think it's cool".
Remember that our primary focus will continue to be on building a strong community. Our curriculum of exploring UU principles and sources is merely a tool to help us provide meaningful activities for our children to engage in together. We are not concerned about whether or not our children know what the principles or sources are. UUs have always been more focused on deeds than creeds. What we really want them to do is grow healthy and strong, love with courage and compassion, and know that First Parish will always be a welcoming home to them.
This is our ideal. We recognize that our Sunday morning programs won't always be able to fully attend to all of the specific interests of each of our children. And we don't have the time to explore some of our activities in as much detail as some of our children would like. That is where our families come in. From important conversations about activities at church to getting more involved in a community service project, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to build the UU spirit in their homes. For those interested in learning more about this, the RE committee will be hosting a breakfast talk on Sunday, November 7th. It will include opportunities for giving feedback on the year that far and for talking about your experiences building your UU faith at home. Hope to see you there!
Announcements to highlight:
1. Don't forget that we are a "welcoming congregation". This means there is responsibility on children and adults alike to maintain an environment that is inclusive and respectful of all First Parish members and visitors. There are important actions that we can each do.
* Initiate conversations with new people (knowing that they are shyer than you).
* Make sure all activities at church include anyone who wants to participate.
* If you see something happening at church that isn't "right", speak up.
* Think carefully about how your actions and words at church affect others.
* Practice the golden rule ~ "treat others the way you would want to be treated".
2. BIG thanks to everyone who has already signed up to help in our "children's ministry". We have 10 more children registered for our program this year and we need your help more than ever. Please talk to Roberta today regarding the many easy volunteer options we have for you.
3. We are pleased to announce our first Chalice Children projects for the year! Save the dates and be sure to join us for these exciting events!!
On Sunday, October 10 at 6PM, Elisa Portz and Chalice Children will be hosting a great potluck dinner in which everyone is invited to bring the shoes and clothes they have outgrown to be given to poor children. Fun theme-related games and dessert will be provided.
On Saturday, October 30 at 6PM, Chalice Children will be hosting a potluck dinner and party to kick-off our Halloween community service project ~ trick-or-treating for supplies to send American Friends Service Committee to give to needy children living in third world countries.
Do you have an idea for a community service project for the children of First Parish? Let Roberta know and maybe our Chalice Children can put your idea into action.
The Yewyews and the Ahrees
very much adapted and altered by Roberta Altamari from a poem found on the DRE email group
There once was a land - north of Kalamazoo
Where a group of odd birds - appeared out of the blue
They called themselves Yewyews - though no one knew why
These Yewyews were proud - to share one great sky
Each week they all came - to a Yewyewish church
For peace loving companions - they always did search
They came in wide ranges - of size and shapes.
Though most of them claimed - they descended from apes.
There were lawyers and doctors - and nurses and teachers,
And writers, musicians, - and a few would-be preachers.
Besides this, each Yewyew - displayed in succession,
Unique ways of thinking - and modes of expression.
The world they did value - sacred was their earth
Each and every person - to them did have worth.
There were mothers and fathers - a whole Yewyew clan
A range of generations - their big group did span.
Now these Yewyews had youngsters - like the birds and the bees
They called by the nickname - the little Ahrees.
Oh, these Little Ahrees - they were cute, they were smart.
They were creative and kind - straight from the heart.
One day to the Yewyews - a question was brought
Should the little Ahrees - come to service or not
The little Ahrees - needed more time to grow
Moving and grooving - being with friends that they know
The service itself - didn't quite do the trick
So the Yewyews decided - make a program real quick
So the Yewyews worked hard - they were really quite busy
They all had to help - their schedule was dizzy
The best way they found - for the Ahrees to learn
Was if each of the Yewyews - took his or her turn.
Now not every Yewyew - could lead groups, that's true.
But each one could contribute - a talent or two.
Oh yes, there were many - small jobs to be done
And most of them turned out - to be rather fun.
The Yewyews who led groups - learned this I am told
That whatever they gave - they got back many fold
There's a moral to this story - as I'm sure you can guess
When I ask for volunteers - you better say yes!
********************
FIRST PARISH GREETERS 2004/2005
The list of greeters for this church year follows. Your willingness to take on this task is very much appreciated by our entire congregation. Please note: 1. when you are listed and 2. that your children are welcome to join you as greeters. If you are not able to attend church on your assigned date, please switch with another person; consult the Members and Friends of First Parish directory. If all your resources are exhausted, you can try Fellowship Committee member Bobbie Brown. The Fellowship Committee will be sending out a reminder letter just before your assigned date. The letter will include an updated Greeter how-to list. A copy of the how-to list is also kept in the drawer of the table under the ministers’ name plaque in the sanctuary.
Any changes in this introduction or to the list itself that would make them more appropriate are welcome.
October 3
Barbara Beck and Carole Berney
October 10 (Columbus Day weekend)
Ann Bloom and Marilyn Boenau
October 17
Beth Parsons and Michael McCarthy
October 24
John Portz and Meredith Montague
October 31
Gretchen Brown and Kathy Button
November 7
Bobbie Brown and Ric Calleja
November 14
Goyo Carvajal and Cornelia Janke
November 21 (Thanksgiving Sunday)
Denise Carver and Joani Mountain
November 28 (Thanksgiving weekend)
John Chamberlain and Sarah McSweeney
December 5
Jane Knuttunen and Eileen Ryan
December 12
Paula Chase and Theodor Ellsworth
December 19 (Christmas Sunday)
Jeanne Cleary and Barry Greess
December 26
Marianne and Michael Collins
January 2
Beth and Richard Coomber
January 9
Paul Dansereau and Julie Miller
January 16
Elizabeth and Isabel Tappan-deFrees
January 23
Sue Demb and Kevin Otto
January 30
Nancy Dutton and David Benson
February 6
Linda Letourneau and Patricia Fox
February 13
Johanna Erickson and Randy Rhoda
February 20
Jim Felty and Judy Fitts
February 27
Susan Flint and Nick Haddad
March 6
Bob and Missy Shay
March 13
Anna Glover and Ruth Greene
March 20
John Gorman and Jean Merkl
March 27
Charmian Proskauer and Stephen Gustin
April 3
Barbara Hansberry and Virginia Howe
April 10
Johanna Swift Hart and Kyle Hart
April 17
Maryellen Howe and Jacqui Sweeney
April 24
Janie and Brian Howland
May 1
Barbara Ives and Andrea Karls
May 8
Christopher Johnson and Ken Repp
May 15
Will and Sue Twombly
May 22
Judy and Roger Kamm
May 29
Ken and Jerusha Vogel
June 5
Deborah Stein and Jan Klein
June 12
Martha Urban and Anna Knight
June 19
Sue Kuder and Channing Mendelsohn
REMEMBER ITS Newcomer Month
Sunday, October 17 at 9:30 a.m. Newcomer Breakfast - Vistors and newcomers since last spring are invited to share food and fellowship.
Sunday October 24 at 11:00 a.m. Bring-a-Friend Sunday - Do you have friends who would love to be part of a liberal religious community? The world needs us now, so let's give our faith to more of the world and invite someone to church.
Sunday, October 3, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"Ruled by Fear" Mark W. Harris
Here in New England our hearts rise and fall according to the play of a baseball team that many believe is cursed. Are there other ways in our lives that we find ourselves defined by fear?
Social Hour: Parish Committee
Greeters: Carole Berney and Barbara Beck
***************
Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"Life Voyages" Darrick Jackson
Columbus Day gives us a chance to look back at a voyage, recognize it's positive and negative impacts, and use this knowledge to journey into the future. This process is important in our own lives. Understanding our past journeys prepare us to begin new journeys to our own "new world." I will reflect on my own journey and how it has prepared me for this new journey in Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Social Hour: Parish Committee
Greeters: Ann Bloom and Marilyn Boneau
*****************
Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"The Values Game" Mark W. Harris
In an election year, all the politicians want to affirm that they uphold the true American values. We struggle every day to determine what our values are. Who speaks to values?
Social Hour:Parish Committee
Greeters: John Portz and Meredith Montague
*****************
Sunday October 24, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"The Future of Reason" Mark W. Harris
As Unitarian Universalists we say we affirm tolerance of other religious viewpoints, but what does that tolerance mean if in truth we find these beliefs are at the least totally irrational, and
possibly even dangerous?
Social Hour: Parish Committee
Greeters: Michael McCarthy and Beth Parsons
*******************
Sunday October 31, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.
"Who Are U and U?" Mark and the Congregation
In this Halloween service we ask each one of you to pick a Famous Unitarian Universalist
and either by using your costume or symbolic item tell us what is it about this person that affirms your liberal faith. Please see my minister¹s column for further details.
Social Hour:Parish Committee
Greeters:Gretchen Brown and Kathy Button
Captain's Log
Rev. Mark W. Harris
This year Halloween is on a Sunday. I am saying this as a way of telling you that adult costumes will be welcomed in church on that day. Roberta and I have decided that the theme for the costumes will be Famous Unitarian Universalists. I want to explain this a little and give you a few examples. At first this might seem like we want you to dress like stodgy, old white people. Since this is already what we are, I want you to be able to branch out a bit.
Of course you can costume like those old people, and still be creative for we have the only Unitarian king in history, John Sigismund of Transylvania, or his mother, Queen Isabella. You could be chemist Joseph Priestley or you could be the test tube. You could be an angel for universal salvation. You could be a Bible to be living proof that there is no evidence for the Trinity. Now are you getting the idea?
Once you begin pondering potential costumes, all sorts of possibilities emerge. You could be circus master P. T. Barnum himself or you could be a clown, animal or high wire act. You could be a chef in honor of cook book author Fannie Farmer. You could be Hawthorne's Hester Prynne with her scarlet A. There are lots of Transcendentalist possibilities with Thoreau and Louisa May, and during the Civil War we had nurses galore with none more famous than Clara Barton. There is the pottery of Wedgewood, and the beer bottle of Molson. Here are some other potential costume ideas: characters from Charles Dickens novels, a can of baked beans for Victor Friend, light bulbs for Lewis Lattimer, Hiawatha or Paul Revere out of the Longfellow poems, a building for Frank Lloyd Wright, or even a Thanksgiving turkey for our own Lydia Maria Child (for newcomers she is the one who wrote "Over the river and through the wood, and was the sister of one of our ministers).
Have something you want to be, but don't know a UU connection? Ask me. I'll make one up. You can be Unitarian Astronomer Maria Mitchell with her telescope or a character out of Beatrix Potter stories. Be a UU Peter Rabbit. Mr. MacGregor was clearly not a UU. The big day is coming. Even if you don't dress up, bring a representation of your favorite UU, like a 2 dollar bill for Jefferson, and tell us why you chose the person.
In an article below you will see some specifics about my time schedule for the year.
It is comforting to be back at church. Coming back to our community in these difficult times is affirming. Many of us are anxious about the election ahead, and the war continues to wear on us. Finding others who share our values about war and peace, the environment, the value of a world community and the consumerism of society even as we struggle to make ends meet and keep our families on an even keel, makes us feel as though we are not alone. Some people turn to our infamous baseball team for some respite from the world and its chaos. How do we cope with the fear and anxiety that we confornt in the world? A UU Congregation is the ideal place to find a welcoming home in these times.
This month we will have a Bring-a-Friend Sunday on October 24. This would be a good day to introduce someone to our faith. I will preach on what our UU faith means in an increasingly fundamentalist world. People in society need religious communities like ours. Some of your unchurched friends probably want to share their values in a wider community setting. Invite them to be with us on the 24th. They may be glad you did!
Mark
Mark's Schedule
I usually inform the congregation in the fall about my schedule for the year so you are aware of how to find me. My days in the office will usually be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I am generally here from 9:30-4:00, but may have meetings or lunches with people. Wednesday is my day off, as it has developed to be the day when I am most needed to watch my kids. Nancy is off on Wednesday, too, but please leave messages or emails, and we will get back to you right away. You can always call me at home (the number is printed in the church directory). I am happy to meet with any of you for any reason. If you have personal, religious, or community concerns, I will make time for you. Call me if you want to make an appointment. I am also happy to have lunch with people. We also have a new student minister, Darrick Jackson, this fall. You will see quite a bit of him on Sundays, and he will preach for the first time this month. I am usually off one Sunday per month as agreed in my contract. Finally, I also have a committee which helps understand and formulate the overall direction of the ministry of the church. Those members of the Committee on Ministry are: Steve Gustin (chair),Judy Kamm and Barbara Beck. You may speak to one of them if you have a concern you think the church should address in its ministry.
Annual Service Auction
It's time to start thinking about this year's Annual Service Auction, which will be held on Saturday, November 13. We will again conduct a silent auction starting on Sunday, October 24 and continuing for two additional Sundays, bid sheets for all services and goods will be available for review and bidding, at tables set up during Social Hour.
On November 13, the Service Auction Potluck Dinner will be held in the Social Hall. After the dinner, bid sheets will be collected, our auctioneer will call for any further bidding, and all items will be sold to the highest bidder. Children are welcome, and child care will be available throughout the evening.
While we encourage everyone to attend the
Auction and Potluck, you do not need to be present to be the winning bidder.
To begin with, though, we need services and goods to be auctioned. Items in the past have included: a painting of your house, a homemade French dinner, baby-sitting, a weekend getaway, computer help, theater tickets, gardening help, etc.
If you have a service or good to contribute to the auction, please complete the following form. Describe the service or good clearly (color, size, number of hours, etc.). If you are donating an object, a picture or sketch would also be helpful.
We will post last years items on the bulletin board in the social hall for you to review. If you have any questions, please call Jean Merkl
Service Auction Donation
Saturday, November 13 , 2004
Name ________________________________ Phone Number __________________
Email _______________________________ Minimum Bid (if any): _______________
Item or Service to be auctioned (Please describe exactly as you would like it to appear in the Service Auction Brochure): ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Please return this form by October 20 to the Service Auction mailbox on the church office door, mail to the church (attention Service Auction), or give to Jean Merkl or Meredith Montague
Among Us
Our deepest sympathy to Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees and her family, at the death of Elizabeth's mother, Jane deFrees. A Memorial Service will be held in Maine on October 2.
Our deepest sympathy to Patty Devore, our Music Director, and her family at the death of Patty's mother, Hazel Masiello. A Memorial Service, conducted by Mark, was held in Attleboro on September 24.
A Midshipman's Musings
Hello to all of you. My name is Darrick Jackson, and I have the privilege of serving as your student minister for the next two years. I have met many of you over the last couple of weeks, and I look forward to connecting with all of you. Everyone I have met so far has been extremely welcoming, and I really appreciate your support.
I learned this week that a midshipman is a student officer on a ship, so I thought that it would be an appropriate title for my column. Each month, I will share with you my thoughts and reflections as I begin this leg of the voyage with you.
This month, I thought I'd take some time to share a little bit about me. I moved here from the Midwest about eight years ago to do an internship at the North Shore Music Theater in Beverly. At the time, I was considering a career in Theater Management. I worked there for almost three years before leaving to work in Boston at a Braille printing house. This new job allowed me to be more centrally located to do more acting in the area. Although I loved the work, it did not fulfill me, and two years later I was searching again. I found a job as an office manager for an Art Therapy organization and began considering Drama therapy as a career option. It was in the right vein of work, but it didn't seem right somehow. By this time I had begun attending Arlington Street Church and was active with the worship committee. I soon realized that I had a call to ministry, and that my ministry needed to incorporate elements of theater somehow. As I began my plans to enter theological School, I began to understand how this dual call to ministry and theater could work together. I discovered Playback Theater, a form of improv where the audience shares their feelings and their stories, and the players "play back² the story using movement and sound. Playback Theater allowed me to create a safe and sacred space for people to share their stories, and to be healed. Hopefully, during the next two years, I can share this art form with you.
And so now I am here in Watertown, looking to explore parish ministry, even though I also feel called to a ministry to youth and young adults. I hope that over the next few years, I will grow clearer in my discernment as to the shape of my future ministry. Thank you for allowing me to continue on this stage of the journey with you.
Membership Growth Committee
Greetings from the Membership Growth Committee! We are working on a number of projects that we hope will bring new visitors to our services, as well as encourage visitors to become permanent members of our UU community. There is an upcoming event we hope everyone will be able to play a part in; please mark your calendars for our "Bring a Friend Service" on October 24th. Is there someone in your neighborhood or at school or work who might enjoy our services? A friend or family member who has been asking about UU philosophy? Of course newcomers are welcome at any service, but on October 24th, why not bring a friend and show off our beautiful sanctuary, warm community, and thought-provoking sermons? They might decide to come back again! Show off First Parish Watertown and "Bring a Friend" to church on October 24th.
Adult Education in October / November
Islam: What is it?
Why have we demonized this faith? Mark Harris will lead a two session class on the background of Islam. In this course we will looks at the basic tenets of its faith - history, scripture, beliefs about tolerance and the role of women in society. Then we will look at its role in the world today. Does it help us understand the struggle in Iraq, Iran, Palestine and elsewhere? What is a jihad? Is there a world wide rise of Islamic fundamentalism that threatens us? Can Islam produce a faith that is tolerant and scripturally critical? The small volume Islam by Karen Armstrong will be available for sale for this course. The course will be held on October 17 and 24 at7:00 p.m.
Maintaining Quality of Life as We Age
Sunday morning forum with Bob Dutton
November 14 , 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
(Note date change)
Bob Dutton (father of Nancy), who has become a UU later in life, first in Watertown and now at Murray Church in Attleboro, and was an ordained Congregational minister and long time prison chaplain, will join us for the second of two Sunday morning forums on October 31. The topic of this discussion will be "Maintaining Quality of Life as We Age.² Now well into his 90's Bob must cope with Parkinson's Disease, and loss of vision from Macular Degeneration. He has also endured the loss of a partner. This second aspect of aging will be the focus of his discussion with us. All are welcome to attend. How do we cope with the continuing changes in our relationships? How do we manage the loss of loved ones - partners and friends, and how do our relationships change with family and others? Please join us for this stimulating discussion. Bob will initiate our discussion, and Mark Harris will also be present to help facilitate.
New UU
Coming in November. We will have two Sunday morning classes for newcomers to First Parish and Unitarian Universalism on November 7 and 21. This is a great way to find out about our history as a parish, where UUism came from, and what is the focus of our current congregation. Everything you always waned to know about our liberal faith. Final details next month, but sign-ups will begin in October.
Newcomer Breakfast
Sunday, October 17
Are you new to First Parishmaybe you've just visited or maybe you've been here for a few months?
Why not join in the Fall Newcomer Breakfast? It's a great chance to meet more people and to find out what First Parish has to offer.
This year's date is Sunday, October 17, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. The place is the downstairs dining room, where the after-service social hours are held.
So that we can plan the food, please RSVP to Gretchen Brown. If it's easier, just tell another member of the Fellowship Committee: Bobbie Brown or Diane Shepard.
Hope to see you there!!
Giving Boxes for September and October
Our donations to the Giving Boxes for September and October are to the Watertown Food Pantry at St. John's Methodist Church. Please remember to bring in your donations of non-perishable foods. The Giving Boxes are located at the entry to the sanctuary upstairs, and downstairs in the lobby of the Summer Street entrance. The Giving Boxes are sponsored by the Social Action Committee. The Food Pantry has always appreciated and found useful our donation of "healthy² nonperishable foods so when asked they said to continue giving as as we have before, especially such things as flour, barley ,different kinds of cereals, tooth brushes and tootpaste.
Calendar
10/03 Growth Committee meets at 9:30am
10/3 Marguerite Jones, Committal Service 12:15 pm
10/4,10/18,10/25 Choir meets at 7:30 pm
10/6 Fellowship Committee meets at 7:30pm
10/13 Parish Committee meets at 7:30pm
10/17 Newcomer Breakfast at 9:30 am
10/17 Adult RE Class on Islam at 7pm
10/18 Social Action meets at 7:30pm
10/24 Committee on Ministry meets at 9:30am
10/24 Adult RE Class on Islam meets at 7pm
10/25 B@G meets at 7:30 pm
10/26 Women and Work meets at 6:30 pm
10/30 Halloween Potluck 6-10pm
2004-2005 Social Hours
Each year the committees take turns to provide the social hours. This year's committee list is similar to last year.
Also, we would love to hear from other people willing to help out on a Sunday as-needed. We know that a few more hands will make a difference. Please tell Mark, Gretchen Brown, or Bobbie Brown if you can help in this way.
September: Fellowship
October: Parish
November: Social Action
December: Worship
January: Canvass
February: Finance
March: Religious Education
April: Helen Robinson Wright
May: Trustees and Committee on Ministry
June: Buildings and Grounds
There is no problem if committees want to swap months with each other. We only ask that you let Fellowship know what you have worked out.
Thanks!! Your efforts help bring us all closer together.
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
The church year is off to a fabulous start and I'm finding wonderful inspirations every where I turn. The year started with orientation sessions for our parents and volunteers. We shared some fascinating conversations that really got me thinking about our UU theology and faith. Working in our "children's ministry" involves thoughtfully walking along many proverbial "fine lines".
This year, most of our children will be exploring our UU principles as they may be inspired by three of our six UU sources - Jewish and Christian traditions that respond to God's love by teaching us to love our neighbors as ourselves, Earth-centered traditions that affirm the sacredness of our world, and people of long ago and today who encourage us to be "courageously loving" (with a particular focus on UU people). The introduction of these sources sparked some incredible discussions in both of our orientation sessions.
I think it is important to let our children have their own experiences with the traditions we are introducing them to. It was clear during the orientation sessions that many of us have childhood exposures to some of these traditions. Some of those memories are good and some are not so good. We need to "let-go" of our own histories enough to remember that our children will be learning about these sources as they have influenced our UU faith. We aren't adopting the beliefs and the creeds of any of these traditions as our own. We are simply introducing the parts of the traditions that could be inspiring to us as UUs.
I think it is also important to empower our children to think for themselves. They need to be free to use their own minds to think critically about any information presented to them. These are invaluable tools that will last them a lifetime. From determining what value bible stories have in modern times to being able to respectfully disagree with someone else's ideas, there is great value in being able to use both your head and your heart in all religious matters.
Let us remember that our children don't need to be taught how to use their minds or their hearts. It comes naturally and they do it quite well. At our "welcome back" celebration in September, the children stopped me on several occasions to ask some really significant questions. They wondered, "if people all around the world stop at twelve noon on the International Day of Peace to share a moment of silence and prayer for peace, what about people living in different time zones?"
Another moment when the children demonstrated some creative thinking was at the special orientation session for our Principle Activators (our 10 to 13-year-olds). After reviewing the unique program they will be participating in this year, we talked about how they will automatically become "role-models" to the younger kids at church. We thought about what that means and about the responsibility that puts on them. Then they had some great ideas about some "actions of responsibility" that they should do. One of my favorites was "don't climb the poles or the little kids will think it's cool".
Remember that our primary focus will continue to be on building a strong community. Our curriculum of exploring UU principles and sources is merely a tool to help us provide meaningful activities for our children to engage in together. We are not concerned about whether or not our children know what the principles or sources are. UUs have always been more focused on deeds than creeds. What we really want them to do is grow healthy and strong, love with courage and compassion, and know that First Parish will always be a welcoming home to them.
This is our ideal. We recognize that our Sunday morning programs won't always be able to fully attend to all of the specific interests of each of our children. And we don't have the time to explore some of our activities in as much detail as some of our children would like. That is where our families come in. From important conversations about activities at church to getting more involved in a community service project, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to build the UU spirit in their homes. For those interested in learning more about this, the RE committee will be hosting a breakfast talk on Sunday, November 7th. It will include opportunities for giving feedback on the year that far and for talking about your experiences building your UU faith at home. Hope to see you there!
Announcements to highlight:
1. Don't forget that we are a "welcoming congregation". This means there is responsibility on children and adults alike to maintain an environment that is inclusive and respectful of all First Parish members and visitors. There are important actions that we can each do.
* Initiate conversations with new people (knowing that they are shyer than you).
* Make sure all activities at church include anyone who wants to participate.
* If you see something happening at church that isn't "right", speak up.
* Think carefully about how your actions and words at church affect others.
* Practice the golden rule ~ "treat others the way you would want to be treated".
2. BIG thanks to everyone who has already signed up to help in our "children's ministry". We have 10 more children registered for our program this year and we need your help more than ever. Please talk to Roberta today regarding the many easy volunteer options we have for you.
3. We are pleased to announce our first Chalice Children projects for the year! Save the dates and be sure to join us for these exciting events!!
On Sunday, October 10 at 6PM, Elisa Portz and Chalice Children will be hosting a great potluck dinner in which everyone is invited to bring the shoes and clothes they have outgrown to be given to poor children. Fun theme-related games and dessert will be provided.
On Saturday, October 30 at 6PM, Chalice Children will be hosting a potluck dinner and party to kick-off our Halloween community service project ~ trick-or-treating for supplies to send American Friends Service Committee to give to needy children living in third world countries.
Do you have an idea for a community service project for the children of First Parish? Let Roberta know and maybe our Chalice Children can put your idea into action.
The Yewyews and the Ahrees
very much adapted and altered by Roberta Altamari from a poem found on the DRE email group
There once was a land - north of Kalamazoo
Where a group of odd birds - appeared out of the blue
They called themselves Yewyews - though no one knew why
These Yewyews were proud - to share one great sky
Each week they all came - to a Yewyewish church
For peace loving companions - they always did search
They came in wide ranges - of size and shapes.
Though most of them claimed - they descended from apes.
There were lawyers and doctors - and nurses and teachers,
And writers, musicians, - and a few would-be preachers.
Besides this, each Yewyew - displayed in succession,
Unique ways of thinking - and modes of expression.
The world they did value - sacred was their earth
Each and every person - to them did have worth.
There were mothers and fathers - a whole Yewyew clan
A range of generations - their big group did span.
Now these Yewyews had youngsters - like the birds and the bees
They called by the nickname - the little Ahrees.
Oh, these Little Ahrees - they were cute, they were smart.
They were creative and kind - straight from the heart.
One day to the Yewyews - a question was brought
Should the little Ahrees - come to service or not
The little Ahrees - needed more time to grow
Moving and grooving - being with friends that they know
The service itself - didn't quite do the trick
So the Yewyews decided - make a program real quick
So the Yewyews worked hard - they were really quite busy
They all had to help - their schedule was dizzy
The best way they found - for the Ahrees to learn
Was if each of the Yewyews - took his or her turn.
Now not every Yewyew - could lead groups, that's true.
But each one could contribute - a talent or two.
Oh yes, there were many - small jobs to be done
And most of them turned out - to be rather fun.
The Yewyews who led groups - learned this I am told
That whatever they gave - they got back many fold
There's a moral to this story - as I'm sure you can guess
When I ask for volunteers - you better say yes!
********************
FIRST PARISH GREETERS 2004/2005
The list of greeters for this church year follows. Your willingness to take on this task is very much appreciated by our entire congregation. Please note: 1. when you are listed and 2. that your children are welcome to join you as greeters. If you are not able to attend church on your assigned date, please switch with another person; consult the Members and Friends of First Parish directory. If all your resources are exhausted, you can try Fellowship Committee member Bobbie Brown. The Fellowship Committee will be sending out a reminder letter just before your assigned date. The letter will include an updated Greeter how-to list. A copy of the how-to list is also kept in the drawer of the table under the ministers’ name plaque in the sanctuary.
Any changes in this introduction or to the list itself that would make them more appropriate are welcome.
October 3
Barbara Beck and Carole Berney
October 10 (Columbus Day weekend)
Ann Bloom and Marilyn Boenau
October 17
Beth Parsons and Michael McCarthy
October 24
John Portz and Meredith Montague
October 31
Gretchen Brown and Kathy Button
November 7
Bobbie Brown and Ric Calleja
November 14
Goyo Carvajal and Cornelia Janke
November 21 (Thanksgiving Sunday)
Denise Carver and Joani Mountain
November 28 (Thanksgiving weekend)
John Chamberlain and Sarah McSweeney
December 5
Jane Knuttunen and Eileen Ryan
December 12
Paula Chase and Theodor Ellsworth
December 19 (Christmas Sunday)
Jeanne Cleary and Barry Greess
December 26
Marianne and Michael Collins
January 2
Beth and Richard Coomber
January 9
Paul Dansereau and Julie Miller
January 16
Elizabeth and Isabel Tappan-deFrees
January 23
Sue Demb and Kevin Otto
January 30
Nancy Dutton and David Benson
February 6
Linda Letourneau and Patricia Fox
February 13
Johanna Erickson and Randy Rhoda
February 20
Jim Felty and Judy Fitts
February 27
Susan Flint and Nick Haddad
March 6
Bob and Missy Shay
March 13
Anna Glover and Ruth Greene
March 20
John Gorman and Jean Merkl
March 27
Charmian Proskauer and Stephen Gustin
April 3
Barbara Hansberry and Virginia Howe
April 10
Johanna Swift Hart and Kyle Hart
April 17
Maryellen Howe and Jacqui Sweeney
April 24
Janie and Brian Howland
May 1
Barbara Ives and Andrea Karls
May 8
Christopher Johnson and Ken Repp
May 15
Will and Sue Twombly
May 22
Judy and Roger Kamm
May 29
Ken and Jerusha Vogel
June 5
Deborah Stein and Jan Klein
June 12
Martha Urban and Anna Knight
June 19
Sue Kuder and Channing Mendelsohn
REMEMBER ITS Newcomer Month
Sunday, October 17 at 9:30 a.m. Newcomer Breakfast - Vistors and newcomers since last spring are invited to share food and fellowship.
Sunday October 24 at 11:00 a.m. Bring-a-Friend Sunday - Do you have friends who would love to be part of a liberal religious community? The world needs us now, so let's give our faith to more of the world and invite someone to church.