Sunday, April 03, 2005
April 2005 Newsletter
Captain’s Log
How many times have you heard it? ”I am so tired of winter. There was too much snow this year. When is spring going to come?” Hopefully the calendar will soon be on our side. A poet once characterized April as the cruelest month. Is that because we expect warmth, but often receive more cold, or even snow.
Maybe we should take bets on when the snow will be gone. If you go to a mall you see these gigantic piles of snow. These mountains sometimes remain until May. We have mountains here at church this year, but, as I learned recently, not entirely from storms. A couple of weeks ago, I was speaking to our sexton Alan, and he told me that the company who plows our parking lot had two dump trucks here early one Sunday, and they were dumping snow. Several of us wondered why our piles of snow seemed to be growing at a faster rate than the storms, and now we had an answer.
I quickly went into mean minister mode, and called the company to complain that parking was already a problem from the large number of storms, and finding out that they were dumping someone’s else snow here was not something we had been informed about or negotiated with them. Furthermore, I made sure he knew who actually owned the parking lot (us, not the bank).
After the owner, blamed it on someone else, and assured me it would not happen again, the matter ended for the day. The next day I went to see the bank manager to see if she knew anything about the growing snow piles. She didn’t, but told me she would investigate. She, too had noticed that we had growing snow piles. Whose snow was it, and where was it from?
A couples of days later I drove into our lot and noticed that the piles were reduced in size, even more than from melting due to higher temperatures. In fact, it looked like the trucks had returned, and scooped away some of the snow, thus providing a little more parking space. Obviously someone from the bank had informed them this dumping was wrong, or their guilt had gotten the best of them. They had removed some of the illicit snow.
What I am now calling the Stolen Snow Incident was a perfect example of how things can go wrong when we fail to give critical information to important parties. Some people and institutions I have been associated with often fail to inform me of what I need to know in a timely fashion. In some cases information is conferred after an event takes place, so I am not told, for example, that my child is getting some kind of intervention or that he/she was hit by someone else or even did the hitting. How often do we hear from others, ”Oh, I didn't want to bother you. I took care of it.”
Yet if something is being done without my permission and/or my knowledge then I am likely to be very upset when I do find out. Here the snow plow company decided to not inform us (or sneak one by us). They did all the work of putting snow here, gave both sides the emotional strain of anger and embarrassment, were probably called to task by the big institution (the bank), and then did more work of removing the snow that shouldn't have been there in the first place. It all could have been resolved if they talked to us or informed us, or even tried to negotiate - “we are having a problem or we have some excess snow.” It is so much better when we keep each other informed. Sharing information or telling others about a problem or issue will always make the spring a little less cruel all around.
Mark
Sermon Topics
Sunday, April 3 , 11 A.M.
“Embracing Differences” Mark Harris
Our Unitarian Universalist goal is to affirm diversity, but I sometimes wonder if we really do understand all the differences around us, even though we say we do. Do we truly see the differences we each have in learning styles, social skills, boundaries? Can we learn to respect those differences? Following this sermon, there will be a brief time in church for an all church discussion on what kinds of social action projects you would like to see First Parish become involved in. Will you participate?
Greeters: Barbara Hansberry and Virginia Howe
Social Hour: Helen Robinson Wright Committee
Sunday, April 10, 11 A.M.
“Shadow Work” Darrick Jackson
According to Carl Jung, our shadow is the part of ourselves that we repress. How do we deal with this aspect of ourselves? And how does the shadow affects us on a communal level? Can shadow help us understand concepts of sin and evil?
Greeters: Johanna Swift Hart and Kyle Hart
Social Hour: Helen Robinson Wright Committee
Sunday, April 17, 11 A.M.
“So Tired” Mark Harris
People these days often reflect on how tired they are. Are we worn out from activity and schedules or lack of sleep? Are we really all that tired?
Greeters: Maryellen Howe and Jacqui Sweeney
Social Hour: Helen Robinson Wright Committee
Sunday, April 24, 11A.M.
“How to Be Happy” Mark Harris
The Pursuit of Happiness has long been stated as an American goal. What happens if we feel like we are not living out that goal. If we are sad, is there a secret to finding happiness?
Marcos Portz will be dedicated
Greeters: Janie and Brian Howland
Social Hour: Helen Robinson Wright Committee
FPW Calendar on Web Site
We now have a working, up-to-date calendar of First Parish Events on our web site. If you want to know what is happening, please check it out. Look ahead to events that are coming in the months ahead! Go to: www.fpwatertown.org, and click on calendar.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for these coming events!
May 1 - Newcomer Breakfast
May 7 - All church Rummage Sale
June 12 - 375th Lecture with Roger Thompson
June 18 - Church outing at Cedarhill in Duxbury
Thanks from Lori
To All Those That Have Taken Care of My Family So Well - please accept our sincere thanks and warm feelings for the "comfort" meals you have been providing over the past few months. We are so very grateful and hope that you all know how much you are appreciated. The dishes are yummy and I really don't know what I would do without them and the support that you all have provided. My chemotherapy seems to be going OK but it is a long and very slow road. You have all helped make it that much more tolerable - believe me!
Please know that you are continually in our thoughts. Thanks so very much!
Lori Murphy, Kyle and Camryn
Covenant Groups
On March 13, Mark preached on Sharing the Journey (Look for it online at www.fpwatertown.org) This was a sermon on how the stories of our lives are filled with religious meaning. How do we find opportunities to share those stories with others? Would you like to take part in a new Covenant or Spiritual Growth Group? Covenant groups are small groups that meet regularly. They have a focused topic of conversation. They encourage people to talk about what is important to them, and to learn from each other. Covenant groups provide the opportunity to build stronger relationships within the congregation, and offer a place for spiritual growth. Fifteen people said they would like to join such a group. This means we will probably form two that meet at different times. If you would like to join such a group, please let Mark know. We will try to organize times and places in the coming month. This is a wonderful way to build a stronger, deeper, religious community.
Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner is this Saturday April 2, 2005. Dinner will be followed by our usual extravaganza talent show. Last minute : If you would like to sing, dance, play, or tell jokes, please let Diane Shepard know. If you would like to bring something to eat, please speak to Meredith Montague or Andrea Greenwood. If you would like to RSVP, please contact the church office.
April Aging Group
Betsy Peterson, the author of Voices of Alzheimer’s: Courage, Hope and Love in the Face of Dementia, will be joining us to facilitate the First Parish Aging Group on April 24. Betsy is a member of King’s Chapel in Boston. She has been a teacher, college dean, lawyer and a Research Associate at the Women’s Studies Research Center at Brandeis. Please join us on the 24th at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room. All ages are welcome!
Social Action / Giving Box for March/April
The recipient is The Alliance for the Homeless, and they will direct our
donations to Bristol Lodge on the Waltham/Watertown line. Bristol Lodge is
a shelter for men & women. They would appreciate the following donations:
tooth brushes and toothpaste
deodorant
combs, brushes
new socks & underwear
small first aid items
Book Group
FPW Book Group -will not meet again until the third Tuesday of May. The date is Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m.. The April date was scheduled for school vacation week, and this proved too difficult for several members. The book is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. This is the story of Amir, a young man who has to wrestle with many demons from his past, and it all takes place with a back-drop of Afghanistan’s recent history. The meeting in June will be that American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The date is June 21.
Music to Inspire
Isabel Tappan-deFrees is happy to announce that her band ,the New England Brass Band will be serenading UU’s with a concert at Arlington St Church, 351 Boylston St. on Sunday May 1, at 4:00pm. The church is easily reached from the Arlington St. Green Line T-stop.The NEEB is a 30 piece all brass and percussion ensemble directed by Douglas Yeo - Bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony. They were 2004 National Champions of the Challenge Division , are internationally recognized and the authors of several CD’s, Suggested donation is $10, families $25. More information about the band is availability www.newenglandbrassband.org.
Potluck dinners - Encore
Many people enjoyed getting together at the church and at several member's houses for the Canvass Potluck suppers in March. Do we have to wait till March 2006 to do this again? Well, not quite. Martha Scott and David Morrison are pleased to offer a casual, relaxed way to get together and make new friends at First Parish via 'ad hoc' potluck dinners at Martha's house, 33 Green St., Watertown on a Friday evening approximately once a month. Our first get-together will be Friday, April 22 at 7 - 10 PM. All we ask is that you bring something good to eat, and let us know if you plan to come. Martha's email is mascott33@rcn.com. Phone number is (617)924-5206.
Time to Sew?
A formerly favorite First Parish tradition is being revived on Wednesday night, April 6, from 7:30 - 9:30! Do you have odds and ends of sewing, repairing, quilting, darning that you never seem to get done? Join us for Hobby Night, an evening of great company while crossing a few things off your "to do" list!!! We'll be using the dining room as a work space; light evening refreshments will be provided. We'll be there, so no reservations are necessary, but if you have questions, please email Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees: edefrees@aol.com.
Women and Work
Women and Work meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30 PM in the Conference room. All women (working or not) are welcome. For more details email Kathy Warren at kwarren@juno.com , or speak to her in church.
April meeting - Tuesday, April 26, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Carole Katz will lead a discussion on Supervision and Leadership. We'll explore good and bad supervisors we have known, and suggest steps for improving our supervision and leadership skills. Carole Katz is the VP of Marketing at the Watertown Savings Bank.
May meeting - Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Elaine McArdle will lead a Memoir Writing Workshop. We will learn how to write about our lives -- we all have stories! -- and get inspiration to do so. Elaine is a freelance writer for the Boston Globe and other publications, and teaches memoir writing workshops at Grub Street, the Boston writing center. This workshop will be in two parts. The second meeting date will be determined at the meeting.
We always welcome newcomers.
Among Us
Please welcome our newest member Eric Chipman, who first signed the guest book last May. A new member welcome will be held on May 15.
Rosalind McFarland, a member of First Parish, who once attended regularly is no longer able to come to church. Rosalind is a wonderful person who lives in Newton Corner. She would love to have visits from some “Ladies” in the church. If you have daytime opportunities that you could visit Rosalind, please let Mark know, and he will help you arrange the visit.
Canvass
Our Canvass seems to be going well as we near our goal of $80,000. Please speak to Michael Collins, Bob Shay or John Portz if you have not pledged yet. Forms are available at church. Thank you to everyone for your generosity. A special thanks to all who hosted dinners or facilitated conversations. final total will be announced next month.
Newcomer Breakfast
If you are new to First Parish, please come to our spring Newcomer Breakfast on Sunday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m. We will try to invite all newcomers, but if we miss you somehow, please let Bobbie Brown or Gretchen Brown know. The breakfast will be followed on consecutive weeks by a Newcomer class, The New UU led by Mark Harris on Sunday mornings, May 8 and 15 at 9:30 a.m..
Explore forming a "Mens' Group" at First Parish
Mark Harris has offered to facilitate a "Mens' Group" which will have a first "breakfast meeting" for all men who might have an interest in participating.
Bring your interests and ideas to our first meeting - a breakfast at First Parish on Sunday morning, April 10th at 9:30 am. All those attending will have the opportunity to help set a collective agenda of interests, topics to explore, and choose a regular time to meet that fits for the most men. Mark will try to guide / facilitate us in creating a shared set of experiences, discussions, explorations that best address the group's interests.
Randy has offered to rustle up the breakfast meals at 9:30 on the 10th (and he could probably use an extra volunteer - so see him about this).
For more info/ thoughts/ suggestions you can talk to Mark or Randy.
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
We held our second Children's Annual Meeting in early March this year and it was incredible to witness. I tried having our first Children's Annual Meeting last year as a means to empower the children to make choices about the community service projects they do here at First Parish. It was a celebration of our UU principle of "valuing each voice as we work together". They voted on which projects they wanted to support with the money they collected and which projects they wanted to support with hands-on assistance. The kids liked getting to vote and were excited to later participate in the projects they had selected. It was a great success last year and I knew we would do it again this year.
So I arrived on March 6 prepared for the meeting. But the kids surprised me with how prepared they were. They were filled with ideas about which organizations we could donate to and what community service projects we could participate in. I didn't have to give them any ideas to choose from. They came ready to make their own lists of ideas.
The Children's Annual Meeting proved to be similar to any successful group meeting. They brainstormed, they debated, they voted, they evaluated, and they voted again. There were differences of opinions, but they were somehow respected. Everyone had a voice in contributing ideas to the group, but everyone also had to cooperate as the majority votes decided what we would do.
The one thing that shined at the meeting was everyone's excitement about helping others. With inspiration ranging from family experiences to what we have done before at church, almost every child had a name of a group or project they sincerely wanted to help. Some of the kids even wanted to give additional help to the "Pennies for Patients", the organization supporting people with cancer that the Watertown Public Schools has the kids fundraising for.
I think it is just fabulous to see our children so motivated and energized to help others. I could fill this entire column with my many reasons why. And I am glad to be a part of a church family that values community service and social action so highly. It really is the most powerful way to put our UU faith into action.
I have been impressed to discover that our local public schools also incorporate community service into their education plans. When I heard several of our kids enthusiastically advocating for some of our collected money to "Pennies for Patients", I thought it was a great thing. I had a dream of the positive spirit of helping becoming a bridging between their school world and church family.
It wasn't until two weeks later during a small group gathering with the same kids that I learned of one of their big motivating reasons for bringing up us supporting "Pennies for Patients". It seems that the Public Schools are having a contest of sorts. The local school that raises the most money for "Pennies for Patients" gets a party (I think an ice-cream party, but maybe pizza.) And the kids really wanted their school to win, but had very little hope because the middle school had already raised over $5,000.
I have to say that this news stunned me. I didn't like it and I admitted that to the kids. There's a time and a place for competition and charity is not it. By putting competition into community service, it takes away the intrinsic value the kids experience when helping. The kids may have felt good about helping people who have cancer, but those valuable feelings will be washed away by the declaration that they are a winner or loser. It just doesn't feel right to me.
My gut reaction to the news was to balance it with my own affirming declaration. I spontaneously announced that any First Parish child who raises any money for charity (even as little as a penny) will be invited to an ice cream party here in June. The kids were thrilled and started planning other activities for the party. While the party offer was reactive on my part, I stand by my word and now invite all of First Parish folks to join us after church on June 5th. But let me be clear that the party is not a reward for helping others. But it is a gathering to celebrate our experiences of helping others. And the only requirement to be able to come to the party is a story ... a story of a time when help was given and how that made you feel. Hope to see you there!
R. E. Announcements:
Thanks for helping our youth help our world!
Thanks to everyone who generously supported Emma Day and some of her friends as she sells homemade jewelry and crafts to benefit the victims of the recent Tsunami. She raised almost $100 and was an incredible inspiration to everyone who witnessed her put her desire to help into action.
Don't miss opportunity!
Giles Holt and Cody Urban will be presenting a slide show and talk about their exciting adventures on their Coming-of-Age trip to Florida on Sunday, April 10th at 12 PM. Their story is guaranteed to be entertaining, eye-opening, and inspiring. It is appropriate for folks of all ages. A light lunch will be served. RSVP to Roberta.
Ladies Night Out!
Please join us for another ladies night out on Sunday, April 17th at 7 PM. Please bring clothing that you are ready to pass along to a friend and a light dessert to share. This event was great fun last year and we hope you can join us! (All left-over clothing will be donated to charity.)
Second Annual First Parish Peace Day
April 24th will be our second annual First Parish Peace Day in our children's ministry program. Some children from First Parish of Needham will be joining us for this fabulous celebration as we put our UU principle of working for a free and peaceful world into action. Our activities will include a celebration of the cultural diversity within our own community. All children are invited to bring a snack food and a "show-and-tell" item representing their cultural heritage.
Walk-for-Hunger is coming soon ...
Walk-for-Hunger (a fundraiser to support Project Bread) is happening on May 1st this year. Some First Parish families are planning on walking. Please let Roberta know if you and/or your child would like to join with other First Parish friends for this important community service event.
A Midshipman’s Musings
April Fool’s Day always seemed like a waste of a holiday. Do we really need a whole day relegated to having fun at the expense of others? I admit that at times I have had my fun, but I also feel sorry for people, too. It is rarely clear where the line between humor and maliciousness lies.
No one knows exactly when April Fool’s Day started. It is generally believed to be related to the establishment of the Gregorian Calendar. Before that time the New Year was celebrated after the Vernal Equinox somewhere between March 25 and April 1. When the Gregorian Calendar was instituted, the New Year was changed to January 1. However, since not everyone received the news in a timely manner, some people still celebrated the New Year on April 1. They were labeled “Fools” and made to run foolish errands.
Although the fool has negative connotations, he has a prominent place in cultural history. Many mythologies include the fool as a major character. This person or creature would usually make significant contributions to the establishment of the world without intending anything to happen.
The archetype of the fool has to do with innocence, not lack of intelligence. He sees things as new and exciting. He is driven by his impulses and lacks an understanding of cultural norms. Fools think out of the box, in fact, they do not see the box at all!
I think that it would be fun to celebrate April Fool’s Day by making fools of ourselves instead of others. We could do all of the things that we want to do but feel that it is too immature of us to do. Let’s be silly, let loose, and let your inner fool play!
Darrick
Mass Bay District Annual Meeting
At this writing it appears that Susan Flint, Jean Merkl and Mark Harris will officially represent First Parish at the Mass Bay Annual Meeting. The program for the day is “Our Values Need Your Voices - Toward a Stronger Liberal Religious Message.” This workshop is led by Barbara and Jaco ten Hove, co ministers in College Park, MD. The date is, Saturday, April 9 at the UU Urban Ministry in Roxbury. Speak to Mark if you would like to attend.
Bill McKibben to speak at First Parish in Lexington
First Parish Church in Lexington invites you to a talk by environmental author Bill McKibben on Thursday, April 14, 2005 at 7:30 on the topic: Updates from a Heating Planet: Stories and Strategies on Global Warming. Mr. McKibben s writings are an impassioned plea that the survival of the globe is dependent on a fundamental philosophical shift in the way we relate to nature.
Mr. McKibben grew up in Lexington and is currently a scholar in residence at Middlebury College. An editor at the New Yorker magazine until 1987, he moved to a wilderness house in the Adirondacks to write on his own. His concern over the growing threat to the earth's ecosystem posed by global warming, led him to the research and reflections described in his first book, The End of Nature. He has said that he overcame a crisis in religious belief "to a greater or lesser degree by locating God in nature."
The lecture and reception are free and will be held in the sanctuary at 7 Harrington Road, Lexington. Please call (781)-862-8200 for directions or visit www.fplex.org http://www.fplex.org/ .
Celebrate Justice and Love!
Join President William Sinkford, Executive Vice President Kay Montgomery and Hundreds of other Unitarian Universalists marching in support of Civil Marriage and Civil Rights .
Join us in Saturday June 11th for a worship service at Arlington Street Church followed by the largest demonstration of Unitarian Universalist support for civil marriage and support of gay rights for the gblt community ever gathered. We expect it be by far the largest contingent at the Boston Gay Pride Parade, by gathering all area UU’s together to march s one.
Please have representatives of your congregation contact the Mass Bay District Gay Pride Day Committee at mmatty@comcast .net for details.
Thank you for standing up for justice and Love.
Walk for Hunger
Join Project Bread Œs Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 1. Enjoy a festive day of walking through Boston and the surrounding neighborhoods while you help our hungry neighbors in Massachusetts. With the current economic state, your neighbors need your help more than ever. Your pledges will support 400 food pantries. soup , kitchens, food banks, and food salvage programs in 132 communizes across the state.
Celebrate the spirit of giving along with 40,000 other concerned citizens by participating in this fun and exciting Massachusetts tradition. For more information, call 617-723-5000 or visit www.projectbread.org.
Rummage Sale
Our Annual First Parish Rummage Sale is coming on Saturday, May 7 from 10-3.
Even though the snow is still flying, spring will be here before you know it, and that means cleaning out all that old junk and let the church sell it. We will be looking for volunteers during the month of April - We need sellers all day, and people to help set-up the night before. Contact Jane Knuttunen if you would like to assist in any way. Items can be dropped off during the previous week. We need household items and furnishings, kitchen items and small appliances, computers and software, electronics and CDs, books, art work, kids clothing (no adult clothing), toys and games, sports equipment etc. etc.
Whatever you have that you want to say farewell to, we will gladly accept to benefit FPW.
Say Cheese! - Pictures for our Picture Board
Say Cheese - Tom Shepard has graciously agreed to take pictures for our out of date picture board. Beginning in April Tom will be available on Sunday to snap your picture. Please says yes to this opportunity to appear on our First Parish picture board so we can all get to know one another better.
Annual Meeting
Our First Parish Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, April 24 after church. Luncheon fixings will be available. Please come and hear the reports and vote on the budget, the nominating committee report and the new 375 Fund (to paint the meetinghouse). The warrant will be mailed in the next two weeks.
The Annual First Parish Rummage Sale
Our Big All Church Rummage Sale is Saturday, May 7 from 10-3.
We need your donations of items and your volunteer item to set up the night before and to sell the day of the sale.
How many times have you heard it? ”I am so tired of winter. There was too much snow this year. When is spring going to come?” Hopefully the calendar will soon be on our side. A poet once characterized April as the cruelest month. Is that because we expect warmth, but often receive more cold, or even snow.
Maybe we should take bets on when the snow will be gone. If you go to a mall you see these gigantic piles of snow. These mountains sometimes remain until May. We have mountains here at church this year, but, as I learned recently, not entirely from storms. A couple of weeks ago, I was speaking to our sexton Alan, and he told me that the company who plows our parking lot had two dump trucks here early one Sunday, and they were dumping snow. Several of us wondered why our piles of snow seemed to be growing at a faster rate than the storms, and now we had an answer.
I quickly went into mean minister mode, and called the company to complain that parking was already a problem from the large number of storms, and finding out that they were dumping someone’s else snow here was not something we had been informed about or negotiated with them. Furthermore, I made sure he knew who actually owned the parking lot (us, not the bank).
After the owner, blamed it on someone else, and assured me it would not happen again, the matter ended for the day. The next day I went to see the bank manager to see if she knew anything about the growing snow piles. She didn’t, but told me she would investigate. She, too had noticed that we had growing snow piles. Whose snow was it, and where was it from?
A couples of days later I drove into our lot and noticed that the piles were reduced in size, even more than from melting due to higher temperatures. In fact, it looked like the trucks had returned, and scooped away some of the snow, thus providing a little more parking space. Obviously someone from the bank had informed them this dumping was wrong, or their guilt had gotten the best of them. They had removed some of the illicit snow.
What I am now calling the Stolen Snow Incident was a perfect example of how things can go wrong when we fail to give critical information to important parties. Some people and institutions I have been associated with often fail to inform me of what I need to know in a timely fashion. In some cases information is conferred after an event takes place, so I am not told, for example, that my child is getting some kind of intervention or that he/she was hit by someone else or even did the hitting. How often do we hear from others, ”Oh, I didn't want to bother you. I took care of it.”
Yet if something is being done without my permission and/or my knowledge then I am likely to be very upset when I do find out. Here the snow plow company decided to not inform us (or sneak one by us). They did all the work of putting snow here, gave both sides the emotional strain of anger and embarrassment, were probably called to task by the big institution (the bank), and then did more work of removing the snow that shouldn't have been there in the first place. It all could have been resolved if they talked to us or informed us, or even tried to negotiate - “we are having a problem or we have some excess snow.” It is so much better when we keep each other informed. Sharing information or telling others about a problem or issue will always make the spring a little less cruel all around.
Mark
Sermon Topics
Sunday, April 3 , 11 A.M.
“Embracing Differences” Mark Harris
Our Unitarian Universalist goal is to affirm diversity, but I sometimes wonder if we really do understand all the differences around us, even though we say we do. Do we truly see the differences we each have in learning styles, social skills, boundaries? Can we learn to respect those differences? Following this sermon, there will be a brief time in church for an all church discussion on what kinds of social action projects you would like to see First Parish become involved in. Will you participate?
Greeters: Barbara Hansberry and Virginia Howe
Social Hour: Helen Robinson Wright Committee
Sunday, April 10, 11 A.M.
“Shadow Work” Darrick Jackson
According to Carl Jung, our shadow is the part of ourselves that we repress. How do we deal with this aspect of ourselves? And how does the shadow affects us on a communal level? Can shadow help us understand concepts of sin and evil?
Greeters: Johanna Swift Hart and Kyle Hart
Social Hour: Helen Robinson Wright Committee
Sunday, April 17, 11 A.M.
“So Tired” Mark Harris
People these days often reflect on how tired they are. Are we worn out from activity and schedules or lack of sleep? Are we really all that tired?
Greeters: Maryellen Howe and Jacqui Sweeney
Social Hour: Helen Robinson Wright Committee
Sunday, April 24, 11A.M.
“How to Be Happy” Mark Harris
The Pursuit of Happiness has long been stated as an American goal. What happens if we feel like we are not living out that goal. If we are sad, is there a secret to finding happiness?
Marcos Portz will be dedicated
Greeters: Janie and Brian Howland
Social Hour: Helen Robinson Wright Committee
FPW Calendar on Web Site
We now have a working, up-to-date calendar of First Parish Events on our web site. If you want to know what is happening, please check it out. Look ahead to events that are coming in the months ahead! Go to: www.fpwatertown.org, and click on calendar.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for these coming events!
May 1 - Newcomer Breakfast
May 7 - All church Rummage Sale
June 12 - 375th Lecture with Roger Thompson
June 18 - Church outing at Cedarhill in Duxbury
Thanks from Lori
To All Those That Have Taken Care of My Family So Well - please accept our sincere thanks and warm feelings for the "comfort" meals you have been providing over the past few months. We are so very grateful and hope that you all know how much you are appreciated. The dishes are yummy and I really don't know what I would do without them and the support that you all have provided. My chemotherapy seems to be going OK but it is a long and very slow road. You have all helped make it that much more tolerable - believe me!
Please know that you are continually in our thoughts. Thanks so very much!
Lori Murphy, Kyle and Camryn
Covenant Groups
On March 13, Mark preached on Sharing the Journey (Look for it online at www.fpwatertown.org) This was a sermon on how the stories of our lives are filled with religious meaning. How do we find opportunities to share those stories with others? Would you like to take part in a new Covenant or Spiritual Growth Group? Covenant groups are small groups that meet regularly. They have a focused topic of conversation. They encourage people to talk about what is important to them, and to learn from each other. Covenant groups provide the opportunity to build stronger relationships within the congregation, and offer a place for spiritual growth. Fifteen people said they would like to join such a group. This means we will probably form two that meet at different times. If you would like to join such a group, please let Mark know. We will try to organize times and places in the coming month. This is a wonderful way to build a stronger, deeper, religious community.
Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner is this Saturday April 2, 2005. Dinner will be followed by our usual extravaganza talent show. Last minute : If you would like to sing, dance, play, or tell jokes, please let Diane Shepard know. If you would like to bring something to eat, please speak to Meredith Montague or Andrea Greenwood. If you would like to RSVP, please contact the church office.
April Aging Group
Betsy Peterson, the author of Voices of Alzheimer’s: Courage, Hope and Love in the Face of Dementia, will be joining us to facilitate the First Parish Aging Group on April 24. Betsy is a member of King’s Chapel in Boston. She has been a teacher, college dean, lawyer and a Research Associate at the Women’s Studies Research Center at Brandeis. Please join us on the 24th at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room. All ages are welcome!
Social Action / Giving Box for March/April
The recipient is The Alliance for the Homeless, and they will direct our
donations to Bristol Lodge on the Waltham/Watertown line. Bristol Lodge is
a shelter for men & women. They would appreciate the following donations:
tooth brushes and toothpaste
deodorant
combs, brushes
new socks & underwear
small first aid items
Book Group
FPW Book Group -will not meet again until the third Tuesday of May. The date is Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m.. The April date was scheduled for school vacation week, and this proved too difficult for several members. The book is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. This is the story of Amir, a young man who has to wrestle with many demons from his past, and it all takes place with a back-drop of Afghanistan’s recent history. The meeting in June will be that American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The date is June 21.
Music to Inspire
Isabel Tappan-deFrees is happy to announce that her band ,the New England Brass Band will be serenading UU’s with a concert at Arlington St Church, 351 Boylston St. on Sunday May 1, at 4:00pm. The church is easily reached from the Arlington St. Green Line T-stop.The NEEB is a 30 piece all brass and percussion ensemble directed by Douglas Yeo - Bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony. They were 2004 National Champions of the Challenge Division , are internationally recognized and the authors of several CD’s, Suggested donation is $10, families $25. More information about the band is availability www.newenglandbrassband.org.
Potluck dinners - Encore
Many people enjoyed getting together at the church and at several member's houses for the Canvass Potluck suppers in March. Do we have to wait till March 2006 to do this again? Well, not quite. Martha Scott and David Morrison are pleased to offer a casual, relaxed way to get together and make new friends at First Parish via 'ad hoc' potluck dinners at Martha's house, 33 Green St., Watertown on a Friday evening approximately once a month. Our first get-together will be Friday, April 22 at 7 - 10 PM. All we ask is that you bring something good to eat, and let us know if you plan to come. Martha's email is mascott33@rcn.com. Phone number is (617)924-5206.
Time to Sew?
A formerly favorite First Parish tradition is being revived on Wednesday night, April 6, from 7:30 - 9:30! Do you have odds and ends of sewing, repairing, quilting, darning that you never seem to get done? Join us for Hobby Night, an evening of great company while crossing a few things off your "to do" list!!! We'll be using the dining room as a work space; light evening refreshments will be provided. We'll be there, so no reservations are necessary, but if you have questions, please email Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees: edefrees@aol.com.
Women and Work
Women and Work meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30 PM in the Conference room. All women (working or not) are welcome. For more details email Kathy Warren at kwarren@juno.com , or speak to her in church.
April meeting - Tuesday, April 26, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Carole Katz will lead a discussion on Supervision and Leadership. We'll explore good and bad supervisors we have known, and suggest steps for improving our supervision and leadership skills. Carole Katz is the VP of Marketing at the Watertown Savings Bank.
May meeting - Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Elaine McArdle will lead a Memoir Writing Workshop. We will learn how to write about our lives -- we all have stories! -- and get inspiration to do so. Elaine is a freelance writer for the Boston Globe and other publications, and teaches memoir writing workshops at Grub Street, the Boston writing center. This workshop will be in two parts. The second meeting date will be determined at the meeting.
We always welcome newcomers.
Among Us
Please welcome our newest member Eric Chipman, who first signed the guest book last May. A new member welcome will be held on May 15.
Rosalind McFarland, a member of First Parish, who once attended regularly is no longer able to come to church. Rosalind is a wonderful person who lives in Newton Corner. She would love to have visits from some “Ladies” in the church. If you have daytime opportunities that you could visit Rosalind, please let Mark know, and he will help you arrange the visit.
Canvass
Our Canvass seems to be going well as we near our goal of $80,000. Please speak to Michael Collins, Bob Shay or John Portz if you have not pledged yet. Forms are available at church. Thank you to everyone for your generosity. A special thanks to all who hosted dinners or facilitated conversations. final total will be announced next month.
Newcomer Breakfast
If you are new to First Parish, please come to our spring Newcomer Breakfast on Sunday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m. We will try to invite all newcomers, but if we miss you somehow, please let Bobbie Brown or Gretchen Brown know. The breakfast will be followed on consecutive weeks by a Newcomer class, The New UU led by Mark Harris on Sunday mornings, May 8 and 15 at 9:30 a.m..
Explore forming a "Mens' Group" at First Parish
Mark Harris has offered to facilitate a "Mens' Group" which will have a first "breakfast meeting" for all men who might have an interest in participating.
Bring your interests and ideas to our first meeting - a breakfast at First Parish on Sunday morning, April 10th at 9:30 am. All those attending will have the opportunity to help set a collective agenda of interests, topics to explore, and choose a regular time to meet that fits for the most men. Mark will try to guide / facilitate us in creating a shared set of experiences, discussions, explorations that best address the group's interests.
Randy has offered to rustle up the breakfast meals at 9:30 on the 10th (and he could probably use an extra volunteer - so see him about this).
For more info/ thoughts/ suggestions you can talk to Mark or Randy.
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
We held our second Children's Annual Meeting in early March this year and it was incredible to witness. I tried having our first Children's Annual Meeting last year as a means to empower the children to make choices about the community service projects they do here at First Parish. It was a celebration of our UU principle of "valuing each voice as we work together". They voted on which projects they wanted to support with the money they collected and which projects they wanted to support with hands-on assistance. The kids liked getting to vote and were excited to later participate in the projects they had selected. It was a great success last year and I knew we would do it again this year.
So I arrived on March 6 prepared for the meeting. But the kids surprised me with how prepared they were. They were filled with ideas about which organizations we could donate to and what community service projects we could participate in. I didn't have to give them any ideas to choose from. They came ready to make their own lists of ideas.
The Children's Annual Meeting proved to be similar to any successful group meeting. They brainstormed, they debated, they voted, they evaluated, and they voted again. There were differences of opinions, but they were somehow respected. Everyone had a voice in contributing ideas to the group, but everyone also had to cooperate as the majority votes decided what we would do.
The one thing that shined at the meeting was everyone's excitement about helping others. With inspiration ranging from family experiences to what we have done before at church, almost every child had a name of a group or project they sincerely wanted to help. Some of the kids even wanted to give additional help to the "Pennies for Patients", the organization supporting people with cancer that the Watertown Public Schools has the kids fundraising for.
I think it is just fabulous to see our children so motivated and energized to help others. I could fill this entire column with my many reasons why. And I am glad to be a part of a church family that values community service and social action so highly. It really is the most powerful way to put our UU faith into action.
I have been impressed to discover that our local public schools also incorporate community service into their education plans. When I heard several of our kids enthusiastically advocating for some of our collected money to "Pennies for Patients", I thought it was a great thing. I had a dream of the positive spirit of helping becoming a bridging between their school world and church family.
It wasn't until two weeks later during a small group gathering with the same kids that I learned of one of their big motivating reasons for bringing up us supporting "Pennies for Patients". It seems that the Public Schools are having a contest of sorts. The local school that raises the most money for "Pennies for Patients" gets a party (I think an ice-cream party, but maybe pizza.) And the kids really wanted their school to win, but had very little hope because the middle school had already raised over $5,000.
I have to say that this news stunned me. I didn't like it and I admitted that to the kids. There's a time and a place for competition and charity is not it. By putting competition into community service, it takes away the intrinsic value the kids experience when helping. The kids may have felt good about helping people who have cancer, but those valuable feelings will be washed away by the declaration that they are a winner or loser. It just doesn't feel right to me.
My gut reaction to the news was to balance it with my own affirming declaration. I spontaneously announced that any First Parish child who raises any money for charity (even as little as a penny) will be invited to an ice cream party here in June. The kids were thrilled and started planning other activities for the party. While the party offer was reactive on my part, I stand by my word and now invite all of First Parish folks to join us after church on June 5th. But let me be clear that the party is not a reward for helping others. But it is a gathering to celebrate our experiences of helping others. And the only requirement to be able to come to the party is a story ... a story of a time when help was given and how that made you feel. Hope to see you there!
R. E. Announcements:
Thanks for helping our youth help our world!
Thanks to everyone who generously supported Emma Day and some of her friends as she sells homemade jewelry and crafts to benefit the victims of the recent Tsunami. She raised almost $100 and was an incredible inspiration to everyone who witnessed her put her desire to help into action.
Don't miss opportunity!
Giles Holt and Cody Urban will be presenting a slide show and talk about their exciting adventures on their Coming-of-Age trip to Florida on Sunday, April 10th at 12 PM. Their story is guaranteed to be entertaining, eye-opening, and inspiring. It is appropriate for folks of all ages. A light lunch will be served. RSVP to Roberta.
Ladies Night Out!
Please join us for another ladies night out on Sunday, April 17th at 7 PM. Please bring clothing that you are ready to pass along to a friend and a light dessert to share. This event was great fun last year and we hope you can join us! (All left-over clothing will be donated to charity.)
Second Annual First Parish Peace Day
April 24th will be our second annual First Parish Peace Day in our children's ministry program. Some children from First Parish of Needham will be joining us for this fabulous celebration as we put our UU principle of working for a free and peaceful world into action. Our activities will include a celebration of the cultural diversity within our own community. All children are invited to bring a snack food and a "show-and-tell" item representing their cultural heritage.
Walk-for-Hunger is coming soon ...
Walk-for-Hunger (a fundraiser to support Project Bread) is happening on May 1st this year. Some First Parish families are planning on walking. Please let Roberta know if you and/or your child would like to join with other First Parish friends for this important community service event.
A Midshipman’s Musings
April Fool’s Day always seemed like a waste of a holiday. Do we really need a whole day relegated to having fun at the expense of others? I admit that at times I have had my fun, but I also feel sorry for people, too. It is rarely clear where the line between humor and maliciousness lies.
No one knows exactly when April Fool’s Day started. It is generally believed to be related to the establishment of the Gregorian Calendar. Before that time the New Year was celebrated after the Vernal Equinox somewhere between March 25 and April 1. When the Gregorian Calendar was instituted, the New Year was changed to January 1. However, since not everyone received the news in a timely manner, some people still celebrated the New Year on April 1. They were labeled “Fools” and made to run foolish errands.
Although the fool has negative connotations, he has a prominent place in cultural history. Many mythologies include the fool as a major character. This person or creature would usually make significant contributions to the establishment of the world without intending anything to happen.
The archetype of the fool has to do with innocence, not lack of intelligence. He sees things as new and exciting. He is driven by his impulses and lacks an understanding of cultural norms. Fools think out of the box, in fact, they do not see the box at all!
I think that it would be fun to celebrate April Fool’s Day by making fools of ourselves instead of others. We could do all of the things that we want to do but feel that it is too immature of us to do. Let’s be silly, let loose, and let your inner fool play!
Darrick
Mass Bay District Annual Meeting
At this writing it appears that Susan Flint, Jean Merkl and Mark Harris will officially represent First Parish at the Mass Bay Annual Meeting. The program for the day is “Our Values Need Your Voices - Toward a Stronger Liberal Religious Message.” This workshop is led by Barbara and Jaco ten Hove, co ministers in College Park, MD. The date is, Saturday, April 9 at the UU Urban Ministry in Roxbury. Speak to Mark if you would like to attend.
Bill McKibben to speak at First Parish in Lexington
First Parish Church in Lexington invites you to a talk by environmental author Bill McKibben on Thursday, April 14, 2005 at 7:30 on the topic: Updates from a Heating Planet: Stories and Strategies on Global Warming. Mr. McKibben s writings are an impassioned plea that the survival of the globe is dependent on a fundamental philosophical shift in the way we relate to nature.
Mr. McKibben grew up in Lexington and is currently a scholar in residence at Middlebury College. An editor at the New Yorker magazine until 1987, he moved to a wilderness house in the Adirondacks to write on his own. His concern over the growing threat to the earth's ecosystem posed by global warming, led him to the research and reflections described in his first book, The End of Nature. He has said that he overcame a crisis in religious belief "to a greater or lesser degree by locating God in nature."
The lecture and reception are free and will be held in the sanctuary at 7 Harrington Road, Lexington. Please call (781)-862-8200 for directions or visit www.fplex.org http://www.fplex.org/ .
Celebrate Justice and Love!
Join President William Sinkford, Executive Vice President Kay Montgomery and Hundreds of other Unitarian Universalists marching in support of Civil Marriage and Civil Rights .
Join us in Saturday June 11th for a worship service at Arlington Street Church followed by the largest demonstration of Unitarian Universalist support for civil marriage and support of gay rights for the gblt community ever gathered. We expect it be by far the largest contingent at the Boston Gay Pride Parade, by gathering all area UU’s together to march s one.
Please have representatives of your congregation contact the Mass Bay District Gay Pride Day Committee at mmatty@comcast .net for details.
Thank you for standing up for justice and Love.
Walk for Hunger
Join Project Bread Œs Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 1. Enjoy a festive day of walking through Boston and the surrounding neighborhoods while you help our hungry neighbors in Massachusetts. With the current economic state, your neighbors need your help more than ever. Your pledges will support 400 food pantries. soup , kitchens, food banks, and food salvage programs in 132 communizes across the state.
Celebrate the spirit of giving along with 40,000 other concerned citizens by participating in this fun and exciting Massachusetts tradition. For more information, call 617-723-5000 or visit www.projectbread.org.
Rummage Sale
Our Annual First Parish Rummage Sale is coming on Saturday, May 7 from 10-3.
Even though the snow is still flying, spring will be here before you know it, and that means cleaning out all that old junk and let the church sell it. We will be looking for volunteers during the month of April - We need sellers all day, and people to help set-up the night before. Contact Jane Knuttunen if you would like to assist in any way. Items can be dropped off during the previous week. We need household items and furnishings, kitchen items and small appliances, computers and software, electronics and CDs, books, art work, kids clothing (no adult clothing), toys and games, sports equipment etc. etc.
Whatever you have that you want to say farewell to, we will gladly accept to benefit FPW.
Say Cheese! - Pictures for our Picture Board
Say Cheese - Tom Shepard has graciously agreed to take pictures for our out of date picture board. Beginning in April Tom will be available on Sunday to snap your picture. Please says yes to this opportunity to appear on our First Parish picture board so we can all get to know one another better.
Annual Meeting
Our First Parish Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, April 24 after church. Luncheon fixings will be available. Please come and hear the reports and vote on the budget, the nominating committee report and the new 375 Fund (to paint the meetinghouse). The warrant will be mailed in the next two weeks.
The Annual First Parish Rummage Sale
Our Big All Church Rummage Sale is Saturday, May 7 from 10-3.
We need your donations of items and your volunteer item to set up the night before and to sell the day of the sale.