June 2005 Newsletter
NOTE: For calendar listings / committee meeting dates, please refer to our
online calendar at: www.fpwatertown.org
Captain’s Log
An eventful year is coming to a close. Summer sets us all off in many
directions. We have one family about to embark to
Not Bombs at work. We have high school seniors ready to go forth to amazing
adventures that will both expand their minds and challenge their hearts. We
have another family who are loved by all, and have given so much to our
church saying goodbye. Life is always challenging us with the days ahead.
What are the best decisions for us, for our families? I hope each of you
has a summer that allows you some time to reflect on the whirlwind that
often becomes our lives. We have to take enormous risks sometimes when we
venture into something new. We go forth to new places, new learnings, new
people, and often fear being isolated and alone. Is this the right thing to
do? What have I left behind? The joy is we often find those with whom we can
know friendship again. We find those who say welcome to us. We find a
place that is right for us.
It always feels like such a chance when we start something new. In my own
life I am struck by all the unknowns, especially as the questions remain as
to where our children will be in school in the fall, and what is best for
them. Possibility is also what keeps us alive and vital. We don’t often know
if we have made a good decision or not until we try. And we have to trust
ourselves that we have the skills or the smarts or the enthusiasm to make it
all work out right. The Star Wars movies are in the news with the release
of the final film. My boys seemed to want to learn what it was all about,
and saw an excerpt of one of the old episodes, The Empire Strikes Back, and
wanted to rent it. This is the film where Luke goes to meet Yoda, the Jedi
master, and tells him he will try again at something he failed to do. Yoda
says, “Don’t try, do!”
As summer approaches I am worried not only about my kids, but about GA
lectures and teaching during the summer. While I can obsess about the jobs
before me, I also know in the back of my mind that I will DO. I don’t know
where my kids will be, but I have faith that we will do our best to see they
are in a place that will nurture them, and make them feel good about
themselves. It is not easy when you are dependent upon working with bothers
in these equations. But we will more than try our best, to DO. And most of
us, if we are called upon to raise money (even if we have not done that job
before), or teach a class, or learn a new program, or help someone who needs
us, can do more than merely try. We, too, can do. We are all managing a
little emotional and physical pain all the time. We are leaving something.
We are not the same as we once were. How do we put that in perspective?
One of the great things about a church community is that we are blessed with
people of all ages. All this year 96 year old Bob Dutton (
graced us with his presence to help facilitate our aging group. It seems to
me that the key thing that keeps Bob going is he looks forward to what he
can do - what can he learn, how can he make his life more interesting, how
he can be a better person, what he can do. Only last Sunday we sang “Happy
Birthday” to Mary Schlivek at 90 and Martha Urban at 80. They have been
incredible roles models for many of us. There are no half hearted tries in
their lives. To get to where they are in life you must DO. What is also
true about Mary and Martha is that they are not long term members of our
church. They have come among us in recent years. Their “new” presence has
taught us all something new in our lives. As we go forth to summer
adventures, may we all keep on Doing - finding new challenges, even as we
sometimes must say goodbye to that which we loved so much. We will return to
church in the fall. Those who will no longer be with us, will still be part
of the warmth of our gathering, even as they helped create it. May each of
our journeys be safe and replenishing. May we remain in each other’s
hearts.
Mark
Services and Sermon Topics
Sunday, June 5, 2005,11 A.M.
“Things Commonly Believed” Mark W. Harris
This year at the UUA General Assembly the Commission on Appraisal is going
to try to answer the question, Is there a center to our faith? Will they
say yes or no? What holds these freedom lovers together? Today we will
look at one of our ancestors, William Channing Gannett, for an answer.
Greeters: Deborah Stein and Jan Klein
Social Hour: Buildings and Grounds
Sunday, June 12, 2005, 11 A.M.
Youth Sunday
Adults and kids of all ages are invited to join us as we highlight the
inspiring work by the children of First Parish from the past year and honor
special "rites-of-passages" that some of our children are ready to take.
These ceremonies will include recognizing graduating high school seniors;
presenting first chalices to our turning 8-year-olds; and witnessing Cody
and Giles come-of-age. There will be many more surprises, so don't miss
this incredible service!
Greeters:Martha Urban and Anna Knight
Social Hour: Buildings and Grounds
Sunday, June 19, 2005,11 A.M.
Flower Communion and Picnic
Every year on the last Sunday of the church year we celebrate our leave
taking with the Flower Communion service. Please bring a cut flower to
church to help create our common bouquet of togetherness. The service will
also include a story and some goodbyes. It is followed by our
Picnic. Please bring an item to share - main dish, salad, dessert, chips,
bread, etc. Drinks are provided.
Greeters: Sue Kuder and Channing Mendelsohn
Social Hour: Buildings and Grounds
No Service on June 26
Among Us
A warm welcome to John Harrison “Jack” Welch who was dedicated in church on
Sunday, May 8. He is the son of new but moving away member Kim Peters.
Graduates :
Congratulations and best wishes to all the High School graduates.
Here are their plans :
Chris Warren - Syracuse University
Daniela Rizza - Pratt Institute
John Carver-Gustin - Springfield College
Molly Collins -Stonehill or Wheaton College
Kyle Murphy - Babson College
Appropriately, John Carver-Gustin was featured in a Boston Globe article on
“Senioritis”
Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of FPW member Rosalind
McFarland, who died recently. There will be a memorial service at First
Parish on Saturday, June 4 at 12:30 p.m.
Our deepest sympathy to David Benson whose father, Carleton Benson died on
Memorial Day. David, Nancy, Rachel and Jenna were all able to be with Carl
and his family as he died peacefully. A Memorial Service will be held in
Rummage Sale
Despite terrible weather, our Rummage Sale was a success. We did not have
any big ticket items this year, but still managed a great total. Profit
was: $1,179.50. Thanks especially to Jane Knuttunen who organized the sale
once again. Also thanks to all others who helped out. We do not have a
complete list, as many, many people sold and/or donated items (we do know
that Bobbie Brown and Meredith Montague were there for most of Saturday).
Many thanks!
Biographies of New Members
A Warm Welcome To!!
Elaine McArdle is a freelance writer for the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine,
Harvard Law Today, and other publications. She also teaches writing at Grub
Street, the
spouse of John LoDico, she and her family moved to
love it here. Her hobbies are running, surfing, and traveling to
whenever possible. She thanks everybody at FPW for making her feel so
welcome, and looks forward to getting to know you all.
Paul and Karen Umbrello are residents of
children are Madison (7) and PJ (5). Paul currently works in
Quality Assurance Analyst at an online brokerage securities company.
Karen's current career is "Homeschooling Mom" of Madison and PJ.
They came to First Parish through the RE door as friends of Roberta just
over a year ago, and have found it to be the community that they were
looking for.
Paula Carnese has lived in
been in the
Yorker from a large Italian family. Paula is the single mother of
Gabrielle Grosvenor, age 10, who is new to the
fourth grader. Gabrielle's dad is from
dance, while Paula’s is working with a diverse group of children in
Anne Harrington is a health writer/editor who recently
moved to
member of First Parish,
photography, nature, and travel. She taught English at
Ed Drozd currently works as a Health Economist at Research Triangle
Institute in
the Medicare Prescription Drug bill. He has been working at RTI for five
years, after graduating with a PhD in Economics from
his free time, Ed also enjoys model railroading. Ed is excited about
joining the First Parish of Watertown largely because he agrees with the
politics of the parish.
Michelle Klosterman is graduating from Harvard School of Public Health with
a Masters in Health Policy and Administration in June. Afterwards, she will
work for Partners HealthCare System as a Project Manager in the Business
Planning Department. Michelle enjoys cooking, reading, and annoying her cat
in her spare time. Michelle is glad to be joining a parish that does not
ask her to profess beliefs that she does not have.
Kim Peters has just finished a PHD in zoology and has accepted a new job in
Jack who was dedicated on May 8. We are sorry to see her go, but wish her
well in this transition.
Holly Cachimuel - coming
Eric Chipman grew up in Lexington, Mass and attended college in New
Hampshire (Plymouth State College: BA: Music/Social Science), He studied
Piano Tuning in Boston at the North Bennet Street Industrial School for one
year (1981-82). He has also worked as a volunteer at WGBH (Radio) for one
year and worked at various jobs in MA and NH. Eric has spent many years with
musical activities in his life. Some of Eric’s favorite activities outside
of music are camping, mountain climbing/hiking, sailing, skiing (Downhill
and Cross - Country) and walking. Eric has one older brother who lives in
CA. His mother died of caner 15 years ago, and his father married a woman
who lost her first husband to cancer. He also has a stepbrother living in
Jackson Hole WY.Eric has been retired from
years due to disabilities. Despite his disabilities Eric feels he has had
a wonderful life.
British Historian Lectures at First Parish for 375th Anniversary
The First Parish of Watertown, Unitarian Universalist will celebrate its
375th anniversary this year with a series of events. The congregation was
gathered on July 30, 1630. The first event in the series will take place on
Sunday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the church at
Roger Thompson of the
lecture that will be drawn from his recent book Divided We Stand:
“Religious Beliefs of the Early Settlers of Watertown.”
for an early history marked by frequent disputes, a questioning of
authority, and an atmosphere of discord. Thompson teaches American Studies
in
Mobility and Migration. He will be available for book signing.
Refreshments will be served following the talk, to which the public is
cordially invited.
Social Action Committee:
One-time 1 1/2 hour event with Project Literacy coming soon!
First Parish of Watertown visits an English as a Second Language class
What: Join an English as a Second Language class for one evening of
activities.
When: Tuesday, June 7th, 7 8:30 PM
Where: Watertown Middle School, Room A215, 68 Waverly Street
Carolyn Karp, teacher of the Intermediate 2 class at Project Literacy,
cordially invites you to participate in an interactive activity with her
students.
You are invited to an English as a Second language class. Students of
English as a second language benefit by speaking and listening to native
English speakers. People bring different voices, intonations, dialects, and
personalities to their speech. They welcome the opportunity to interact with
you.
Your participation is appreciated. You will have fun!! You do not need to
speak another language or having teaching skills. Volunteer just need to
come to the class, be a good sport, and have a friendly smile!
If you are interested in participating or have more questions please contact
Kathy Warren at projectliteracy@ci.watertown.ma.us, call her at (617)
924-8797, or talk to her at church. We would like to have 5 to 10 people
participate in this social action event.
Only a Child Program
George Ledger is a Unitarian Universalist who spends most of the year in
homeless street kids whose lives otherwise might well be destroyed. George
will be with us before church on June 12 at 9:30 a.m., and then will also
make a brief presentation during the service. Come see the beautiful boxes
the children make in their carpentry shop!
Giving Box
Our Giving boxes for June will be the UU Urban Ministry’s sponsored Renewal
House, a shelter for battered women and their children. Following is a list
of their current needs.
Microwave
coffee pot
iron
kitchen linens and pot holders
plastic wrap, aluminum foil,
plastic food containers
pots and pans
pillows and blankets
shower liners
towels and linens
construction paper, play-doh, paints, puzzles, bubbles
sponges
toiletries
laundry detergent, bleach
lysoil, pine sol
They currently have 3 children, all girls. They are 4 months, 2 months and a
newborn.They would welcome clothing, diapers, wipes and bottles.
Women and Work
Next Meeting: June 28 at 6:30 p.m. For more details email Kathy Warren at
kwarren@juno.com , or speak to her in church.
We always welcome newcomers.
FPW Book Group
The next meeting will be June 21 at 7pm. The book will be that American
classic, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Men’s Group
The Men’s Group will meet on Sunday, June 5 at 9:30am. The topic will be
end of life issues, and the facilitator will be Michael McCarthy. Breakfast
will be provided by David Morrison.. All men are welcome.
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
I've recently been reading a discussion about how much we value our
children on the UU DRE group I belong to. Someone shared an essay written
by Rev. Pat Hoertdoerfer called "How Are The Children?" In it, she tells
about one of the most accomplished and fabled tribes from
The Masai warriors are considered among the most mighty, fearsome, and
smart. So it has been surprising for some people to learn the traditional
greeting that passes between Masai warriors is "Kasserian Ingera." It
means, "How are the children?"
This greeting acknowledges the high value that the Masai place on
their children's well-being. Even warriors with no children of their own
always answer: "All the children are well," meaning that life is good and
all the young are protected. "All the children are well" means peace and
safety prevail. It means that the proper care of the young is what is most
important in their tribe.
Rev. Hoertdoerfer went on to wonder how it might affect our own
children's welfare if we took to greeting each other with this daily
question: "How are the children?" Would every American hearing this question
many times each day change how children are thought of and cared for in our
country? She wrote, "I wonder, if every adult among us, parent and
non-parent alike, felt an equal weight for the daily care and protection of
all the children in our community, in our town, in our state, in our
country, could we truly say without any hesitation, 'The children are well;
yes, all the children are well.'"
I hope that the children at First Parish of Watertown are very well.
One of the things I like about working here is how much our congregation
genuinely enjoys and values our children. They are an active part of our
community and our church is a better place because of them. Youth Sunday is
coming in a few weeks and it is a day that many First Parish folks annually
look forward to because it is a special time to intentionally celebrate our
children. We highlight their inspiring work from the past year and honor
special "rites-of-passages" that some of our children are ready to take.
These ceremonies will include recognizing Molly, Daniella, Chris, and
hopefully one or two others for graduating high school; presenting first
chalices to Julian, Taquina, Niko, and Madison; and witnessing Cody and
Giles come-of-age. I have had the privilege of working with some of these
kids as they prepare for this special day and I promise that the service
will be nothing short of incredible. It might just be your favorite event
of the year!
One important part of Youth Sunday will be recognizing and thanking
the wonderful adults who have dedicated their time, energy, creativity, and
resources to help in our children's programs this year. Whether you
assisted with a small group gathering or led activities on many occasions,
your work was powerful and important. You made a made a big contribution to
the children's ministry at First Parish and we highly value that. Please
join us on Youth Sunday and let us take a moment to thank you!
As everyone in our community at First Parish gets to witness the
amazing finale of another year in our children's ministry, I hope more folks
will consider getting directly involved and assist in one of our groups next
year. It's no secret that our attendance has grown dramatically in the last
year and we could definitely use everyone's help next year as we add two
more small groups to our program. Yes, the African tribes got it right when
they declared "it takes a village to raise a child". Let us all be inspired
by the Masai tribe as we celebrate the end of this church year and begin
planning for next year. Kasserian Ingera!
Announcements:
Sunday, June 5th - ice cream party. Join us as the children celebrate their
last small group gathering of the year! Anyone who has done any action of
kindness, love, or charity this year is invited to come make a delicious ice
cream sundae and tell us about their good deed.
Save the date! Youth Sunday will be on Sunday, June 12th and we are
thrilled that Cody and Giles will again be leading us in worship. We will
join our children as many rites-of-passages are honored and celebrated.
This year's rites-of-passages include first chalice for our turning
8-year-olds, coming-of-age, and congratulating our high school graduates.
And our youth choir will make their harmonious debut. This is always an
incredible, not-to-be-missed service for folks of all ages!
Hey, kids: don't forget that our annual Flower Communion Service will be on
Sunday, June 19th. This is always a wonderful intergenerational service.
Bring a cut flower to share during the service. Your friends in the
children's choir will be performing, so please join us.
Youth Group Advisors Needed
Are you talented, creative, and fun? Are you willing to support our youth
(Cody and Giles) as they create the exciting youth group we've always
wanted? You could be one of our Youth Group Advisors next year. Best of
all, you get paid a small annual stipend of $500 and you get to work with a
partner. Darrick has already signed on for one of the positions and will
focus on connecting them to UU youth in our greater community. Our ideal
second advisor would be someone who likes planning recreational-type
activities. Interested? Please see Roberta for more details.
First Parish Children's Ministry Wish List:
Quality dress-up clothes (nice imagination clothes your child outgrew)
Clean Up Day
An industrious group helped on May 21 for our Annual Clean-up Day. Grounds
were mowed, trees trimmed, lots of raking, trash collection and red chairs
tightened. We appreciate the time given by David Morrison, Martha Scott,
Susan Flint, Djalai Babazadeh, Kathy Button, Michael McCarthy, Brian and
Janie Howland, Jeff Miller, Will Twombly and Mark Harris. A special thank
you to Larry Sprague for coordinating the day.
Midshipman’s Musings
This is a very interesting time of the year. In many ways, the year ends
now. We are coming to the last church service of the year. Schools will soon
close for the summer. Some people are finished with work until September.
The year comes to an end, and begins again in September. So the summer
months, July and August, are a transition period, a time outside of the
normal routines of life. Very few people’s lives do not change in some way
or another during the summer.
The summer has a connotation of rest. Images of lying at the beach, reading
a book, playing in the sand, and swimming in the ocean are all summer
images. Summer is fun, and takes us away from our everyday lives. At least,
that is what we want it to be. This is the time when we theoretically can
get away. Life can be put on hold for a weekend, a week, or even longer.
During this transitional time, we can be free to “let loose.” We can have
the fun we have been waiting for all year long.
But why do we need to wait? There is no reason to store all of this
relaxation and fun for two months out of the year. This is why I like the
idea of Sabbath. Sabbath is a time of rest. It is a spiritual time that you
give yourself to rejuvenate from the work of the week. During My first
semester at Andover Newton, I was given an assignment to observe the Sabbath
for 24 hours. We could choose whenever during the week we wanted to do it,
but we had to observe it. This was extremely hard. I was not able to do it.
There were too many interruptions, too many tasks to complete, etc. I could
not take 24 hours out of my week just for myself.
My classmates found it difficult as well. We are not conditioned to take
that much continuous time out for ourselves. And so we use the summer to
make up for it. This in-between time allows us to observe Sabbath, because
it is not a part of the regular year. It is more acceptable to take time for
yourself during the summer.
I want to observe Sabbath on a weekly basis. I’ve been trying since that
first semester, and some weeks are successful, and many are not. But I keep
trying, because I feel much better when I observe Sabbath time. Rarely have
I made a full 24 hours, but I am able to reserve a 3-4 hour block of time on
a semi-regular basis. It depends on the week. And I’ve found that the
busier the week, the more essential it is that I observe Sabbath. And I am
still productive, in fact, more productive than normal.
So I continue to try to observe Sabbath, week after week. I don’t get upset
if I don’t do it, I just try for the following week. It defeats the purpose
to stress over not observing Sabbath. I think it keeps me grounded and sane.
And when I get to summer, I do not desperately need the break; I can just
enjoy Sabbath more deeply.
Blessed be.
Darrick Jackson
Summer Services
We are still looking for people who would be willing to conduct summer
worship services. The dates are Sundays in August - August 7, 14, 21, 28.
The services begin at 9:30 a.m. Please speak to Mark if you would like to
do this.
Duxbury Retreat for All Church Outing!!
Saturday, JUNE 18, 2005
Come to the UU retreat in Duxbury for a one-day get together . This
beautiful property, which lies on the coast, has been a favorite retreat
location for our church for several years. Come early (any time in the
morning) and stay late (8pm). It takes about an hour to get there, and Maps
will be provided. There is a labyrinth, large field for Frisbee, badminton,
and other games, swimming in the bay, shell collecting on the beach,
relaxing in the large house, and most of all -- a great opportunity to have
a relaxing day with FPW friends. Each person should supply their own lunch.
For dinner, please bring a dish to share. There is a grill available.
If you are interested in going please contact Janie Howland or Jerusha
Vogel. Let us know if you will need a ride or can drive someone. The cost
will be $10 per person, $25 per family. We can cover those who can’t
afford it. We will have a table set up during social hour on June 5th and
12th. Hope you can come.
For Rent:
A large, comfortable cottage in Owls Head,
Andrea's place is available July 16-30 and August 6-20. $1200 for one
week, $2000 for two. It is a great spot; close to shops, the
painting!), good restaurants, and the ferry to the islands. Direct
beach access, kayaks, rowboats; even bikes are there! The cottage is
also available in June and September. Please pass this info on to
friends who may be interested.
Don’t leave town June 11,12 (except for the event below!). Another
“Watertown Weekend” is in the works to
benefit the Watertown Free Public Library Building Project. On Saturday,
June 11, the Friends of the Library are holding their Spring Book Sale at
John’s
Ahern (617) 926-6839 for volunteer opportunities.
On Sunday, June 12, Trees for
anniversary with a Garden Tour,1:00 to 5:00 PM. Kathy Button, (617)
923-1840, has tickets to sell, $15.00 per person.
Gay Pride Parade- June 11, 11am
Every year we invite parishioners to participate in
Pride Parade. This year is special though. In the wake of the one year
anniversary of the legalization of same sex marriage, this year’s parade
provides an opportunity for all Unitarian Universalists to celebrate
together our common work for marriage equality. There will be an 11:00 a.m.
worship service at the
have been asked to march together. We hope to get 500 UUs together with
banners. Our banner will be carried by David Morrison. We have heard from
at least 10 people who are going from First Parish. This is a fun, family
friendly event. Come on along! Please let Mark or Nancy know if you plan to
attend.
Watertown Community Housing /
Watertown Community Housing is sponsoring an event here at First Parish on
Monday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m. Concerned About Watertown’s - Rising house
Prices? Condo conversions? Environmental and Historical Features? Family
friendliness? Options for Elders? Join us for “At Home in
Community Conversation.” There will be refreshments, door prizes and
childcare offered.
We also have information about applying for
apartments for low income seniors. Two units have a preference for people
living or working in
the application process will begin soon. Speak to Mark if you are
interested.
UU Wine Country Excursions
The UUs of Napa, California invite you to a unique opportunity to enjoy two
of
We will help you choose from over 600 wineries and hundreds of world class
restaurants, COPIA (the
London’s home, Francis Ford Coppola’s winery and movie museum, art
galleries, miles of trails with breathtaking views and more.
Locally savvy UU guides will drive you to selected wineries, historic sites
and mountain trails with breathtaking views. You will stay in UU homes for
good conversation, good breakfasts and warm hospitality.
Our offer is limited to June, July and August. Plan three nights with two
days of touring. Our fees are well below market rate for similar services.
All proceeds benefit our Fellowship. We have limited openings, so contact
us now for details. Tom Wilson (707) 254 7443 twilson9@sbcglobal.net
Our 375th Celebration Begins!
Come hear British historian and author
Roger Thompson speak on
“Religious Beliefs of the Early Settlers”
Sunday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Book signing / Refreshments