Saturday, November 20, 2004
November 2004 Newsletter
Services and Sermon Topics
Sunday, November 7, 2004 - 11:00 A.M.
"Falling Leaves and Whispering Lives"
Mark W. Harris
Autumn always reminds us of the passing of the seasons. Leaves have their most brilliant colors even as they give up their lives to go back to the earth. How can we practice being brilliant even as we fade away?
Greeters:Bobbie Brown and Ric Calleja
Social Hour: Social Action Committee
***************
Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 11:00 A.M.
"Twin Towers and Empty Spaces"
Andrea Greenwood
In so many ways, New York City is a touchstone for America; the symbol of everything that is good and right about our country (opportunity, diversity, energy) and everything that is wrong (poverty, violence, disparity). Since September 11, the site is also a symbol of grief and anger. In this service, I hope
to explore what the towers and their absence might mean as a parallel to understanding some of the mental health issues plaguing our world.
Greeters: Goyo Carvajal and Cornelia Janke
Social Hour: Social Action Committee
***************
Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 11:00 A.M.
Thanksgiving Intergenerational Service - Mark and congregation
A special service of Thanksgiving for all ages. We will hear stories and sing together, and also listen to both our Children¹s Choir and the Adult Choir.
Greeters: Denise Carver and Joani Mountain
Social Hour: Social Action Committee
***************
Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 11:00 A.M.
"It Might Be Otherwise: Spiritual Gratitude"
Rev. Edwin Charles Lynn
Ed is the minister of the Northshore UU Society in Danvers, MA.
He and Mark are exchanging pulpits, so Mark is preaching in Danvers. See inside for bio of Ed.
Greeters:John Chamberlain and Sarah McSweeney
Social Hour: Social Action Committee
***************
The Captain's Log
Mark W. Harris
By the time you read this the election will be history. The Red Sox drive to become World Series champs will also be history. As I write I do not know the outcome of either. We can never be certain of outcomes, especially in light of the miraculous Red Sox victory over the Yankees. One must be careful not to draw too many metaphors for life from sports, but this is difficult to resist, especially for those of us who tend to think they always lose. I have been following baseball for many years. What I noticed about this team was there was not the kind of tentativeness or fear of failure that sometimes surfaced in the past. Our teams often would play not to lose rather than play with the confidence that they would succeed. I am sure many of the fans did not help because when things started to go wrong in the past, we were often quick to predict that disaster would soon befall us, and then it did. When you are unsure and fear failure, self-fulfilling prophecies are more likely to be self-fulfilled. This team, even with three losses in a row confronting them and lots of negative history, faced the future with the belief that they could still succeed. One poster I saw at the end of the seven game series with the Yankees simply said, history begins today. When we have confidence and self-assuredness about ourselves then we can go forward and make new history.
It is difficult to live with such uncertainty
about outcomes. My brother has recently gone through a difficult time with chemotherapy and radiation for throat cancer. Then after months of uncertainty and pain, he endured an operation on his throat last week to try to remove all vestiges of the disease. All of us want to live into the future with some certainty that we will be there to enjoy it. That was what he was trying to guarantee himself. The problem is that there is no guarantee. One thing going awry does not mean the next thing will go right. Nothing guarantees a victory. Nothing guarantees a cure. Yet we have learned when we believe that the outcome will be positive, it is more likely that it will.
We have seen this in the election process, too. When the Democratic candidate fell behind, he showed more of an assuredness about his beliefs in the debates than he had heretofore exhibited, and made the election too close to call as a result. I know there were some, including those from our congregation like Susan Flint, Jeff Miller and Bob Shay (others?), who gave enormous time and energy into working hard on this election campaign, while being very uncertain about its results. In a way it is our kind of leap of faith. Believing in the power of all the people, we encourage all to speak, and all to vote. There is in this process both confidence in the process that everyone has a voice, and hope in the future that together we can overcome voices of power and privilege to achieve a just world. We believe that together we can make the choice for a peaceful and plentiful tomorrow. That¹s really all we can do. We seek a better tomorrow without knowing if it will be or not. But by putting all of our most confident effort into it, we can make a real difference on whether it happens or not. A prayerful thanks to all who believe tomorrow will be better by their continued hard work for peace and justice today.
Mark
***************
Calendar
11/1 Choir meets at 6:30pm
B@G meets at 7:30pm
11/3 Fellowship meets at 7:30pm
11/7 RE Parent Breakfast, 9:30am
Info meeting on Watertown Community Housing meets at 12:15pm
11/8 Choir meets at 6:30 pm
11/13 Service Auction and Pot Luck, 6pm
11/14 Aging Seminar meets at 9:30am
Memorial Committee meets at 12:30pm
11/15 Choir meets at 6:30pm
11/16 Parish Committee meets at 7:30 pm.
11/18 Social Action at 7:30 p.m.
11/21 New UU class at 9:30am
11/21 Thanksgiving Service
11/22 Choir meets at 6:30pm
11/23 Women and Work meets at 6:30pm
Town wide Thanksgiving Service at St. Patrick's at 7:00p.m
11/25 Happy Thanksgiving
11/29 Choir meets at 6:30pm
Church News
Among Us
Congratulations and welcome to boy baby Portz , who was adopted from Guatemala by John Portz and Meredith Montague and big sister Elisa, and was welcomed to church on October 24.
Andrea Greenwood was pictured on the front of the Watertown Tab in her role as a member of the Disabilities Commission. FPW member Diane Shepard also serves on this Commission.
Sunday Announcements
If you would like Darrick or Mark to read an announcement on Sunday morning, please try to get it to them as soon as possible. We will read non-First Parish items as long as the number is kept to a minimum. Printed announcements for the order of service should be submitted by Thursday. If you have questions about announcements, please speak to Mark.
A Midshipman's Musings
I am writing this column after having attended two worship services today. One was the inauguration of the new president of Andover Newton Theological School and the other was the wedding of two pillars of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities of the United Church of Christ. Both were very different services, but they had a similar theme. Each one talked about transformation.
Both used Romans 12:2 during the service, which says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds." These words really speak to me. I am constantly looking beyond what is given, in order to find something new. Just because things have always been done one way does not mean that it is the only way to do things. But it is so easy to "conform to this world" and stay in our own communities.. But we need to "renew our minds." And to do that, we need to leave our comfort zones. We need to go out into the world and meet new people, find out new ways of doing things, and expand our minds. But it is such a hard thing to do. We become vulnerable. And we also become open.
Two days after my sermon at First Parish, I preached at Andover Newton¹s Black Student Chapel. Being Gay and Non-Christian, I had avoided attending because I did not feel comfortable there. But that week was Coming Out week, and I knew that the only way they would participate in the activities was if I took over the service. So I signed up to preach on that Tuesday. And I knew that I had to preach on inclusivity in the church. This preaching event was not getting any easier.
It got worse. I had the most difficult time I have ever had writing the sermon. The words would not come. If I went away from the computer, I was fine. But I could not get the words on the page. So I realized what I needed to do. I needed to preach without a script. I took down notes, made an outline, and trusted that the words would come when I needed them. And they did. And it was one of my best sermons. By leaving my comfort zone, I was able to discover a talent I did not know I had.
So I am going to keep trying to move out of my comfort zone. I am going to try new things, attend cultural events of other communities, and allow myself to be open to challenges. It will not be easy to do all of the time, but for my growth, I need to do it as often as possible.
Blessed Be,
Darrick
***************
EDWIN CHARLES LYNN - Preacher on November 28
Edwin Charles Lynn has been minister of the Northshore Church for over thirty years. He is the past chairman of the Unitarian Universalist Association¹s Pamphlet Commission (he worked closely with Mark on this for four years). and has served as chairman of the Unsung Heroes Awards Committee, President of the Massachusetts Bay District Ministers Association, and as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association Ministerial Fellowship Committee. For many years he has taught Congregational Polity at Harvard Divinity School. Rev. Lynn has also been active in the Hospice movement. In addition to being a Unitarian Universalist minister for over thirty-five years, Ed is also a registered architect. He is the author of the book, TIRED DRAGONS: ADAPTING CHURCH ARCHITECTURE TO CHANGING NEEDS, and has written a number of articles on the subject of religious architecture. He has served as a lecturer and consultant to over 70 churches in the Unitarian Universalist denomination, including the First Parish of Watertown before our renovation. He is a graduate, cum laude, of the Syracuse University School of Architecture and Thomas Starr King School for the Ministry. Reverend Lynn lives in Ipswich with his wife, Marj, retired Director of the Newburyport YWCA. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.
Thank You
Thanks to those who helped out with Faire on the Square
Martha Scott, Mark Harris, Mary Schlivek, Aurora Sherman, Roberta Altamari, Kelly Morton, And especially David Morrison.
Thanks to Michael McCarthy for cleaning up the garden area prior to Marguerite Jones¹ service.
Thanks to Jane Knuttunen for all she is doing to help members of the church who are in need. Please see the Caring Committee form elsewhere in this newsletter.
Thanks to the Fellowship Committee for a wonderful Newcomer Breakfast. Members are Gretchen Brown, Bobbie Brown, Diane Shepard and Jan Klein.
First Parish in the News
The current issue (November/December) of the Unitarian Universalist World mentions First Parish's building renovation in an article called "New Construction a Sign of Vitality." See page 58. Mark Harris' book Historical Dictionary of Unitarian Universalism received a brief review in the September/October issue.
"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 November 14 . The topic of this discussion will be "Maintaining Quality of Life as We Age." Now well into his 90¹s 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
An introductory course on First Parish and Unitarian Universalism will be held on Sunday November 21 at 9:30 a.m. This is the chance to have all your questions answered. Where did this church come from? What do we believe? How does it all work, and how do I get involved?
This session will also provide newcomers with the answer to: How do I join the church? There will be an opportunity to sign the membership book. A new member welcome has been scheduled for Sunday, December 5. All questions about the class and membership can be referred to Mark.
Book Group
It's time to get the First Parish Book Group started up! Last year it met on Sundays approximately every other month. This year we wanted to start with a lighter read - The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and then maybe do Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides after that. Since people need time to read the book, we are planning the first meeting for Sunday December 5th at 4:00 p.m. All feed back is welcome on the meeting time and books! Is anyone interested in leading or co-leading the group on either book? Feel free to bring a friend to the group also, the more the merrier! Speak to Jean Merkl if you have any questions.
UU Women and Work
Guest Speaker for November
We are fortunate to have Andrea Greenwood, our former FPW minister, as a
guest speaker for our next UU Work and Women meeting.
When: Tuesday, November 23,
6:30 - 8:30PM
Where: in the Conference room at First Parish Church.
Topic: Women, Work, and the Word - Guest Speaker: Andrea Greenwood
Oh, the places one could go with a title like this! Does the word of Allah prohibit women from working? Does the word of God restrict women's work to the home? My plan for this meeting is to consider examining the word as my life's work. In some sense, this is autobiographical -- looking at reading as my vocation -- but I plan to universalize the experience of reading as the work of human beings, and experiment with ways of reading ourselves and each other.
If you have different types of nice paper, stamps and ink pads, photos or pictures cut from magazines, or any materials you might use to create a page about you, please bring them along.
Contact Kathy Warren at kwarren@juno.com or at church if you are
interested in joining us.
Caring People
We are updating our Caring People List. If you are able to help in any of the following ways please fill out this form and leave it in the office. There will also be forms available in the lobby of the sanctuary.
I am willing to help a church member/friend in the following ways, when the need arises:
___ Cook a meal
___ Help with household chores (laundry, light cleaning, etc.)
___ Go shopping
___ Provide a ride to an appointment
___ Child care
___ Visit
___ Other ________________________________________________________________
Name and Address
________________________________________________________________
Phone:
________________________________
Email:
________________________________
Questions? Contact Caring Coordinator : Jane Knuttunen or Rev. Mark Harris
Annual Service Auction
This year's Annual Service Auction will be held on Saturday, November 13. Silent Auction bidding will run for 2 weeks on Sundays, October 31 and November 7. Bid sheets for all services and goods will be available for review and bidding, at tables set up during Social Hour on these days. This years items include baby sitting, cookies, pies, handyman services, a French dinner, sailing on the Charles, hand made items and much more.
The 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.
If you have any questions, please call Jean Merkl .
Rental Space Available at First Parish
This fall we lost a long time weekly renter of space at First Parish. For more than ten years the Southwick Acting Studio provided a welcome, regular source of rental income to FPW. They have suspended operations effective 9/104. Unfortunately this loss of income was not anticipated in our budget planning for this year, since we just found out about it during the summer.
We are now looking for another organization that might be interested in using our space on a regular basis. The upstairs is available on Tue, Wed, and Thursday evenings. The downstairs is available Mon, Tue and Wed evenings.
If you know of any person or group who might like to use our space for classes or meetings on weekday evenings, please contact Brigitte Bender, our rental agent (xxx)-xxx-xxxx or Mark.
Giving Boxes
During November and December
we will be collecting food donations for the Boston Medical Center Nutrition's
Resource Center. This is an expanded food pantry that serves the Grow Clinic as well as the women's Infant and Children¹s Program (WIC) and a Preventative Food Pantry and Demonstration Kitchen. Boston Medical Center is the first hospital in the United States to offer this type of program in a hospital setting. This program has been expanded in the past two years in an effort to address the effects of malnutrition on their patients, particularly the children, and impacting entire families¹ overall health and well being.
The center is most appreciative of any food donations, and in particular expressed a need for: rice, canned soups, canned beans, canned fruits, and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and baby formula.
Religious Education
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
Our church year is well underway and lots of meaningful activities have been happening. I have to admit that the year would not be going so well if it weren't for our children. They once again challenged me to see beyond technical details and preconceived notions of what a Sunday school "should" be to the true guiding philosophy behind First Parish children's ministry.
It is funny how even I, a homeschooling mom of two and the DRE who insisted on terminology like "small group gatherings" and "spiritual guides", can be so conditioned to think in school-like mindsets. I have to admit that I came into the year suspecting that since our children were a year older, they would be ready to sit for some fascinating lessons about UU history. Then I discovered that they were the same as last year - craving fun and interesting activities. The last thing they wanted was another day of that "boring" school stuff.
I know I have often said that our "principles and sources curriculum" is merely a tool to provide faith-related activities for our children and that the primary goals of our families center around their children feeling connected to our community. So why was it so easy for me to momentarily forget all that understanding as I tried to cram a lifetime of UU history into one 45-minute session? Why do I get swept away when a parent expresses interest in their child learning the wealth of knowledge associated with one of our sources?
I think it has to do with our culture. American society values product more than process. We are often led to believe that the end is more important than the means. But I have been inspired by the children and adults at First Parish to usually see beyond such capitalist driven philosophies. We all know that our experiences and connections are very important and valuable.
I was quite intrigued last summer to learn more about Sophia Lyons Fahs. She is probably the most influential religious educator for liberal families in the 20th century. Through the early and mid 1900's, she promoted the idea that children learn best about religion through their interaction with the world, not through bible memorization. She wanted children to experience the beauty and mystery of life. Reading her biography from more than a century ago, I had to wonder why we haven't come further.
A look at many of our UUA curriculums with their focus on reading and talking made me wonder if we've simply replaced memorizing bible scriptures with liberal stories and conversations. Where are all these opportunities for our children to actually "experience" their spiritual growth?
There are many dedicated Unitarian Universalists quietly and enthusiastically continuing the wonderful traditions set forth by Ms. Fahs. We at First Parish are working hard to creatively develop activities that help our children share interesting experiences and heartfelt connections. From games that explore inequality and unfairness to community service projects that highlight having fun while helping others, we are working towards having programming that brings our UU faith to life.
Our work includes redefining "success" in religious education to mean not the grand lessons learned, but the small "connective" moments that empower our children's spiritual growth.
A recent example was looking at the ways we group our children for our small group gatherings. We initially had the kids in traditional school grade groupings (like preschool, kindergarten and first grade, second grade through elementary, and middle school.) But as our groups evolved, we found that some of our children had strong relationships with the kids in another group. As we looked at which children already shared strong connections, different groupings evolved. Groups that allow our children to build on their already existing bonds of friendship with fascinating projects that highlight teamwork, cooperation, and the joys of group membership.
Another example can be found by looking at our recent community service projects like when we packaged birthday gifts and goodie bags for the birthday parties of children living in homeless shelters. While the purpose of the projects may be above the intellectual understanding of some of our children, the message they get is clear - it can be great fun to do projects that help others. And as they get older, they can appreciate the deeper meaning behind some of the fun activities they have been doing.
So I look ahead to the coming year with promise and hope that we can continue to grow together ... moving towards our goals of "connecting with one another" and empowering children and adults alike to "enjoy" and "experience" our UU faith.
RE Announcements:
Candy for Charity ...
Looking for a good thing to do with your surplus Halloween candy? Bring all the candy you don't want to keep to First Parish on Sunday, November 7th and it will be donated to Birthday Wishes (a non-profit organization that hosts birthday parties for children living in 9 local homeless shelters). They will use it in their goodie bags and piñatas throughout the coming year.
A wonderful evening of bedtime stories ...Tellabration! A celebration of storytelling at its finest!! Saturday, November 20th at 7PM. Join the Junior Friends of the Watertown Free Public Library (with generous support from the Helen Robinson Wright committee) to hear some great storytelling and share a light bedtime snack. You're even welcome to wear your pajamas if you wish. For more information, contact Dominique Altamari (at (xxx)-xxx-xxxx or juniorWFPLfriend@aol.com)
Holiday pageant planning ...
Our annual holiday pageant is coming (during our intergenerational church service on December 19th) and it will feature our UU peace angels ~ Unitarian Universalists who have made significant contributions to this glorious holiday!
We are pleased to announce that Giles Holt and Cody Urban will be co-directing (with assistance from Roberta) and we can be sure to expect some more of their great theatrics. We have plenty of big and small parts for all those interested in participating this year. Rehearsals will be held on Sunday, November 28, December 5, and December 12 at 10 AM. We will also have a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 18th at 10AM.
Children's Choir
Dear First Parish Families,
I want to invite all the kids of First Parish to participate in the kid's choir that is beginning on Halloween. We will meet Sundays from 10:15 to 10:50 AM in the downstairs classrooms, just like last year. We will continue to meet every Sunday at that time thru Thanksgiving Sunday, and we will perform during the 11AM service that day. Our goal is to have fun singing together, and singing with and for our Church Family. All kids who want to sing are welcome. I hope that all the kids who sang last year will return, and will bring new friends as well. If you have any questions about the choir please email me at: paula@irnoise.com and I'll be happy to talk with you further.
Thanks! Paula Chase
***************
Darfur Relief Fund
The government of Sudan has been accused of carrying out a systematic and
deliberate campaign of "ethnic cleansing" against the people of Darfur in the
western part of Sudan. The United Nations has described this human travesty as "the world's greatest humanitarian disaster."
There is an urgent need for support to help save the lives of millions of people.
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is appalled and saddened at the genocide taking place in Darfur, and we are deeply troubled by the humanitarian crisis it has created.UUSC is accepting contributions to provide aid to the victims of the crisis.
If you wish to contribute to the relief effort in Darfur, please make your check payable to Darfur Relief Fund and mail to:
Darfur Relief Fund
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
P.O. Box 845259
Boston, MA 02284-5259
Winter Vacation with UUs in South Florida
S.W.I.M., the Southeast Unitarian Universalist Winter Institute in Miami, is all about having fun in the warm Miami sunshine! S.W.I.M.'s annual intergenerational retreat for UUs and like-minded kids of all ages happens every year from December 26th through Jan 1st.
S.W.I.M. offers south Florida hospitality, outdoor adventures (including tours, hikes, boating, and sailing), workshops (including spirituality and personal growth), special programs for youth, teens, and young adults,
fantastic food, and a new community of friends from across the continent.
For more information, please visit us online at http://www.swimuu.org
Police and World in Watertown to Sponsor an Educational Hate Crimes Forum
The Watertown Police Department and the World in Watertown will cosponsor a public forum on Tuesday, November 9 to explain the legal definition and penalties of a hate crime. Speakers will describe how law enforcement and the courts handle hate crimes, as well as effective community responses to hate incidents.
The forum will be held at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave., Watertown. It will start at 7:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 PM. All are welcome, free of charge.
The evening will feature speakers from Massachusetts State Attorney General¹s Office and the Anti-Defamation League. Representatives of the Watertown Police Department and the World in Watertown will also be in attendance.
Recently, a small amount of hate related literature was distributed in Watertown and surrounding communities. The speakers will address difference between the exercise of free speech and the commission of a crime.
For further information, please call Sgt. David Sampson at the Watertown Police Department at (xxx)-xxx-xxxx, or Will Twombly at the World in Watertown at (xxx)-xxx-xxxx.
This Forum is made possible through the generosity of the Hellenic Cultural Center and the Helen Robinson Wright Fund of the First Parish of Watertown.
COME to the service auction on Saturday, November 13!
Sunday, November 7 - During social hour
Your last chance to participate in a Sunday silent auction.
Saturday, November 13
6:00 p.m. Potluck Dinner
Please bring main dish, salad or dessert.
7:15 p.m. Final silent bids.
7:30 p.m. Live auction begins with a fabulous array of goods and services.
Sunday, November 7, 2004 - 11:00 A.M.
"Falling Leaves and Whispering Lives"
Mark W. Harris
Autumn always reminds us of the passing of the seasons. Leaves have their most brilliant colors even as they give up their lives to go back to the earth. How can we practice being brilliant even as we fade away?
Greeters:Bobbie Brown and Ric Calleja
Social Hour: Social Action Committee
***************
Sunday, November 14, 2004 - 11:00 A.M.
"Twin Towers and Empty Spaces"
Andrea Greenwood
In so many ways, New York City is a touchstone for America; the symbol of everything that is good and right about our country (opportunity, diversity, energy) and everything that is wrong (poverty, violence, disparity). Since September 11, the site is also a symbol of grief and anger. In this service, I hope
to explore what the towers and their absence might mean as a parallel to understanding some of the mental health issues plaguing our world.
Greeters: Goyo Carvajal and Cornelia Janke
Social Hour: Social Action Committee
***************
Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 11:00 A.M.
Thanksgiving Intergenerational Service - Mark and congregation
A special service of Thanksgiving for all ages. We will hear stories and sing together, and also listen to both our Children¹s Choir and the Adult Choir.
Greeters: Denise Carver and Joani Mountain
Social Hour: Social Action Committee
***************
Sunday, November 28, 2004 - 11:00 A.M.
"It Might Be Otherwise: Spiritual Gratitude"
Rev. Edwin Charles Lynn
Ed is the minister of the Northshore UU Society in Danvers, MA.
He and Mark are exchanging pulpits, so Mark is preaching in Danvers. See inside for bio of Ed.
Greeters:John Chamberlain and Sarah McSweeney
Social Hour: Social Action Committee
***************
The Captain's Log
Mark W. Harris
By the time you read this the election will be history. The Red Sox drive to become World Series champs will also be history. As I write I do not know the outcome of either. We can never be certain of outcomes, especially in light of the miraculous Red Sox victory over the Yankees. One must be careful not to draw too many metaphors for life from sports, but this is difficult to resist, especially for those of us who tend to think they always lose. I have been following baseball for many years. What I noticed about this team was there was not the kind of tentativeness or fear of failure that sometimes surfaced in the past. Our teams often would play not to lose rather than play with the confidence that they would succeed. I am sure many of the fans did not help because when things started to go wrong in the past, we were often quick to predict that disaster would soon befall us, and then it did. When you are unsure and fear failure, self-fulfilling prophecies are more likely to be self-fulfilled. This team, even with three losses in a row confronting them and lots of negative history, faced the future with the belief that they could still succeed. One poster I saw at the end of the seven game series with the Yankees simply said, history begins today. When we have confidence and self-assuredness about ourselves then we can go forward and make new history.
It is difficult to live with such uncertainty
about outcomes. My brother has recently gone through a difficult time with chemotherapy and radiation for throat cancer. Then after months of uncertainty and pain, he endured an operation on his throat last week to try to remove all vestiges of the disease. All of us want to live into the future with some certainty that we will be there to enjoy it. That was what he was trying to guarantee himself. The problem is that there is no guarantee. One thing going awry does not mean the next thing will go right. Nothing guarantees a victory. Nothing guarantees a cure. Yet we have learned when we believe that the outcome will be positive, it is more likely that it will.
We have seen this in the election process, too. When the Democratic candidate fell behind, he showed more of an assuredness about his beliefs in the debates than he had heretofore exhibited, and made the election too close to call as a result. I know there were some, including those from our congregation like Susan Flint, Jeff Miller and Bob Shay (others?), who gave enormous time and energy into working hard on this election campaign, while being very uncertain about its results. In a way it is our kind of leap of faith. Believing in the power of all the people, we encourage all to speak, and all to vote. There is in this process both confidence in the process that everyone has a voice, and hope in the future that together we can overcome voices of power and privilege to achieve a just world. We believe that together we can make the choice for a peaceful and plentiful tomorrow. That¹s really all we can do. We seek a better tomorrow without knowing if it will be or not. But by putting all of our most confident effort into it, we can make a real difference on whether it happens or not. A prayerful thanks to all who believe tomorrow will be better by their continued hard work for peace and justice today.
Mark
***************
Calendar
11/1 Choir meets at 6:30pm
B@G meets at 7:30pm
11/3 Fellowship meets at 7:30pm
11/7 RE Parent Breakfast, 9:30am
Info meeting on Watertown Community Housing meets at 12:15pm
11/8 Choir meets at 6:30 pm
11/13 Service Auction and Pot Luck, 6pm
11/14 Aging Seminar meets at 9:30am
Memorial Committee meets at 12:30pm
11/15 Choir meets at 6:30pm
11/16 Parish Committee meets at 7:30 pm.
11/18 Social Action at 7:30 p.m.
11/21 New UU class at 9:30am
11/21 Thanksgiving Service
11/22 Choir meets at 6:30pm
11/23 Women and Work meets at 6:30pm
Town wide Thanksgiving Service at St. Patrick's at 7:00p.m
11/25 Happy Thanksgiving
11/29 Choir meets at 6:30pm
Church News
Among Us
Congratulations and welcome to boy baby Portz , who was adopted from Guatemala by John Portz and Meredith Montague and big sister Elisa, and was welcomed to church on October 24.
Andrea Greenwood was pictured on the front of the Watertown Tab in her role as a member of the Disabilities Commission. FPW member Diane Shepard also serves on this Commission.
Sunday Announcements
If you would like Darrick or Mark to read an announcement on Sunday morning, please try to get it to them as soon as possible. We will read non-First Parish items as long as the number is kept to a minimum. Printed announcements for the order of service should be submitted by Thursday. If you have questions about announcements, please speak to Mark.
A Midshipman's Musings
I am writing this column after having attended two worship services today. One was the inauguration of the new president of Andover Newton Theological School and the other was the wedding of two pillars of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities of the United Church of Christ. Both were very different services, but they had a similar theme. Each one talked about transformation.
Both used Romans 12:2 during the service, which says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds." These words really speak to me. I am constantly looking beyond what is given, in order to find something new. Just because things have always been done one way does not mean that it is the only way to do things. But it is so easy to "conform to this world" and stay in our own communities.. But we need to "renew our minds." And to do that, we need to leave our comfort zones. We need to go out into the world and meet new people, find out new ways of doing things, and expand our minds. But it is such a hard thing to do. We become vulnerable. And we also become open.
Two days after my sermon at First Parish, I preached at Andover Newton¹s Black Student Chapel. Being Gay and Non-Christian, I had avoided attending because I did not feel comfortable there. But that week was Coming Out week, and I knew that the only way they would participate in the activities was if I took over the service. So I signed up to preach on that Tuesday. And I knew that I had to preach on inclusivity in the church. This preaching event was not getting any easier.
It got worse. I had the most difficult time I have ever had writing the sermon. The words would not come. If I went away from the computer, I was fine. But I could not get the words on the page. So I realized what I needed to do. I needed to preach without a script. I took down notes, made an outline, and trusted that the words would come when I needed them. And they did. And it was one of my best sermons. By leaving my comfort zone, I was able to discover a talent I did not know I had.
So I am going to keep trying to move out of my comfort zone. I am going to try new things, attend cultural events of other communities, and allow myself to be open to challenges. It will not be easy to do all of the time, but for my growth, I need to do it as often as possible.
Blessed Be,
Darrick
***************
EDWIN CHARLES LYNN - Preacher on November 28
Edwin Charles Lynn has been minister of the Northshore Church for over thirty years. He is the past chairman of the Unitarian Universalist Association¹s Pamphlet Commission (he worked closely with Mark on this for four years). and has served as chairman of the Unsung Heroes Awards Committee, President of the Massachusetts Bay District Ministers Association, and as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association Ministerial Fellowship Committee. For many years he has taught Congregational Polity at Harvard Divinity School. Rev. Lynn has also been active in the Hospice movement. In addition to being a Unitarian Universalist minister for over thirty-five years, Ed is also a registered architect. He is the author of the book, TIRED DRAGONS: ADAPTING CHURCH ARCHITECTURE TO CHANGING NEEDS, and has written a number of articles on the subject of religious architecture. He has served as a lecturer and consultant to over 70 churches in the Unitarian Universalist denomination, including the First Parish of Watertown before our renovation. He is a graduate, cum laude, of the Syracuse University School of Architecture and Thomas Starr King School for the Ministry. Reverend Lynn lives in Ipswich with his wife, Marj, retired Director of the Newburyport YWCA. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.
Thank You
Thanks to those who helped out with Faire on the Square
Martha Scott, Mark Harris, Mary Schlivek, Aurora Sherman, Roberta Altamari, Kelly Morton, And especially David Morrison.
Thanks to Michael McCarthy for cleaning up the garden area prior to Marguerite Jones¹ service.
Thanks to Jane Knuttunen for all she is doing to help members of the church who are in need. Please see the Caring Committee form elsewhere in this newsletter.
Thanks to the Fellowship Committee for a wonderful Newcomer Breakfast. Members are Gretchen Brown, Bobbie Brown, Diane Shepard and Jan Klein.
First Parish in the News
The current issue (November/December) of the Unitarian Universalist World mentions First Parish's building renovation in an article called "New Construction a Sign of Vitality." See page 58. Mark Harris' book Historical Dictionary of Unitarian Universalism received a brief review in the September/October issue.
"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 November 14 . The topic of this discussion will be "Maintaining Quality of Life as We Age." Now well into his 90¹s 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
An introductory course on First Parish and Unitarian Universalism will be held on Sunday November 21 at 9:30 a.m. This is the chance to have all your questions answered. Where did this church come from? What do we believe? How does it all work, and how do I get involved?
This session will also provide newcomers with the answer to: How do I join the church? There will be an opportunity to sign the membership book. A new member welcome has been scheduled for Sunday, December 5. All questions about the class and membership can be referred to Mark.
Book Group
It's time to get the First Parish Book Group started up! Last year it met on Sundays approximately every other month. This year we wanted to start with a lighter read - The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and then maybe do Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides after that. Since people need time to read the book, we are planning the first meeting for Sunday December 5th at 4:00 p.m. All feed back is welcome on the meeting time and books! Is anyone interested in leading or co-leading the group on either book? Feel free to bring a friend to the group also, the more the merrier! Speak to Jean Merkl if you have any questions.
UU Women and Work
Guest Speaker for November
We are fortunate to have Andrea Greenwood, our former FPW minister, as a
guest speaker for our next UU Work and Women meeting.
When: Tuesday, November 23,
6:30 - 8:30PM
Where: in the Conference room at First Parish Church.
Topic: Women, Work, and the Word - Guest Speaker: Andrea Greenwood
Oh, the places one could go with a title like this! Does the word of Allah prohibit women from working? Does the word of God restrict women's work to the home? My plan for this meeting is to consider examining the word as my life's work. In some sense, this is autobiographical -- looking at reading as my vocation -- but I plan to universalize the experience of reading as the work of human beings, and experiment with ways of reading ourselves and each other.
If you have different types of nice paper, stamps and ink pads, photos or pictures cut from magazines, or any materials you might use to create a page about you, please bring them along.
Contact Kathy Warren at kwarren@juno.com or at church if you are
interested in joining us.
Caring People
We are updating our Caring People List. If you are able to help in any of the following ways please fill out this form and leave it in the office. There will also be forms available in the lobby of the sanctuary.
I am willing to help a church member/friend in the following ways, when the need arises:
___ Cook a meal
___ Help with household chores (laundry, light cleaning, etc.)
___ Go shopping
___ Provide a ride to an appointment
___ Child care
___ Visit
___ Other ________________________________________________________________
Name and Address
________________________________________________________________
Phone:
________________________________
Email:
________________________________
Questions? Contact Caring Coordinator : Jane Knuttunen or Rev. Mark Harris
Annual Service Auction
This year's Annual Service Auction will be held on Saturday, November 13. Silent Auction bidding will run for 2 weeks on Sundays, October 31 and November 7. Bid sheets for all services and goods will be available for review and bidding, at tables set up during Social Hour on these days. This years items include baby sitting, cookies, pies, handyman services, a French dinner, sailing on the Charles, hand made items and much more.
The 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.
If you have any questions, please call Jean Merkl .
Rental Space Available at First Parish
This fall we lost a long time weekly renter of space at First Parish. For more than ten years the Southwick Acting Studio provided a welcome, regular source of rental income to FPW. They have suspended operations effective 9/104. Unfortunately this loss of income was not anticipated in our budget planning for this year, since we just found out about it during the summer.
We are now looking for another organization that might be interested in using our space on a regular basis. The upstairs is available on Tue, Wed, and Thursday evenings. The downstairs is available Mon, Tue and Wed evenings.
If you know of any person or group who might like to use our space for classes or meetings on weekday evenings, please contact Brigitte Bender, our rental agent (xxx)-xxx-xxxx or Mark.
Giving Boxes
During November and December
we will be collecting food donations for the Boston Medical Center Nutrition's
Resource Center. This is an expanded food pantry that serves the Grow Clinic as well as the women's Infant and Children¹s Program (WIC) and a Preventative Food Pantry and Demonstration Kitchen. Boston Medical Center is the first hospital in the United States to offer this type of program in a hospital setting. This program has been expanded in the past two years in an effort to address the effects of malnutrition on their patients, particularly the children, and impacting entire families¹ overall health and well being.
The center is most appreciative of any food donations, and in particular expressed a need for: rice, canned soups, canned beans, canned fruits, and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and baby formula.
Religious Education
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
Our church year is well underway and lots of meaningful activities have been happening. I have to admit that the year would not be going so well if it weren't for our children. They once again challenged me to see beyond technical details and preconceived notions of what a Sunday school "should" be to the true guiding philosophy behind First Parish children's ministry.
It is funny how even I, a homeschooling mom of two and the DRE who insisted on terminology like "small group gatherings" and "spiritual guides", can be so conditioned to think in school-like mindsets. I have to admit that I came into the year suspecting that since our children were a year older, they would be ready to sit for some fascinating lessons about UU history. Then I discovered that they were the same as last year - craving fun and interesting activities. The last thing they wanted was another day of that "boring" school stuff.
I know I have often said that our "principles and sources curriculum" is merely a tool to provide faith-related activities for our children and that the primary goals of our families center around their children feeling connected to our community. So why was it so easy for me to momentarily forget all that understanding as I tried to cram a lifetime of UU history into one 45-minute session? Why do I get swept away when a parent expresses interest in their child learning the wealth of knowledge associated with one of our sources?
I think it has to do with our culture. American society values product more than process. We are often led to believe that the end is more important than the means. But I have been inspired by the children and adults at First Parish to usually see beyond such capitalist driven philosophies. We all know that our experiences and connections are very important and valuable.
I was quite intrigued last summer to learn more about Sophia Lyons Fahs. She is probably the most influential religious educator for liberal families in the 20th century. Through the early and mid 1900's, she promoted the idea that children learn best about religion through their interaction with the world, not through bible memorization. She wanted children to experience the beauty and mystery of life. Reading her biography from more than a century ago, I had to wonder why we haven't come further.
A look at many of our UUA curriculums with their focus on reading and talking made me wonder if we've simply replaced memorizing bible scriptures with liberal stories and conversations. Where are all these opportunities for our children to actually "experience" their spiritual growth?
There are many dedicated Unitarian Universalists quietly and enthusiastically continuing the wonderful traditions set forth by Ms. Fahs. We at First Parish are working hard to creatively develop activities that help our children share interesting experiences and heartfelt connections. From games that explore inequality and unfairness to community service projects that highlight having fun while helping others, we are working towards having programming that brings our UU faith to life.
Our work includes redefining "success" in religious education to mean not the grand lessons learned, but the small "connective" moments that empower our children's spiritual growth.
A recent example was looking at the ways we group our children for our small group gatherings. We initially had the kids in traditional school grade groupings (like preschool, kindergarten and first grade, second grade through elementary, and middle school.) But as our groups evolved, we found that some of our children had strong relationships with the kids in another group. As we looked at which children already shared strong connections, different groupings evolved. Groups that allow our children to build on their already existing bonds of friendship with fascinating projects that highlight teamwork, cooperation, and the joys of group membership.
Another example can be found by looking at our recent community service projects like when we packaged birthday gifts and goodie bags for the birthday parties of children living in homeless shelters. While the purpose of the projects may be above the intellectual understanding of some of our children, the message they get is clear - it can be great fun to do projects that help others. And as they get older, they can appreciate the deeper meaning behind some of the fun activities they have been doing.
So I look ahead to the coming year with promise and hope that we can continue to grow together ... moving towards our goals of "connecting with one another" and empowering children and adults alike to "enjoy" and "experience" our UU faith.
RE Announcements:
Candy for Charity ...
Looking for a good thing to do with your surplus Halloween candy? Bring all the candy you don't want to keep to First Parish on Sunday, November 7th and it will be donated to Birthday Wishes (a non-profit organization that hosts birthday parties for children living in 9 local homeless shelters). They will use it in their goodie bags and piñatas throughout the coming year.
A wonderful evening of bedtime stories ...Tellabration! A celebration of storytelling at its finest!! Saturday, November 20th at 7PM. Join the Junior Friends of the Watertown Free Public Library (with generous support from the Helen Robinson Wright committee) to hear some great storytelling and share a light bedtime snack. You're even welcome to wear your pajamas if you wish. For more information, contact Dominique Altamari (at (xxx)-xxx-xxxx or juniorWFPLfriend@aol.com)
Holiday pageant planning ...
Our annual holiday pageant is coming (during our intergenerational church service on December 19th) and it will feature our UU peace angels ~ Unitarian Universalists who have made significant contributions to this glorious holiday!
We are pleased to announce that Giles Holt and Cody Urban will be co-directing (with assistance from Roberta) and we can be sure to expect some more of their great theatrics. We have plenty of big and small parts for all those interested in participating this year. Rehearsals will be held on Sunday, November 28, December 5, and December 12 at 10 AM. We will also have a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 18th at 10AM.
Children's Choir
Dear First Parish Families,
I want to invite all the kids of First Parish to participate in the kid's choir that is beginning on Halloween. We will meet Sundays from 10:15 to 10:50 AM in the downstairs classrooms, just like last year. We will continue to meet every Sunday at that time thru Thanksgiving Sunday, and we will perform during the 11AM service that day. Our goal is to have fun singing together, and singing with and for our Church Family. All kids who want to sing are welcome. I hope that all the kids who sang last year will return, and will bring new friends as well. If you have any questions about the choir please email me at: paula@irnoise.com and I'll be happy to talk with you further.
Thanks! Paula Chase
***************
Darfur Relief Fund
The government of Sudan has been accused of carrying out a systematic and
deliberate campaign of "ethnic cleansing" against the people of Darfur in the
western part of Sudan. The United Nations has described this human travesty as "the world's greatest humanitarian disaster."
There is an urgent need for support to help save the lives of millions of people.
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is appalled and saddened at the genocide taking place in Darfur, and we are deeply troubled by the humanitarian crisis it has created.UUSC is accepting contributions to provide aid to the victims of the crisis.
If you wish to contribute to the relief effort in Darfur, please make your check payable to Darfur Relief Fund and mail to:
Darfur Relief Fund
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
P.O. Box 845259
Boston, MA 02284-5259
Winter Vacation with UUs in South Florida
S.W.I.M., the Southeast Unitarian Universalist Winter Institute in Miami, is all about having fun in the warm Miami sunshine! S.W.I.M.'s annual intergenerational retreat for UUs and like-minded kids of all ages happens every year from December 26th through Jan 1st.
S.W.I.M. offers south Florida hospitality, outdoor adventures (including tours, hikes, boating, and sailing), workshops (including spirituality and personal growth), special programs for youth, teens, and young adults,
fantastic food, and a new community of friends from across the continent.
For more information, please visit us online at http://www.swimuu.org
Police and World in Watertown to Sponsor an Educational Hate Crimes Forum
The Watertown Police Department and the World in Watertown will cosponsor a public forum on Tuesday, November 9 to explain the legal definition and penalties of a hate crime. Speakers will describe how law enforcement and the courts handle hate crimes, as well as effective community responses to hate incidents.
The forum will be held at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave., Watertown. It will start at 7:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 PM. All are welcome, free of charge.
The evening will feature speakers from Massachusetts State Attorney General¹s Office and the Anti-Defamation League. Representatives of the Watertown Police Department and the World in Watertown will also be in attendance.
Recently, a small amount of hate related literature was distributed in Watertown and surrounding communities. The speakers will address difference between the exercise of free speech and the commission of a crime.
For further information, please call Sgt. David Sampson at the Watertown Police Department at (xxx)-xxx-xxxx, or Will Twombly at the World in Watertown at (xxx)-xxx-xxxx.
This Forum is made possible through the generosity of the Hellenic Cultural Center and the Helen Robinson Wright Fund of the First Parish of Watertown.
COME to the service auction on Saturday, November 13!
Sunday, November 7 - During social hour
Your last chance to participate in a Sunday silent auction.
Saturday, November 13
6:00 p.m. Potluck Dinner
Please bring main dish, salad or dessert.
7:15 p.m. Final silent bids.
7:30 p.m. Live auction begins with a fabulous array of goods and services.