Saturday, January 01, 2005
January 2005 Newsletter
Services and Sermon Topics
Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 11:00 A.M.
“Choose This Day” Mark W. Harris
Joshua, the leader of ancient Israel was implored to “Choose this Day.” The New Year always makes us ponder what choices we will make in the year ahead. While we must accept some things, there are other things that we can choose to make better or to mar. Which will it be?
Greeters:Beth and Richard Coomber
Social Hour: Canvass Committee
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Sunday, January 9, 2005 - 11:00 A.M.
“An Atheist’s God” Mark W. Harris
Can someone who denies the existence of God have a larger sense of truth or reality? Can Buddhism teach us something about believing in not believing?
Greeters: Paul Dansereau and Julie Miller
Social Hour: Canvass Committee
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Sunday, January 16, - 11:00 A.M.
“Free at Last” Darrick Jackson
This sermon asks the question "What does it mean to be free?" and what it means for us today.
Greeters: Elizabeth and Isabel Tappan-deFrees
Social hour: Canvass Committee
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Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 11:00 A.M.
“Who Needs Reconciling?” Mark W. Harris
Traditional Christianity features the doctrine of the atonement which says that Christ died to reconcile God (who was mad at us for being sinful) to humans. The Universalist Hosea Ballou said it is us who need to be reconciled to God. How do we find reconciliation and understanding if we believe God or someone more human is mad at us all the time?
Greeters: Sue Demb
Social Action: Canvass Committee
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Sunday , January 30, 2005 - 11:00 A.M
“Reading, Praying, and Bookmaking”
Andrea Greenwood, Kathy Warren,
Joani Mountain and others
Originally I was thinking of calling this "Whose Your Momma?", in a feminist response to Pedro Martinez, as this service grows out of a group of nine women sitting around a table sharing the stuff of life -- which was not competition or ownership, but storytelling. The memories, vignettes, narratives and tangents were so powerful, we decided not to waste our time with responding. Join us, to hear some of our stories, and perhaps share
yours.
Greeters: Nancy Dutton and David Benson
Social hour: Canvass Committee
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The Captain’s Log
Mark W. Harris
First, let me say thank you to all of you who sent holiday cards and/or gave gifts to the Greenwood/ Harris clan. All of these well wishes are deeply appreciated. Please know that because we are a congregation of many members, Andrea and I cannot send individual greetings to all of you.
Second, I would like to thank various staff members of FPW for all their special efforts this holiday season. Thanks to Patty who brought in wonderful guests and led our choir on Christmas Eve while playing for the two services. Thanks to Roberta for her usual vibrancy, and shepherding of a great pageant.
Thanks to Nancy for extra effort with flowers and programs, and little extras around the church. Thanks to Alan for setting up the tree and taking it down. It is great to work with this wonderful staff.
Finally, I also want to thank everyone who made an extra effort to donate to FPW this Christmas. We have not had a special Christmas offering before, but found it necessary with the loss a major renter, the Acting Group who had been here for more than a decade, and the tremendous cost of fuel oil. Your generosity is appreciated.
While we see how difficult it is to maintain a strong, vital church community, we also realize its importance in our lives. This newsletter heralds the joy of the new year after a holiday season, but many of us feel deep concerns for the world and its fragile condition at this time. After the bombing at Mosul, our parishioner Kyle Morton wrote a poem which I shared with you at the poetry service on 12/26. It concludes:
“On Christmas I don’t know what to do,
But pray for peace to welcome you
To pray for an end to the insurgency
With love and vital urgency
For sanity to set the tone
So we can bring our soldiers home.”
First Parish gives us all a welcome place of shared values where we can face all of life’s struggles together. We have had a good first half of the year here at First Parish. We have had more faces on Sunday morning, a growing RE program, a wonderful response to church members in need, and in 2004 the most new members joining since 1998. But we also need to express our faith as a community in the larger context of the world. The faith we profess must be put into practice on the pathways to peace. Let us consider how we might do this as a community.
I close with these words from Mildred Boie:
“No, there is neither peace nor hope of peace
In all the latitudes turned toward this year.
Let us, at least, win private truce, and cease
The war within our hearts, and the heart’s fear.
Let personal suns surmount the headlined day;
The gentle touch disarm the angry word;
Keep single lives alive, let truth outweigh
Each gun, and April mouths alone be heard.
For in the haven of the loving mind
The refugees from self can build new land,
And even winter-hardened doubts may find
Answer and courage in the outstretched hand.
Seeing how mortal humans and nations are,
Let our brief hearts be bold, and out-love war.”
Mark
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Church News
January Calendar
Sunday Worship Services at 11:00 A.M.
1/2 Canvass Comm. at 12:30 pm
1/3,1/10,1/24 Choir meets at 7pm
1/3 Building and Grounds Comm. at 7:30
1/6 Unity Breakfast Comm. at 6:45 pm
1/6 World in Watertown at 7:30 p.m.
1/12 Parish Committee at 7:30 pm
1/13 Social Action Comm. at 7:30 pm
1/16 Growth Committee at 9:30 am
1/17 Unity Breakfast at Hellenic Center
Worship Service at 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast at 9:00 a.m.
1/18 Book group meets at 7:00 pm
1/19 Finance Comm. at 7:30 pm
1/20 Worship Comm. at 7:30 pm
1/26 Fellowship Comm. at 7:30 pm
1/30 Aging Group at 9:30 a.m.
1/31 Building and Grounds at 7:30 pm
2/2 Parish Council at 7:30 pm
Clean - up Thank YOU
We had a wonderful response to our indoor church clean-up on December 4. The following people helped out in some way: cleaning, painting (note the new lobby!), sorting, window washing, etc. Thank you so much for all you did:Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees, Isabel Tappan-deFrees, Michael McCarthy David Benson (chair of B and G, and organizer), Randy Rhoda, David Morrison, Kathy Button, Missy Shay Bob Shay, Kenn Repp, Chris Johnson Mark Harris, Larry Sprague, Marilyn Boeneau,Giles Holt, and Susan Flint Several folks like Michael, David B., Randy and Larry put in overtime hours (with no overtime pay either!). We are very grateful, and a lot cleaner, too!
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Web Site
The First Parish web site is getting back in shape thanks to Kyle Morton. Please note that all sermons and the newsletters go on the web site. Photocopied sermons are also available on the info table in the lobby. Kyle has also put the Amazon.com link back in place on the home page. We receive a percentage of sales if you go to fpwatertown.org first, before you buy. There is also a new photo gallery featuring pictures from the Pageant, the Community Connections program, and the Bejcek farewell party.
Go to: www.fpwatertown.org/gallery/albums.
Thanks Kyle for all your good work.
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First Parish 2005 Canvass Kickoff
Your First Parish Canvass Committee has been laboring long and hard to develop a plan for this year’s canvass that will exceed the great success of last year’s program in terms of both fun and fund raising results. Knowing a good thing when we see it, we are going to model this year’s canvass on last year’s.
In March we will have a series of canvass potluck dinners at people’s houses and at the Church, where we will enjoy one another’s fellowship, fine cooking and wit as well as talk some about what our community means to us. These talks will be led by fellow church members, and the evenings will wind up with people filling out their pledge cards for the coming year. These dinners were one of the highlights of the First Parish Social calendar last year, and should be again this year.
We have scheduled the dinners on successive weeks in early March in order to make it as easy as possible to find a date on which you can attend. This year’s dates are:
Thursday, March 3 7:00 9:00
Friday, March 4 7:00 9:00
Saturday, March 5 5:30 7:30 at the Church, child care provided
Sunday, March 6 7:00 - 9:00
Thursday, March 10 7:00 9:00
Friday, March 11 7:00 9:00
Saturday, March 12 7:00 9:00
Sunday, March 13 6:30 8:30 at the Church, child care provided.
We are currently looking for volunteers to host each of these dinners, the ones at the Church and the ones in people’s homes. These being pot lucks, the hosts need only arrange for seating and paper goods for people to use to eat and drink. Hosts at the church can use the paper goods there, but will need to set up and clean up.
We are also looking for volunteers to moderate the discussions about the Church at each dinner. The Canvass Committee will train all the moderators and provide them with an outline they can use in leading the discussions. By becoming a moderator you will have a chance to learn more about the operations of the church and provide a valuable service. Moderating really is an enjoyable experience as the discussions usually wind up running themselves.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering to either host or moderate a canvass dinner should speak to Bob Shay, John Portz, Michael Collins, Darrick Jackson or Martha Scott. If already you know you want to do it, just speak to John Portz, or send him an email at: jportz@rcn.com.
Once we have finished our pledging we all gather together to celebrate on Saturday, April 2 at 6:00 at the Church at our Annual Dinner. This will be a giant pot luck and feature entertainment by the many talented members and friends of FPW.
Check your calendars today and lock in a date you want to attend a Canvass Dinner, and block out April 2 for the Annual Dinner. Also, be sure to give some serious thought to being a host or a moderator. It could be one of the more satisfying things you do all year.
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Giving Box recipient for January/February
The Giving Box recipient for January/February will be Teen L.E.E.P. Books (Leadership, Employment, and Enrichment Program), based at the Rediscovery House group home in Watertown. Rediscovery House serves older adolescent males who are aging out of the foster care system, and are preparing to live independently. They are seeking donations of any NON-FICTION books in good condition. The books may be new or used. They can also accept textbooks, if they are current editions. Please take a moment to check your bookshelves - any NON-FICTION books you no longer want could be very useful to these teens!
Thank you to everyone for your generous donations to the Grow Clinic and related programs. We provided gifts for 65 children this year, and also provided needed food for their pantry.
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Book Group
The book group had a successful first meeting though everyone decided that Sunday was not a good day to meet. The consensus was to meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. We hope that date works for you too! For the next meeting, January 18th, we are going to have a "Favorite Book" sharing. Come and share with others about one of your favorite books and hear about others. One reason decided to do this is to give you all time to read the book scheduled for February 15th. The book is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. Andrea Greenwood will be the facilitator. You may have heard Mark mention this book in a couple of his sermons! If you have any questions please ask Kelly Morton, Joani Mountain, or Jean Merkl. See you there!
Hobby Night
Do you have a hobby? Are you interested in learning a new one? The Growth Committee survey survey revealed that a number of FPW members and friends have hobbies such as knitting, quilting, gardening, cooking, etc. FPW formerly held a "Hobby Night" a few times a year, where anyone interested came to the Social Hall one evening and worked on a project or learned a new skill from someone else. The time might be right to revive this tradition, and the possibilities are limitless!
Scrapbooks, photography, planning for spring planting with seed catalogs, wood working, model building. Make a hat, a gift, swap cook books, organize those baby photos and enjoy FPW friends at the same time. We need someone to be an organizer---a low commitment, low-stress job mostly involving opening and closing the church, and then anyone interested to bring their hobby and share their knowledge. Please let Aurora Sherman know if you are interested in
participating or being an organizer (roramich@care2.com). And, if Hobby Night doesn't sound like your cup of tea, stay tuned for more fun ideas from the Growth Committee!
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Aging Group
Our two Sunday morning seminars with Bob Dutton on aging have spawned a Sunday morning group that will continue to meet. The first meeting in January will be on January 30, 2005 at 9:30 a.m.. Topic and facilitator will be announced.
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A Midshipman's Musings
Many of us put together New Year's resolutions, with the hope that we will make major changes to our lives this year. Some of us are really good at following through with these resolutions, but most of us never achieve our full list.
Why is that? I think it is because we set ourselves up for failure. We set standards that are too high for us to achieve in a year. We create expectations without considering if we are truly ready to make a change, or if we will be ready during the year.
I rarely make resolutions, because I do not like to set myself up for disappointment. I only set resolutions that I am dedicated to and feel confident about being able to achieve. Here are my suggestions for creating a resolution:
1. Choose carefully*Is this something you really want to do or is it something you feel you should do. Focusing on shoulds can set us up for disappointment. Resolutions only work if you are truly committed from the inside. For example, if you want to make a resolution to go to the gym 3 times a week so that you can lose weight, but you really don't enjoy working out, then you should probably not make it your resolution. An alternative resolution would be to work with a health professional to develop a weight loss plan that works for you.
2. Have a plan*Know how you plan on achieving this resolution. This plan does not need to be detailed at this moment, but you should have the basic framework in which you will work. For example, if you want to quit smoking, know if you want to use a patch, gum, go cold turkey, etc. Having an idea of how you are going to accomplish the resolution makes it more tangible and you are more likely to go through with it.
3. Think about timing*Have an idea of when you want to make this resolution happen. When in your schedule is it best to make changes? Also, it is too much to make several major changes to your life all at once. Do one at a time and get used to the change before you begin the next resolution. It might be easier to think of each resolution as a step towards a larger goal. For example, resolutions to quit smoking, go on a diet, and begin going to the gym may all be grouped under feeling better about yourself. In order to do this, you might start by quitting smoking. One or two months later you may start going to the gym, and then one or two months later, you start a new diet. This allows your body to integrate the changes, which then dictates how you will implement the next change.
Consider your own resolutions for this year. Why did you choose them? How are you going to make them happen? What are your criteria?
Happy New Year
Darrick Jackson
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Religious Education
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
After our December celebrations were done, I started to think about the last holiday of the season, the one known as "New Year's". What is the meaning of this holiday? I know it's good-bye to the old and welcome to the new, but what does that really mean? Are the fancy parties and big resolutions really necessary?
I admit that I've never been one to formally celebrate New Year's. My college days saw the end of me wanting to stay up past midnight at some party. I'd rather be sleeping with my loved ones snuggled close. And I've never been one to wish for magnificent changes. Everyone I know who made resolutions would break their promises within the first month. I'd rather wait and make changes when I feel inspired to do so.
Am I destined to be the New Year's Scrooge? I can't help but hope this holiday is more than late parties and big promises. I wanted to learn more and found much writing on the subject. I discovered there are many customs and traditions people across the world use to celebrate New Year's. The only thing I can say for sure is that New Year's is what you make of it.
My favorite tradition dates back to the Roman God, Janus. He was a two faced god for whom the first month was named after. We can read all sorts of ideas into his two faced quality, but I think Dominique (my daughter) said it best when she said, "He can look backwards to the past and forwards to the future at the same time." To me, this is what I want my New Year's to be about.
I looked backwards to this past year intentionally searching for the good times. And one of the highlights of my professional year had to be our annual Christmas pageant. From M.E. Leon's forward roll to the sensational solo performances from several of our children, many incredible moments happened during the show.
But the lessons from this year's pageant also help me look forward to the coming year. During the pageant, we learned that throughout history, there have been many Unitarian Universalists working to spread peace and goodwill throughout the holiday season. In the pageant, these ancestors were called "Peace Angels" and we realized that we could be "Peace Angels" by spreading peace and goodwill.
When lighting the chalice that day, I highlighted the work of two of our First Parish peace angels, Giles Holt and Cody Urban. From Giles' amazing creation of our pageant "grand finale" to Cody's dedicated work every Sunday supporting one of our preschoolers who needs extra help, their contributions really celebrate the idea that "actions of peace" come in many different shapes and sizes.
While this pageant was in honor of Christmas, I realized that you don't need to be celebrating a holiday to take this message to heart. Robert Fulghum wrote, "Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away." With global events evolving as they have been, I have been hearing more and more people wishing for a peaceful world. For the sake of our children, our families, and our neighbors, many people are desperately hoping for more peace in our world. And while we may not be able to control the actions of others, we CAN make a difference in our world by working to spread peace and goodwill.
I believe that we all can be "Peace Angels" by spreading peace and goodwill in simple ways. The small things we do can really make a big difference. Start at home by taking more time to fully enjoy the company of your loved ones. Listen carefully to what others are saying and respond thoughtfully. Compliment others and share your affection. Be grateful for the good things in your life and show your appreciation.
It can just as simple to bring peace and goodwill to our community. Share peace and goodwill with others in the ways that suit your style. From shoveling a walkway to sharing a home-baked dessert, there are wonderful ways to help your neighbors. From volunteering your services at local agencies that help our neighbors to supporting international organizations that help our global neighbors, there are countless ways to help spread peace and goodwill. We are all capable of being "Peace Angels".
Whether you choose to focus on parties, life-changing resolutions, quiet time reflections, or actions of peace, may your New Year be filled with moments that are meaningful to you. May you always look backward and find joyful memories. May you always look forward with hope, love, and compassion. And may you each have a peace filled, Happy New Year!
RE Announcements ...
Fabulous field trip: On January 9th, we will be traveling to First Parish of Needham for our annual celebration of the third UU principle - "coming together with acceptance". Lots of enjoyable activities have been planned to share with the children in Needham. (Those children who joined us for our trip last year to the UU church of Greater Lynn know just how much fun these adventures can be.) Participating children need to be at our church by 9:45 AM and we will return during social hour. (Children staying in Watertown will have some theme-related activities to do together.) Contact Roberta if you have any questions.
Community Service Project: During the month of January, Chalice Children will be collecting stationary and greeting cards to give to women in prison. This gift will support them in staying connected with their loved ones. So go through your office draws and share your excess supplies! While donating (in the bin in the social hall), check out the beautiful quilt our "Principle Activators" group made to hang at the prison (and pass along thanks to Johanna Swift-Hart for the inspiration to do this project and Kathy Warren for her talented quilting work).
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Fifth Annual Unity Breakfast:
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the World In Watertown and the Watertown Ministerial Association will once again sponsor the annual Unity Breakfast on Monday, January 17, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave, Watertown. Renee Landers, Professor of Law, Suffolk University and past president of the Boston Bar Association will be the keynote speaker. Other highlights include music by the Watertown High School A Cappella Chorus and an awards presentation to individuals and organizations who have worked in Watertown to preserve, protect and promote diversity and non-discriminatory practices. The breakfast will be preceded by an interfaith worship service at 8:30 a.m. Tickets to the breakfast are $7.00 (free for children 12 and under), and there will be childcare. The Cultural Center is wheelchair accessible. For reservations, RSVP to the church at 617 924-6143 by January 10.
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Community Connections
This past year families from the First Parish of Watertown paired up with Project Literacy families as part of our Community Connections project. The goal of the project was to provide an opportunity for English speakers and immigrants to get to know each other. The families got together for simple social gatherings such as sharing meals, taking walks, and visiting parks. One planned event for the families was a nature slide show and walk lead by Carole Berney. She presented her beautiful slides of the Charles River, brought her collection of bird feathers, eggs, and nests, and shared her stories and knowledge. Some of those attending talked about wildlife in their countries. The next week she led a walk by the river.
Late this fall we celebrated the last “official” event of the project with a potluck dinner in the social hall. The families brought many ethnic dishes, the children made up games to play, and the adults enjoyed their new friendships. Thanks to David Benson’s bringing a CD player/radio, we had lovely music, and later got to listen to the first home run of the World Series game of that night.
We are grateful for donations of delicious bread from Iggy’s and a beautiful floral centerpiece from Cass Flowers.
Project Literacy would like to thank all the First Parish families that participated.
Thank you to:
Sue Kuder, Marilyn Boenau, Emma, Paul and Molly Day, Norah Mulvaney-Day, Nancy Dutton, David Benson, David and Chris Warren, Carole Katz, John and Elisa Portz, Meredith Montague, Carole Berney and Virginia Howe.
A special thanks to David Benson and Nancy Dutton for their help in setting up and clean up at the pot luck dinner.
Thanks to Mark Harris and the Social Action Committee for helping recruit First Parish participants. Thanks also to all the Project Literacy families.
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Bulletin Boards and Other Info
Please remember to get your latest FPW info on the bulletin board downstairs. We are always looking for chalice lighters and people to donate flowers. Please sign up. We also have a photo display of the Bejcek going away party. Various thank you letters also appear. Currently there is a wonderful letter from a Project Literacy participant in the Community Connections program praising our own Kathy and David Warren. We already know how great they are. Upstairs, please check out the conference room to see the biographies to accompany the recently donated Helen Robinson Wright photo, and the recently reframed photo of our Puritan pastor, John Bailey. Thanks to Will Twombly for making this possible. The Info table in the lobby has many brochures on UUism, and there is also has a self-guided tour of our church.
Fifth Annual Unity Breakfast:
Martin Luther King Day
Monday, January 17, 2005, at 9:00 a.m.
Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave, Watertown
Interfaith worship service at 8:30 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Renee Landers,
Professor of Law, Suffolk University
Past President of the Boston Bar Association
Tickets to the breakfast are $7.00 (free for children 12 and under)
Childcare available.
For reservations, RSVP to the church at 617 924-6143 by January 10.
Sunday, January 2, 2005 - 11:00 A.M.
“Choose This Day” Mark W. Harris
Joshua, the leader of ancient Israel was implored to “Choose this Day.” The New Year always makes us ponder what choices we will make in the year ahead. While we must accept some things, there are other things that we can choose to make better or to mar. Which will it be?
Greeters:Beth and Richard Coomber
Social Hour: Canvass Committee
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Sunday, January 9, 2005 - 11:00 A.M.
“An Atheist’s God” Mark W. Harris
Can someone who denies the existence of God have a larger sense of truth or reality? Can Buddhism teach us something about believing in not believing?
Greeters: Paul Dansereau and Julie Miller
Social Hour: Canvass Committee
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Sunday, January 16, - 11:00 A.M.
“Free at Last” Darrick Jackson
This sermon asks the question "What does it mean to be free?" and what it means for us today.
Greeters: Elizabeth and Isabel Tappan-deFrees
Social hour: Canvass Committee
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Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 11:00 A.M.
“Who Needs Reconciling?” Mark W. Harris
Traditional Christianity features the doctrine of the atonement which says that Christ died to reconcile God (who was mad at us for being sinful) to humans. The Universalist Hosea Ballou said it is us who need to be reconciled to God. How do we find reconciliation and understanding if we believe God or someone more human is mad at us all the time?
Greeters: Sue Demb
Social Action: Canvass Committee
***************
Sunday , January 30, 2005 - 11:00 A.M
“Reading, Praying, and Bookmaking”
Andrea Greenwood, Kathy Warren,
Joani Mountain and others
Originally I was thinking of calling this "Whose Your Momma?", in a feminist response to Pedro Martinez, as this service grows out of a group of nine women sitting around a table sharing the stuff of life -- which was not competition or ownership, but storytelling. The memories, vignettes, narratives and tangents were so powerful, we decided not to waste our time with responding. Join us, to hear some of our stories, and perhaps share
yours.
Greeters: Nancy Dutton and David Benson
Social hour: Canvass Committee
***************
The Captain’s Log
Mark W. Harris
First, let me say thank you to all of you who sent holiday cards and/or gave gifts to the Greenwood/ Harris clan. All of these well wishes are deeply appreciated. Please know that because we are a congregation of many members, Andrea and I cannot send individual greetings to all of you.
Second, I would like to thank various staff members of FPW for all their special efforts this holiday season. Thanks to Patty who brought in wonderful guests and led our choir on Christmas Eve while playing for the two services. Thanks to Roberta for her usual vibrancy, and shepherding of a great pageant.
Thanks to Nancy for extra effort with flowers and programs, and little extras around the church. Thanks to Alan for setting up the tree and taking it down. It is great to work with this wonderful staff.
Finally, I also want to thank everyone who made an extra effort to donate to FPW this Christmas. We have not had a special Christmas offering before, but found it necessary with the loss a major renter, the Acting Group who had been here for more than a decade, and the tremendous cost of fuel oil. Your generosity is appreciated.
While we see how difficult it is to maintain a strong, vital church community, we also realize its importance in our lives. This newsletter heralds the joy of the new year after a holiday season, but many of us feel deep concerns for the world and its fragile condition at this time. After the bombing at Mosul, our parishioner Kyle Morton wrote a poem which I shared with you at the poetry service on 12/26. It concludes:
“On Christmas I don’t know what to do,
But pray for peace to welcome you
To pray for an end to the insurgency
With love and vital urgency
For sanity to set the tone
So we can bring our soldiers home.”
First Parish gives us all a welcome place of shared values where we can face all of life’s struggles together. We have had a good first half of the year here at First Parish. We have had more faces on Sunday morning, a growing RE program, a wonderful response to church members in need, and in 2004 the most new members joining since 1998. But we also need to express our faith as a community in the larger context of the world. The faith we profess must be put into practice on the pathways to peace. Let us consider how we might do this as a community.
I close with these words from Mildred Boie:
“No, there is neither peace nor hope of peace
In all the latitudes turned toward this year.
Let us, at least, win private truce, and cease
The war within our hearts, and the heart’s fear.
Let personal suns surmount the headlined day;
The gentle touch disarm the angry word;
Keep single lives alive, let truth outweigh
Each gun, and April mouths alone be heard.
For in the haven of the loving mind
The refugees from self can build new land,
And even winter-hardened doubts may find
Answer and courage in the outstretched hand.
Seeing how mortal humans and nations are,
Let our brief hearts be bold, and out-love war.”
Mark
***************
Church News
January Calendar
Sunday Worship Services at 11:00 A.M.
1/2 Canvass Comm. at 12:30 pm
1/3,1/10,1/24 Choir meets at 7pm
1/3 Building and Grounds Comm. at 7:30
1/6 Unity Breakfast Comm. at 6:45 pm
1/6 World in Watertown at 7:30 p.m.
1/12 Parish Committee at 7:30 pm
1/13 Social Action Comm. at 7:30 pm
1/16 Growth Committee at 9:30 am
1/17 Unity Breakfast at Hellenic Center
Worship Service at 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast at 9:00 a.m.
1/18 Book group meets at 7:00 pm
1/19 Finance Comm. at 7:30 pm
1/20 Worship Comm. at 7:30 pm
1/26 Fellowship Comm. at 7:30 pm
1/30 Aging Group at 9:30 a.m.
1/31 Building and Grounds at 7:30 pm
2/2 Parish Council at 7:30 pm
Clean - up Thank YOU
We had a wonderful response to our indoor church clean-up on December 4. The following people helped out in some way: cleaning, painting (note the new lobby!), sorting, window washing, etc. Thank you so much for all you did:Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees, Isabel Tappan-deFrees, Michael McCarthy David Benson (chair of B and G, and organizer), Randy Rhoda, David Morrison, Kathy Button, Missy Shay Bob Shay, Kenn Repp, Chris Johnson Mark Harris, Larry Sprague, Marilyn Boeneau,Giles Holt, and Susan Flint Several folks like Michael, David B., Randy and Larry put in overtime hours (with no overtime pay either!). We are very grateful, and a lot cleaner, too!
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Web Site
The First Parish web site is getting back in shape thanks to Kyle Morton. Please note that all sermons and the newsletters go on the web site. Photocopied sermons are also available on the info table in the lobby. Kyle has also put the Amazon.com link back in place on the home page. We receive a percentage of sales if you go to fpwatertown.org first, before you buy. There is also a new photo gallery featuring pictures from the Pageant, the Community Connections program, and the Bejcek farewell party.
Go to: www.fpwatertown.org/gallery/albums.
Thanks Kyle for all your good work.
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First Parish 2005 Canvass Kickoff
Your First Parish Canvass Committee has been laboring long and hard to develop a plan for this year’s canvass that will exceed the great success of last year’s program in terms of both fun and fund raising results. Knowing a good thing when we see it, we are going to model this year’s canvass on last year’s.
In March we will have a series of canvass potluck dinners at people’s houses and at the Church, where we will enjoy one another’s fellowship, fine cooking and wit as well as talk some about what our community means to us. These talks will be led by fellow church members, and the evenings will wind up with people filling out their pledge cards for the coming year. These dinners were one of the highlights of the First Parish Social calendar last year, and should be again this year.
We have scheduled the dinners on successive weeks in early March in order to make it as easy as possible to find a date on which you can attend. This year’s dates are:
Thursday, March 3 7:00 9:00
Friday, March 4 7:00 9:00
Saturday, March 5 5:30 7:30 at the Church, child care provided
Sunday, March 6 7:00 - 9:00
Thursday, March 10 7:00 9:00
Friday, March 11 7:00 9:00
Saturday, March 12 7:00 9:00
Sunday, March 13 6:30 8:30 at the Church, child care provided.
We are currently looking for volunteers to host each of these dinners, the ones at the Church and the ones in people’s homes. These being pot lucks, the hosts need only arrange for seating and paper goods for people to use to eat and drink. Hosts at the church can use the paper goods there, but will need to set up and clean up.
We are also looking for volunteers to moderate the discussions about the Church at each dinner. The Canvass Committee will train all the moderators and provide them with an outline they can use in leading the discussions. By becoming a moderator you will have a chance to learn more about the operations of the church and provide a valuable service. Moderating really is an enjoyable experience as the discussions usually wind up running themselves.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering to either host or moderate a canvass dinner should speak to Bob Shay, John Portz, Michael Collins, Darrick Jackson or Martha Scott. If already you know you want to do it, just speak to John Portz, or send him an email at: jportz@rcn.com.
Once we have finished our pledging we all gather together to celebrate on Saturday, April 2 at 6:00 at the Church at our Annual Dinner. This will be a giant pot luck and feature entertainment by the many talented members and friends of FPW.
Check your calendars today and lock in a date you want to attend a Canvass Dinner, and block out April 2 for the Annual Dinner. Also, be sure to give some serious thought to being a host or a moderator. It could be one of the more satisfying things you do all year.
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Giving Box recipient for January/February
The Giving Box recipient for January/February will be Teen L.E.E.P. Books (Leadership, Employment, and Enrichment Program), based at the Rediscovery House group home in Watertown. Rediscovery House serves older adolescent males who are aging out of the foster care system, and are preparing to live independently. They are seeking donations of any NON-FICTION books in good condition. The books may be new or used. They can also accept textbooks, if they are current editions. Please take a moment to check your bookshelves - any NON-FICTION books you no longer want could be very useful to these teens!
Thank you to everyone for your generous donations to the Grow Clinic and related programs. We provided gifts for 65 children this year, and also provided needed food for their pantry.
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Book Group
The book group had a successful first meeting though everyone decided that Sunday was not a good day to meet. The consensus was to meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm. We hope that date works for you too! For the next meeting, January 18th, we are going to have a "Favorite Book" sharing. Come and share with others about one of your favorite books and hear about others. One reason decided to do this is to give you all time to read the book scheduled for February 15th. The book is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. Andrea Greenwood will be the facilitator. You may have heard Mark mention this book in a couple of his sermons! If you have any questions please ask Kelly Morton, Joani Mountain, or Jean Merkl. See you there!
Hobby Night
Do you have a hobby? Are you interested in learning a new one? The Growth Committee survey survey revealed that a number of FPW members and friends have hobbies such as knitting, quilting, gardening, cooking, etc. FPW formerly held a "Hobby Night" a few times a year, where anyone interested came to the Social Hall one evening and worked on a project or learned a new skill from someone else. The time might be right to revive this tradition, and the possibilities are limitless!
Scrapbooks, photography, planning for spring planting with seed catalogs, wood working, model building. Make a hat, a gift, swap cook books, organize those baby photos and enjoy FPW friends at the same time. We need someone to be an organizer---a low commitment, low-stress job mostly involving opening and closing the church, and then anyone interested to bring their hobby and share their knowledge. Please let Aurora Sherman know if you are interested in
participating or being an organizer (roramich@care2.com). And, if Hobby Night doesn't sound like your cup of tea, stay tuned for more fun ideas from the Growth Committee!
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Aging Group
Our two Sunday morning seminars with Bob Dutton on aging have spawned a Sunday morning group that will continue to meet. The first meeting in January will be on January 30, 2005 at 9:30 a.m.. Topic and facilitator will be announced.
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A Midshipman's Musings
Many of us put together New Year's resolutions, with the hope that we will make major changes to our lives this year. Some of us are really good at following through with these resolutions, but most of us never achieve our full list.
Why is that? I think it is because we set ourselves up for failure. We set standards that are too high for us to achieve in a year. We create expectations without considering if we are truly ready to make a change, or if we will be ready during the year.
I rarely make resolutions, because I do not like to set myself up for disappointment. I only set resolutions that I am dedicated to and feel confident about being able to achieve. Here are my suggestions for creating a resolution:
1. Choose carefully*Is this something you really want to do or is it something you feel you should do. Focusing on shoulds can set us up for disappointment. Resolutions only work if you are truly committed from the inside. For example, if you want to make a resolution to go to the gym 3 times a week so that you can lose weight, but you really don't enjoy working out, then you should probably not make it your resolution. An alternative resolution would be to work with a health professional to develop a weight loss plan that works for you.
2. Have a plan*Know how you plan on achieving this resolution. This plan does not need to be detailed at this moment, but you should have the basic framework in which you will work. For example, if you want to quit smoking, know if you want to use a patch, gum, go cold turkey, etc. Having an idea of how you are going to accomplish the resolution makes it more tangible and you are more likely to go through with it.
3. Think about timing*Have an idea of when you want to make this resolution happen. When in your schedule is it best to make changes? Also, it is too much to make several major changes to your life all at once. Do one at a time and get used to the change before you begin the next resolution. It might be easier to think of each resolution as a step towards a larger goal. For example, resolutions to quit smoking, go on a diet, and begin going to the gym may all be grouped under feeling better about yourself. In order to do this, you might start by quitting smoking. One or two months later you may start going to the gym, and then one or two months later, you start a new diet. This allows your body to integrate the changes, which then dictates how you will implement the next change.
Consider your own resolutions for this year. Why did you choose them? How are you going to make them happen? What are your criteria?
Happy New Year
Darrick Jackson
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Religious Education
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
After our December celebrations were done, I started to think about the last holiday of the season, the one known as "New Year's". What is the meaning of this holiday? I know it's good-bye to the old and welcome to the new, but what does that really mean? Are the fancy parties and big resolutions really necessary?
I admit that I've never been one to formally celebrate New Year's. My college days saw the end of me wanting to stay up past midnight at some party. I'd rather be sleeping with my loved ones snuggled close. And I've never been one to wish for magnificent changes. Everyone I know who made resolutions would break their promises within the first month. I'd rather wait and make changes when I feel inspired to do so.
Am I destined to be the New Year's Scrooge? I can't help but hope this holiday is more than late parties and big promises. I wanted to learn more and found much writing on the subject. I discovered there are many customs and traditions people across the world use to celebrate New Year's. The only thing I can say for sure is that New Year's is what you make of it.
My favorite tradition dates back to the Roman God, Janus. He was a two faced god for whom the first month was named after. We can read all sorts of ideas into his two faced quality, but I think Dominique (my daughter) said it best when she said, "He can look backwards to the past and forwards to the future at the same time." To me, this is what I want my New Year's to be about.
I looked backwards to this past year intentionally searching for the good times. And one of the highlights of my professional year had to be our annual Christmas pageant. From M.E. Leon's forward roll to the sensational solo performances from several of our children, many incredible moments happened during the show.
But the lessons from this year's pageant also help me look forward to the coming year. During the pageant, we learned that throughout history, there have been many Unitarian Universalists working to spread peace and goodwill throughout the holiday season. In the pageant, these ancestors were called "Peace Angels" and we realized that we could be "Peace Angels" by spreading peace and goodwill.
When lighting the chalice that day, I highlighted the work of two of our First Parish peace angels, Giles Holt and Cody Urban. From Giles' amazing creation of our pageant "grand finale" to Cody's dedicated work every Sunday supporting one of our preschoolers who needs extra help, their contributions really celebrate the idea that "actions of peace" come in many different shapes and sizes.
While this pageant was in honor of Christmas, I realized that you don't need to be celebrating a holiday to take this message to heart. Robert Fulghum wrote, "Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away." With global events evolving as they have been, I have been hearing more and more people wishing for a peaceful world. For the sake of our children, our families, and our neighbors, many people are desperately hoping for more peace in our world. And while we may not be able to control the actions of others, we CAN make a difference in our world by working to spread peace and goodwill.
I believe that we all can be "Peace Angels" by spreading peace and goodwill in simple ways. The small things we do can really make a big difference. Start at home by taking more time to fully enjoy the company of your loved ones. Listen carefully to what others are saying and respond thoughtfully. Compliment others and share your affection. Be grateful for the good things in your life and show your appreciation.
It can just as simple to bring peace and goodwill to our community. Share peace and goodwill with others in the ways that suit your style. From shoveling a walkway to sharing a home-baked dessert, there are wonderful ways to help your neighbors. From volunteering your services at local agencies that help our neighbors to supporting international organizations that help our global neighbors, there are countless ways to help spread peace and goodwill. We are all capable of being "Peace Angels".
Whether you choose to focus on parties, life-changing resolutions, quiet time reflections, or actions of peace, may your New Year be filled with moments that are meaningful to you. May you always look backward and find joyful memories. May you always look forward with hope, love, and compassion. And may you each have a peace filled, Happy New Year!
RE Announcements ...
Fabulous field trip: On January 9th, we will be traveling to First Parish of Needham for our annual celebration of the third UU principle - "coming together with acceptance". Lots of enjoyable activities have been planned to share with the children in Needham. (Those children who joined us for our trip last year to the UU church of Greater Lynn know just how much fun these adventures can be.) Participating children need to be at our church by 9:45 AM and we will return during social hour. (Children staying in Watertown will have some theme-related activities to do together.) Contact Roberta if you have any questions.
Community Service Project: During the month of January, Chalice Children will be collecting stationary and greeting cards to give to women in prison. This gift will support them in staying connected with their loved ones. So go through your office draws and share your excess supplies! While donating (in the bin in the social hall), check out the beautiful quilt our "Principle Activators" group made to hang at the prison (and pass along thanks to Johanna Swift-Hart for the inspiration to do this project and Kathy Warren for her talented quilting work).
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Fifth Annual Unity Breakfast:
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the World In Watertown and the Watertown Ministerial Association will once again sponsor the annual Unity Breakfast on Monday, January 17, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave, Watertown. Renee Landers, Professor of Law, Suffolk University and past president of the Boston Bar Association will be the keynote speaker. Other highlights include music by the Watertown High School A Cappella Chorus and an awards presentation to individuals and organizations who have worked in Watertown to preserve, protect and promote diversity and non-discriminatory practices. The breakfast will be preceded by an interfaith worship service at 8:30 a.m. Tickets to the breakfast are $7.00 (free for children 12 and under), and there will be childcare. The Cultural Center is wheelchair accessible. For reservations, RSVP to the church at 617 924-6143 by January 10.
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Community Connections
This past year families from the First Parish of Watertown paired up with Project Literacy families as part of our Community Connections project. The goal of the project was to provide an opportunity for English speakers and immigrants to get to know each other. The families got together for simple social gatherings such as sharing meals, taking walks, and visiting parks. One planned event for the families was a nature slide show and walk lead by Carole Berney. She presented her beautiful slides of the Charles River, brought her collection of bird feathers, eggs, and nests, and shared her stories and knowledge. Some of those attending talked about wildlife in their countries. The next week she led a walk by the river.
Late this fall we celebrated the last “official” event of the project with a potluck dinner in the social hall. The families brought many ethnic dishes, the children made up games to play, and the adults enjoyed their new friendships. Thanks to David Benson’s bringing a CD player/radio, we had lovely music, and later got to listen to the first home run of the World Series game of that night.
We are grateful for donations of delicious bread from Iggy’s and a beautiful floral centerpiece from Cass Flowers.
Project Literacy would like to thank all the First Parish families that participated.
Thank you to:
Sue Kuder, Marilyn Boenau, Emma, Paul and Molly Day, Norah Mulvaney-Day, Nancy Dutton, David Benson, David and Chris Warren, Carole Katz, John and Elisa Portz, Meredith Montague, Carole Berney and Virginia Howe.
A special thanks to David Benson and Nancy Dutton for their help in setting up and clean up at the pot luck dinner.
Thanks to Mark Harris and the Social Action Committee for helping recruit First Parish participants. Thanks also to all the Project Literacy families.
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Bulletin Boards and Other Info
Please remember to get your latest FPW info on the bulletin board downstairs. We are always looking for chalice lighters and people to donate flowers. Please sign up. We also have a photo display of the Bejcek going away party. Various thank you letters also appear. Currently there is a wonderful letter from a Project Literacy participant in the Community Connections program praising our own Kathy and David Warren. We already know how great they are. Upstairs, please check out the conference room to see the biographies to accompany the recently donated Helen Robinson Wright photo, and the recently reframed photo of our Puritan pastor, John Bailey. Thanks to Will Twombly for making this possible. The Info table in the lobby has many brochures on UUism, and there is also has a self-guided tour of our church.
Fifth Annual Unity Breakfast:
Martin Luther King Day
Monday, January 17, 2005, at 9:00 a.m.
Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave, Watertown
Interfaith worship service at 8:30 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Renee Landers,
Professor of Law, Suffolk University
Past President of the Boston Bar Association
Tickets to the breakfast are $7.00 (free for children 12 and under)
Childcare available.
For reservations, RSVP to the church at 617 924-6143 by January 10.