Tuesday, January 03, 2006
The Arbella - January 2006 Newsletter
The Arbella - The Newsletter of the First Parish of Watertown
January 2006
See Calendar listings for January under the website “Calendar”
Sermons/ Services
Sunday, January 8, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
“All the Same” Mark W. Harris
Why is it that even though most Muslims are moderate, we have come to believe in a global, fanatical religion? This is a sermon on what happens when we globalize things, and lose perspective on truth.
Guest Musician:FPW member, Charlyn Bethell
Greeters: Joani Mountain and Beth Parsons
Social Hour: Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban
Sunday, January 15, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
“Not Alone” Mark W. Harris
Rosa Parks died a short while ago, and we all recalled her leadership in the Montgomery bus boycott. We have a tendency to single out heroes who accomplished seeming miracles alone. But then we look at ourselves, and say, “I can’t do that.” But the truth is that no one goes it alone, even Rosa Parks.
Greeters: Paul and Norah Mulvaney Day
Social Hour: Nancy Dutton and David Benson
Sunday, January 22, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
“Reflections on Life in Niger” Laura Bacon
Laura Bacon spent 32 months in Niger as a
Peace Corps volunteer. She will share what village life is like in Niger in the 21st century. Laura will talk about the culture and the people she met in Niger, and the work she did there. Niger is a Muslim country (95%), and a former French colony.
Greeters: Kathy Button and Holly Cachimuel
Social Hour: Julie Miller and Paul Dansereau
Sunday, January 29, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
“Purchasing Power” Mark W. Harris
How do we relate to the products we purchase? How much of those products becomes what our identity is or who we are? This is an auction sermon on our consumption habits.
Greeters: Cornelia Janke
Social Hour: Paula Chase, Michele Klosterman and Ed Drozd
Captain’s Log
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a nice holiday season. Thank you to everyone who either sent cards or gave us a gift. We appreciate all your kindnesses. Because there are so many of you, we do not mail Christmas cards to parishioners, but please know we love to receive yours, and hope you will understand why we cannot reciprocate.
The vagaries of the calendar made it an unusual year at church. We had Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. My boys, who are usually not keen on sitting through church went to services on the back to back days. Andrea was telling me one of the reasons they did so well was exemplified at our Christmas Eve service. She was not just talking about the boys sitting through or surviving the whole time at the service. More than the behavior of not leaving, was the even more significant instance of participation.
Opening a hymnal to the right page and singing or even following the words on a printed page is not easy for any child. Every child must ask, How do I know when to start? How do I know where they are? It is pretty easy to just give up, and sit, and wait for the hymn to be over.
While our Christmas Eve order of service has all the words printed right there on the page, it is still hard to read them because they are so small. But what happens when someone helps? Andrea noted that with one of our kids who normally does not sing or follow along, there was suddenly exuberant participation on Christmas eve. Was it the joy of anticipation? The threat that no presents would be forthcoming unless he sang?
In fact, Andrea took the insert that had the poinsettias listed and used it as a line indicator for each line of the hymn, and lined it out. In this way she showed our son exactly where he should be singing, and kept him on the right line throughout the hymn. He sang his way through the Christmas carols. And loved it!
The implication of helping people through the worship service are striking. How often would others participate if we showed them exactly what they need to do, or where something is. In what ways do we exclude visitors because our signs outside don’t tell the way to the sanctuary, or our signs inside don’t tell the way to worship or the location of the bathrooms? How can we help people along, and show them that we want them to participate. on Christmas Eve we went from total silence and avoidance with a fervent wish to be somewhere else to a real joy of participation. All we had to do was show him how - step by step.
What are other ways we could show people how to be part of the community? What are other ways we could show our children that we want to include them? What can we show you?
Mark
Among Us
Our sympathy to Nancy Dutton, David Benson, Jenna and Rachel and all the family at the death of Nancy’s father, Bob Dutton at the age of 96. A memorial service will be held at the Murray UU Church in Attleboro on Saturday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. Bob first became a UU here in Watertown in 2000, after a career as a United Church of Christ minister and prison chaplain. He lived for many years in Mansfield.
Our loyal member Harold Bejcek, who moved to Maine last year, was visiting his son in Michigan, and suffered a stroke. Harold is recovering well, and expects to be back at home soon. Our thoughts are with him.
Guest at Your Table
As of December 31, our Guest at Your Table contribution to the UUSC is a great total of $1,546.00. Thank you to everyone who was so generous in their contributions to this wonderful organization.
Note about UUSC: A front page article in the Boston Globe was published in December. It was about the Rev. Waitstill and Martha Sharp, two Unitarians who went to Europe in 1939 to help rescue Jews from the Holocaust. This was the beginning of our UUSC. This couple were “Chosen Righteous among the Nations” by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Remembrance organization in Jerusalem. The article is posted on the bulletin board.
New Members
Four new members were welcomed in December. Congratulations, and glad you are here!
Susan Guidrey, a native of Massachusetts, and Valy McDonald, a California native live in Watertown and enjoy walks around the Charles river. Susan is an accountant and Valy is a school administrator, both work in Boston. They also enjoy playing with young nieces and nephews and a swim in the Nantucket Sound whenever they get the chance. They joined (and enjoy) First Parish for the integrity and sincerity of the message and congregation.
Celeste Oliva - My family is originally from Guam. We were a military family and lived all over the country including Alaska, California
and Massachusetts. We lived overseas in Heidelberg, Germany during my high school years when the dollar was strong and twenty bucks bought me a train ride to Spain or France or Switzerland. We moved back to Hawaii where I attended the University and then transferred into Boston College (which is how an Island girl ended up in the frigid north). I met Joe Garland when I was acting full time. We had two girls, Eva and Audrey and started a painting company.
Elisabeth Strekalovsky - I grew up Episcopalian, loved the music (sang in the choir), wasn't sure about what I believed, but decided it had to do mostly with the
spirituality I felt in my encounters with nature. I moved to Watertown 13 years ago, began coming to First Parish about eight years ago, looking for community and peace of mind during a tough time in my life. I was grateful for the support I received during that time, but I moved away for a bit and lost touch.
When my daughter Marina was born four years ago,I knew that I wanted her to grow up in a community exactly like this one. The values, the caring, the teaching and the doing that are part of life at First Parish are very important to me. I am so grateful to be able to share this with Marina.
Social Action -
Thank you to everyone for your wonderful generosity during November and December. Members of FPW purchased gifts for 60 children at the Grow clinic of Boston Medical Center, and have filled giving boxes of food to donate to the pantry at the Medical Center. Please see the Thank you note, and the picture of their party on our bulletin board. Thanks to Patricia Fox, Linda Letourneau, Mary Howe, David Morrison and Jeff Miller for their good work coordinating, picking up, and delivering these gifts and food.
Giving Boxes
The Giving boxes for January and February are Teen L.E. E. P. Books. We are looking for donations of new or nearly new non-fiction books that the teens can re sell at their bookstore in Waltham. See the article on the bulletin board downstairs. Teen L.E.E.P. (Leadership, Employment, Enrichment Program) is based at the Recovery House group home in Arlington. Rediscovery House serves older adolescent males who are aging out of the foster care system, and are preparing to live independently.
A special thanks to all those who pledged to support the Obyat family. This is the Jordanian family who have been assisted by our community. Further information is still available if you want to help. Please speak to Will Twombly or Mark.
Filmed Lecture by David Ray Griffin - 9/11, The American Empire
How Should Religious People Respond? Sunday January 29th at 7 PM
Come join us to view this lecture by David Ray Griffin, Professor Emeritus at the Claremont School of Theology and the author of The New Pearl Harbor and The 9/11 Commission Report : Omissions and Distortions. The lecture looks at the ethical and spiritual dimensions of facing the overwhelming evidence that the Bush Administration was complicit in the attacks of September 11th, 2001, using them to further its imperial interests abroad. This lecture was taped live at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and aired by C-SPAN in April, 2005. Its main sponsor was the Muslim /Jewish /Christian Alliance for 9/11 Truth (www.mujca.com). By deciding to broadcast this lecture C-SPAN has helped to spread the reach of the 9/11 truth movement and furthered citizen dialogue and response. Please come and joint the dialogue here at FPW. For more information call Jane Knuttunen at (617) 923-0243.
Church Needs
This is a new column in the church newsletter. It will be an ongoing column where we notify you the church members of some of our ongoing needs. You may have a way to get an item or service at reduced cost for us. Or you may be available to do something the needs to have done. For example, Mark Harris needed a new computer in his office. Nick Haddad made it known that he could purchase his work computer, which had just been replaced. Nick purchased this for us. The new Mac is an awesome addition. Just what we needed! Thanks Nick. We will post other ongoing needs right here in the future. Watch for this space.
P.S. Special thanks to our computer guru, Paul Day (the new Ken Vogel) for connecting the computers to our new internet service, and making Mark operational.
Current needs:
Someone to bring our old 1830’s Railroad Regulator Clock down to the clock repair person in Watertown Square for an evaluation/repair. Speak to Mark
“Spirit of a Community:
Watertown’s Gathering Places”
A Photographic Exhibit and Slideshow
By Carole Smith Berney, Watertown Photographer (and FPW member)
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 7:30 pm
Brigham House, 341 Mount Auburn St., Watertown
Come and enjoy an entertaining, humorous, and engaging look at how Watertown people spend their time together outside in some of the open spaces that exist in this most crowded of urban settings. See if you or your neighbors show up in this colorful tribute to our town. Ms. Berney’s images will be set to music and include concerts at Saltonstall Park, picnics at Arsenal Park, fishing by the Watertown Dam, celebrations and re-enactments on Treaty Day, Memorial Day, and Hiroshima Day, recreational fun at Victory Field and the Dealtry Pool, and more. We think you’ll leave appreciating the terrific images, the connections that make us a community, and the diversity, flavor and shared history of the people of Watertown.
This project has been partially funded by the Watertown Community Foundation as part of its celebration of the 375th anniversary of the founding of our town.
Arrive at 7pm and tour Carole’s exhibit in the Brigham House café!
Parish Council
The Parish Council (all the Committee chairs) and those who attended the Heifetz seminar in the fall, plus interested others, are invited to a Parish Council meeting on Thursday, February 2, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. This large group will need to meet in the sanctuary (downstairs is rented).
The theme of the session is: “Are We Organized for Growth.” During the last two years there has been much discussion of growth, and a special growth committee has been meeting. BUT, just how organized are we to be a smoothly functioning, supportive and nurturing community? Do our staff feel supported in their work? Do our committees have any idea of what they are charged to do or be with each other? Who is responsible for who does what? Who has authority? Who really sees if things are done? Who is minding the store? As chair of the Parish Council, Mark Harris will facilitate this meeting.
A Midshipman's Musings
Darrick Jackson, student minister
Early in December, I was dismayed to hear one of my fellow students say that he did not like Christmas because it reminded him how "unloved" he felt. It amazed me to think that someone could live on a seminary campus, and not feel loved. He was a Christian, and so I prayed with him, asking that God remind that he is never unloved, that God loves him always and that love is stronger than anything present in the holiday season. After the prayer, he
seemed to be in better spirits.
This moment reminded me that many people feel unloved. And the feeling grows
worse at this time of the year. In all of the festivities and good wishes, it is easy to forget that everyone does not share our joy and happiness. Some people have not found anything to have joy in.
It's a sobering thought, but I don't think that it means we should have less fun during the holidays. It's a reminder that we should share our joy and our fun with others, especially with those who seem to have little to
celebrate. And we need to put our love into action. We may feel love for someone, but if we do not say it, or show it, the person will never know. And they could spend their life thinking that no one loves them.
As we begin the New Year I'm going to do a rare thing and make a resolution. I'm going to be better about letting people know I love them. It seems like a small thing, but it may make a major difference to them.
Darrick
R.E.flections by a ChaliceDREamer
Roberta Altamari, Dir. of Religious Education
Welcome to the New Year! By the time we are reading the next edition of the Arbella, the holiday season will be winding down. I hope everyone found some moments of peace and relaxation amidst many moments of joy and celebration. With the New Year comes many exciting things to talk about.
Thanks!!!
The first thing is to thank all of our Holiday Pageant participants for their enthusiastic contributions to this year's performance. Their show was precious and priceless! And thanks to the many parents who jumped in to help!
Speaking of thanks, I'd also like to take a moment to thank the volunteers who have been dedicating so much of their time and energy to making our Children's Ministry at First Parish so fabulous. It's a cooperative program and most people know that we need everyone's help to create a great environment for our children and youth. But some people have gone above and beyond what I could ever dream someone would volunteer to do. Our kids and our entire church community are benefiting greatly from their awesome commitment!
The numbers look great!
I always like to catch up on my piles of unfinished paper work and organize my messy office to be energized and ready for the New Year. In doing so, I finally was able to review our R.E. numbers for the first half of our church year. Our 2005 to 2006 church year has 47 children and youth registered as participating - that's up two from last year's number despite the unfortunate loss of a few families that moved. And we may soon be able to add a few friends that have been consistently visiting lately.
The even more exciting news comes from our weekly attendance records. I thought I noticed an increase in number of kids attending each week and I was curious to check that out. Even though our number of registered kids is similar to last year, we have been having an average of six more kids per week attending our programs than last year. I'm sure a variety of factors are influencing this increase in how often our families are coming to church, but it's all good - very, very, good.
Your help is needed!
To keep our program thriving and growing this way, we need lots of help. With six "small group gatherings" happening every Sunday morning, YOUR assistance is needed more than ever. Our dedicated regulars can't cover all of our needs as we have to have 12 volunteers per week to cover all of our children's programs. Some volunteer needs are very easy and fun to do, so please contact me to sign up today.
Another kind of help
The New Year will bring many more opportunities for individuals and families to do community service. Our children have done a lot of amazing work including packaging goodie bags and collecting candy for Birthday Wishes to use at the birthday parties they host for children living in homeless shelters, making Thanksgiving Day baskets for families in need, and making a care package to send to the Obyats still living in Jordan while their brother is here (with their parents) to get life-saving medical treatment.
I hope to keep up the enthusiastic and loving "spirit of giving" at First Parish. I have been in talks with the Social Action committee to think about ways we can work together to maximize our giving work. I am optimistic that new ideas, energy, and opportunities will come from this collaboration. With our continued focus on community service, I thought I should remind people that I think our goal as a church is to provide ample opportunities for folks of all ages to "give". No one should ever feel pressure to give to every charity or participate in every project introduced at First Parish. Instead of stressing trying to help everyone, feel confident knowing you are doing a great thing by picking the projects that match your interests and available resources (of time, talent, and/or money).
Keeping that in mind, I thought of a simple project for some of us to start the New Year to benefit Birthday Wishes. If you are like my family, your children may have received a few gifts that they won't use (because they were duplicates or they just didn't like them). Bring those new gifts to church on January 8th or 15th and we will pass them to Birthday Wishes to give as birthday gifts to children in homeless shelters. What a great way to put those unwanted holiday gifts to a nice use!
Upcoming RE plans
We have a busy and exciting month coming up. Sounds like some warm and fun adventures to help us through another cold month. I will close my column with a schedule highlighting some stuff happening this month. Happy New Year, everyone!
Sunday, January 8th, our regular "small group gatherings" resume after the holiday season. Join us to begin another season of fun explorations.
Friday, January 13th to Sunday, January 15th, our Youth Group will be going to their first CON. This CON is hosted in Wellesley and the youth will be focusing on Social Action work as they gather together.
Sunday, January 15th will be our 3rd annual field trip to another UU church to highlight the principle of "coming together with acceptance". This year we will be going to visit our friends in Quincy - the home of President John Adams, Abigail Adams, President John Quincy Adams, and Louisa Adams (...literally as they are buried in tombs located in the church). What fascinating history we will be learning! All children in grades 1 through 8 are invited for an awesome visit. Meet at our church at 9:30AM. (Children's activities will be happening in Watertown for anyone not going on the field trip).
At 1PM on Sunday, January 22nd, all parents of kids in grades 4th through 6th will be meeting with the leaders from Waltham who invited our kids to participate in a two month long OWL program with them. The classes will be happening here in February and March during regular church time. (Pizza and childcare can be available during this parent orientation meeting for anyone who needs it. Let Roberta know if you want to be included in the childcare and/or pizza lunch.)
At 10AM on Sunday, January 29th, all parents AND kids in grades 4th through 6th will meet for an OWL orientation in Waltham. (This will be the only class happening in Waltham and is there due to limited meeting space in Watertown. This will also give our kids a nice opportunity to learn about their Waltham friends.)
Annual Unity Breakfast:
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the World In Watertown, the Watertown Ministerial Association and No Place For Hate will once again sponsor the annual Unity Breakfast on Monday, January 16, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave, Watertown. Dr. Kirk B. Jones, a noted author and professor of Black Ministries and Ethics at Andover Newton Theological School, 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. Finally, several eighth graders from the Middle School will be speaking on the topic of “How to make Watertown a No Place for Hate community”. The breakfast will be preceded by an interfaith worship service at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $7.00 (free for children 12 and under), and there will be childcare. The Hellenic Cultural Center is wheelchair accessible. For reservations, RSVP to the church at 617 924-6143 by January 8.
Greater Boston Intergenerational Chorus
The Greater Boston Intergenerational Chorus will present a concert on Tuesday evening, January 17th, 7:00-8:00 at the First Parish Church, 35 Church St, Watertown. Directed by nationally acclaimed musician Joanne Hammil, this non-auditioned community chorus is open to all who love to sing, ages 10 - 110. A unique and exciting group, they sing in a wide range of styles (folk, doo wop, ethnic songs, contemporary and traditional songs), break down ageist barriers, get to know each other, have fun, and make beautiful music!
Come to this FREE public concert and see what everyone is so excited about! For information about this concert or about enrolling for 2nd semester, contact Joanne Hammil: 617-923-8448; joanne@joannehammil.com; www.joannehammil.com
UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings)
Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations where you can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happy to provide directions and advice for their area?
The UU bed and breakfast directory UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings) can fulfill your dream. For 27 years, we’ve provided a network of hosts in the United States (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their home to like-minded people. Check out our website at www.UUreHome.com, where entries are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added and you can charge a membership to your credit card. The 2006 edition of the annual paper directory will be available in April and can be ordered by sending a check for $18 (or $23, along with your e-mail address, for both the directory and a year’s access to the website) to UU’re Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.
You can also become a host and be listed in the directory. Contact us at 828-281-3253 or at info@uurehome.com, and we will gladly send you information about listing your accommodations.
Watertown Community Housing
1) We are offering a certified Homebuying 101 Course on January 21st and 28th. Participation in this two-day course qualifies participants for special financing and mortgage products, as well as down payment assistance programs in and around Watertown. The course will de-mystify the homebuying process, and feature presentations from a realtor, real estate attorney, home inspector, and banker. Cost is $30 per person, $50 per household (Watertown residency is NOT required!). Please call 617-923-3505 to register.
2) We are accepting applications for our Home Improvement Program, which provides technical assistance and funding for weatherization measures. We can assist income-eligible homeowners with the replacement of leaky windows and doors, boilers, heating systems, and other projects that will fend off both low temperatures AND high fuel prices. For more information, please contact Ed, our program director: ed@watertowncommunityhousing.org.
Dori Peleg , Executive Director
Watertown Community Housing, Inc.
Another MLK Event
WHO: US Senator Edward Kennedy
WHAT: Speaking for a Just Minimum Wage
WHEN: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 16th at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: United First Parish Unitarian, Quincy MA (the historic "Church
of the Presidents'), 1306 Hancock St., Quincy, MA. The church is located in Quincy Center opposite Quincy City Hall and at
the Quincy Center T Station stop (Red Line, Braintree branch).
January 2006
See Calendar listings for January under the website “Calendar”
Sermons/ Services
Sunday, January 8, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
“All the Same” Mark W. Harris
Why is it that even though most Muslims are moderate, we have come to believe in a global, fanatical religion? This is a sermon on what happens when we globalize things, and lose perspective on truth.
Guest Musician:FPW member, Charlyn Bethell
Greeters: Joani Mountain and Beth Parsons
Social Hour: Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban
Sunday, January 15, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
“Not Alone” Mark W. Harris
Rosa Parks died a short while ago, and we all recalled her leadership in the Montgomery bus boycott. We have a tendency to single out heroes who accomplished seeming miracles alone. But then we look at ourselves, and say, “I can’t do that.” But the truth is that no one goes it alone, even Rosa Parks.
Greeters: Paul and Norah Mulvaney Day
Social Hour: Nancy Dutton and David Benson
Sunday, January 22, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
“Reflections on Life in Niger” Laura Bacon
Laura Bacon spent 32 months in Niger as a
Peace Corps volunteer. She will share what village life is like in Niger in the 21st century. Laura will talk about the culture and the people she met in Niger, and the work she did there. Niger is a Muslim country (95%), and a former French colony.
Greeters: Kathy Button and Holly Cachimuel
Social Hour: Julie Miller and Paul Dansereau
Sunday, January 29, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
“Purchasing Power” Mark W. Harris
How do we relate to the products we purchase? How much of those products becomes what our identity is or who we are? This is an auction sermon on our consumption habits.
Greeters: Cornelia Janke
Social Hour: Paula Chase, Michele Klosterman and Ed Drozd
Captain’s Log
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a nice holiday season. Thank you to everyone who either sent cards or gave us a gift. We appreciate all your kindnesses. Because there are so many of you, we do not mail Christmas cards to parishioners, but please know we love to receive yours, and hope you will understand why we cannot reciprocate.
The vagaries of the calendar made it an unusual year at church. We had Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. My boys, who are usually not keen on sitting through church went to services on the back to back days. Andrea was telling me one of the reasons they did so well was exemplified at our Christmas Eve service. She was not just talking about the boys sitting through or surviving the whole time at the service. More than the behavior of not leaving, was the even more significant instance of participation.
Opening a hymnal to the right page and singing or even following the words on a printed page is not easy for any child. Every child must ask, How do I know when to start? How do I know where they are? It is pretty easy to just give up, and sit, and wait for the hymn to be over.
While our Christmas Eve order of service has all the words printed right there on the page, it is still hard to read them because they are so small. But what happens when someone helps? Andrea noted that with one of our kids who normally does not sing or follow along, there was suddenly exuberant participation on Christmas eve. Was it the joy of anticipation? The threat that no presents would be forthcoming unless he sang?
In fact, Andrea took the insert that had the poinsettias listed and used it as a line indicator for each line of the hymn, and lined it out. In this way she showed our son exactly where he should be singing, and kept him on the right line throughout the hymn. He sang his way through the Christmas carols. And loved it!
The implication of helping people through the worship service are striking. How often would others participate if we showed them exactly what they need to do, or where something is. In what ways do we exclude visitors because our signs outside don’t tell the way to the sanctuary, or our signs inside don’t tell the way to worship or the location of the bathrooms? How can we help people along, and show them that we want them to participate. on Christmas Eve we went from total silence and avoidance with a fervent wish to be somewhere else to a real joy of participation. All we had to do was show him how - step by step.
What are other ways we could show people how to be part of the community? What are other ways we could show our children that we want to include them? What can we show you?
Mark
Among Us
Our sympathy to Nancy Dutton, David Benson, Jenna and Rachel and all the family at the death of Nancy’s father, Bob Dutton at the age of 96. A memorial service will be held at the Murray UU Church in Attleboro on Saturday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. Bob first became a UU here in Watertown in 2000, after a career as a United Church of Christ minister and prison chaplain. He lived for many years in Mansfield.
Our loyal member Harold Bejcek, who moved to Maine last year, was visiting his son in Michigan, and suffered a stroke. Harold is recovering well, and expects to be back at home soon. Our thoughts are with him.
Guest at Your Table
As of December 31, our Guest at Your Table contribution to the UUSC is a great total of $1,546.00. Thank you to everyone who was so generous in their contributions to this wonderful organization.
Note about UUSC: A front page article in the Boston Globe was published in December. It was about the Rev. Waitstill and Martha Sharp, two Unitarians who went to Europe in 1939 to help rescue Jews from the Holocaust. This was the beginning of our UUSC. This couple were “Chosen Righteous among the Nations” by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Remembrance organization in Jerusalem. The article is posted on the bulletin board.
New Members
Four new members were welcomed in December. Congratulations, and glad you are here!
Susan Guidrey, a native of Massachusetts, and Valy McDonald, a California native live in Watertown and enjoy walks around the Charles river. Susan is an accountant and Valy is a school administrator, both work in Boston. They also enjoy playing with young nieces and nephews and a swim in the Nantucket Sound whenever they get the chance. They joined (and enjoy) First Parish for the integrity and sincerity of the message and congregation.
Celeste Oliva - My family is originally from Guam. We were a military family and lived all over the country including Alaska, California
and Massachusetts. We lived overseas in Heidelberg, Germany during my high school years when the dollar was strong and twenty bucks bought me a train ride to Spain or France or Switzerland. We moved back to Hawaii where I attended the University and then transferred into Boston College (which is how an Island girl ended up in the frigid north). I met Joe Garland when I was acting full time. We had two girls, Eva and Audrey and started a painting company.
Elisabeth Strekalovsky - I grew up Episcopalian, loved the music (sang in the choir), wasn't sure about what I believed, but decided it had to do mostly with the
spirituality I felt in my encounters with nature. I moved to Watertown 13 years ago, began coming to First Parish about eight years ago, looking for community and peace of mind during a tough time in my life. I was grateful for the support I received during that time, but I moved away for a bit and lost touch.
When my daughter Marina was born four years ago,I knew that I wanted her to grow up in a community exactly like this one. The values, the caring, the teaching and the doing that are part of life at First Parish are very important to me. I am so grateful to be able to share this with Marina.
Social Action -
Thank you to everyone for your wonderful generosity during November and December. Members of FPW purchased gifts for 60 children at the Grow clinic of Boston Medical Center, and have filled giving boxes of food to donate to the pantry at the Medical Center. Please see the Thank you note, and the picture of their party on our bulletin board. Thanks to Patricia Fox, Linda Letourneau, Mary Howe, David Morrison and Jeff Miller for their good work coordinating, picking up, and delivering these gifts and food.
Giving Boxes
The Giving boxes for January and February are Teen L.E. E. P. Books. We are looking for donations of new or nearly new non-fiction books that the teens can re sell at their bookstore in Waltham. See the article on the bulletin board downstairs. Teen L.E.E.P. (Leadership, Employment, Enrichment Program) is based at the Recovery House group home in Arlington. Rediscovery House serves older adolescent males who are aging out of the foster care system, and are preparing to live independently.
A special thanks to all those who pledged to support the Obyat family. This is the Jordanian family who have been assisted by our community. Further information is still available if you want to help. Please speak to Will Twombly or Mark.
Filmed Lecture by David Ray Griffin - 9/11, The American Empire
How Should Religious People Respond? Sunday January 29th at 7 PM
Come join us to view this lecture by David Ray Griffin, Professor Emeritus at the Claremont School of Theology and the author of The New Pearl Harbor and The 9/11 Commission Report : Omissions and Distortions. The lecture looks at the ethical and spiritual dimensions of facing the overwhelming evidence that the Bush Administration was complicit in the attacks of September 11th, 2001, using them to further its imperial interests abroad. This lecture was taped live at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and aired by C-SPAN in April, 2005. Its main sponsor was the Muslim /Jewish /Christian Alliance for 9/11 Truth (www.mujca.com). By deciding to broadcast this lecture C-SPAN has helped to spread the reach of the 9/11 truth movement and furthered citizen dialogue and response. Please come and joint the dialogue here at FPW. For more information call Jane Knuttunen at (617) 923-0243.
Church Needs
This is a new column in the church newsletter. It will be an ongoing column where we notify you the church members of some of our ongoing needs. You may have a way to get an item or service at reduced cost for us. Or you may be available to do something the needs to have done. For example, Mark Harris needed a new computer in his office. Nick Haddad made it known that he could purchase his work computer, which had just been replaced. Nick purchased this for us. The new Mac is an awesome addition. Just what we needed! Thanks Nick. We will post other ongoing needs right here in the future. Watch for this space.
P.S. Special thanks to our computer guru, Paul Day (the new Ken Vogel) for connecting the computers to our new internet service, and making Mark operational.
Current needs:
Someone to bring our old 1830’s Railroad Regulator Clock down to the clock repair person in Watertown Square for an evaluation/repair. Speak to Mark
“Spirit of a Community:
Watertown’s Gathering Places”
A Photographic Exhibit and Slideshow
By Carole Smith Berney, Watertown Photographer (and FPW member)
Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 7:30 pm
Brigham House, 341 Mount Auburn St., Watertown
Come and enjoy an entertaining, humorous, and engaging look at how Watertown people spend their time together outside in some of the open spaces that exist in this most crowded of urban settings. See if you or your neighbors show up in this colorful tribute to our town. Ms. Berney’s images will be set to music and include concerts at Saltonstall Park, picnics at Arsenal Park, fishing by the Watertown Dam, celebrations and re-enactments on Treaty Day, Memorial Day, and Hiroshima Day, recreational fun at Victory Field and the Dealtry Pool, and more. We think you’ll leave appreciating the terrific images, the connections that make us a community, and the diversity, flavor and shared history of the people of Watertown.
This project has been partially funded by the Watertown Community Foundation as part of its celebration of the 375th anniversary of the founding of our town.
Arrive at 7pm and tour Carole’s exhibit in the Brigham House café!
Parish Council
The Parish Council (all the Committee chairs) and those who attended the Heifetz seminar in the fall, plus interested others, are invited to a Parish Council meeting on Thursday, February 2, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. This large group will need to meet in the sanctuary (downstairs is rented).
The theme of the session is: “Are We Organized for Growth.” During the last two years there has been much discussion of growth, and a special growth committee has been meeting. BUT, just how organized are we to be a smoothly functioning, supportive and nurturing community? Do our staff feel supported in their work? Do our committees have any idea of what they are charged to do or be with each other? Who is responsible for who does what? Who has authority? Who really sees if things are done? Who is minding the store? As chair of the Parish Council, Mark Harris will facilitate this meeting.
A Midshipman's Musings
Darrick Jackson, student minister
Early in December, I was dismayed to hear one of my fellow students say that he did not like Christmas because it reminded him how "unloved" he felt. It amazed me to think that someone could live on a seminary campus, and not feel loved. He was a Christian, and so I prayed with him, asking that God remind that he is never unloved, that God loves him always and that love is stronger than anything present in the holiday season. After the prayer, he
seemed to be in better spirits.
This moment reminded me that many people feel unloved. And the feeling grows
worse at this time of the year. In all of the festivities and good wishes, it is easy to forget that everyone does not share our joy and happiness. Some people have not found anything to have joy in.
It's a sobering thought, but I don't think that it means we should have less fun during the holidays. It's a reminder that we should share our joy and our fun with others, especially with those who seem to have little to
celebrate. And we need to put our love into action. We may feel love for someone, but if we do not say it, or show it, the person will never know. And they could spend their life thinking that no one loves them.
As we begin the New Year I'm going to do a rare thing and make a resolution. I'm going to be better about letting people know I love them. It seems like a small thing, but it may make a major difference to them.
Darrick
R.E.flections by a ChaliceDREamer
Roberta Altamari, Dir. of Religious Education
Welcome to the New Year! By the time we are reading the next edition of the Arbella, the holiday season will be winding down. I hope everyone found some moments of peace and relaxation amidst many moments of joy and celebration. With the New Year comes many exciting things to talk about.
Thanks!!!
The first thing is to thank all of our Holiday Pageant participants for their enthusiastic contributions to this year's performance. Their show was precious and priceless! And thanks to the many parents who jumped in to help!
Speaking of thanks, I'd also like to take a moment to thank the volunteers who have been dedicating so much of their time and energy to making our Children's Ministry at First Parish so fabulous. It's a cooperative program and most people know that we need everyone's help to create a great environment for our children and youth. But some people have gone above and beyond what I could ever dream someone would volunteer to do. Our kids and our entire church community are benefiting greatly from their awesome commitment!
The numbers look great!
I always like to catch up on my piles of unfinished paper work and organize my messy office to be energized and ready for the New Year. In doing so, I finally was able to review our R.E. numbers for the first half of our church year. Our 2005 to 2006 church year has 47 children and youth registered as participating - that's up two from last year's number despite the unfortunate loss of a few families that moved. And we may soon be able to add a few friends that have been consistently visiting lately.
The even more exciting news comes from our weekly attendance records. I thought I noticed an increase in number of kids attending each week and I was curious to check that out. Even though our number of registered kids is similar to last year, we have been having an average of six more kids per week attending our programs than last year. I'm sure a variety of factors are influencing this increase in how often our families are coming to church, but it's all good - very, very, good.
Your help is needed!
To keep our program thriving and growing this way, we need lots of help. With six "small group gatherings" happening every Sunday morning, YOUR assistance is needed more than ever. Our dedicated regulars can't cover all of our needs as we have to have 12 volunteers per week to cover all of our children's programs. Some volunteer needs are very easy and fun to do, so please contact me to sign up today.
Another kind of help
The New Year will bring many more opportunities for individuals and families to do community service. Our children have done a lot of amazing work including packaging goodie bags and collecting candy for Birthday Wishes to use at the birthday parties they host for children living in homeless shelters, making Thanksgiving Day baskets for families in need, and making a care package to send to the Obyats still living in Jordan while their brother is here (with their parents) to get life-saving medical treatment.
I hope to keep up the enthusiastic and loving "spirit of giving" at First Parish. I have been in talks with the Social Action committee to think about ways we can work together to maximize our giving work. I am optimistic that new ideas, energy, and opportunities will come from this collaboration. With our continued focus on community service, I thought I should remind people that I think our goal as a church is to provide ample opportunities for folks of all ages to "give". No one should ever feel pressure to give to every charity or participate in every project introduced at First Parish. Instead of stressing trying to help everyone, feel confident knowing you are doing a great thing by picking the projects that match your interests and available resources (of time, talent, and/or money).
Keeping that in mind, I thought of a simple project for some of us to start the New Year to benefit Birthday Wishes. If you are like my family, your children may have received a few gifts that they won't use (because they were duplicates or they just didn't like them). Bring those new gifts to church on January 8th or 15th and we will pass them to Birthday Wishes to give as birthday gifts to children in homeless shelters. What a great way to put those unwanted holiday gifts to a nice use!
Upcoming RE plans
We have a busy and exciting month coming up. Sounds like some warm and fun adventures to help us through another cold month. I will close my column with a schedule highlighting some stuff happening this month. Happy New Year, everyone!
Sunday, January 8th, our regular "small group gatherings" resume after the holiday season. Join us to begin another season of fun explorations.
Friday, January 13th to Sunday, January 15th, our Youth Group will be going to their first CON. This CON is hosted in Wellesley and the youth will be focusing on Social Action work as they gather together.
Sunday, January 15th will be our 3rd annual field trip to another UU church to highlight the principle of "coming together with acceptance". This year we will be going to visit our friends in Quincy - the home of President John Adams, Abigail Adams, President John Quincy Adams, and Louisa Adams (...literally as they are buried in tombs located in the church). What fascinating history we will be learning! All children in grades 1 through 8 are invited for an awesome visit. Meet at our church at 9:30AM. (Children's activities will be happening in Watertown for anyone not going on the field trip).
At 1PM on Sunday, January 22nd, all parents of kids in grades 4th through 6th will be meeting with the leaders from Waltham who invited our kids to participate in a two month long OWL program with them. The classes will be happening here in February and March during regular church time. (Pizza and childcare can be available during this parent orientation meeting for anyone who needs it. Let Roberta know if you want to be included in the childcare and/or pizza lunch.)
At 10AM on Sunday, January 29th, all parents AND kids in grades 4th through 6th will meet for an OWL orientation in Waltham. (This will be the only class happening in Waltham and is there due to limited meeting space in Watertown. This will also give our kids a nice opportunity to learn about their Waltham friends.)
Annual Unity Breakfast:
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the World In Watertown, the Watertown Ministerial Association and No Place For Hate will once again sponsor the annual Unity Breakfast on Monday, January 16, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave, Watertown. Dr. Kirk B. Jones, a noted author and professor of Black Ministries and Ethics at Andover Newton Theological School, 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. Finally, several eighth graders from the Middle School will be speaking on the topic of “How to make Watertown a No Place for Hate community”. The breakfast will be preceded by an interfaith worship service at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $7.00 (free for children 12 and under), and there will be childcare. The Hellenic Cultural Center is wheelchair accessible. For reservations, RSVP to the church at 617 924-6143 by January 8.
Greater Boston Intergenerational Chorus
The Greater Boston Intergenerational Chorus will present a concert on Tuesday evening, January 17th, 7:00-8:00 at the First Parish Church, 35 Church St, Watertown. Directed by nationally acclaimed musician Joanne Hammil, this non-auditioned community chorus is open to all who love to sing, ages 10 - 110. A unique and exciting group, they sing in a wide range of styles (folk, doo wop, ethnic songs, contemporary and traditional songs), break down ageist barriers, get to know each other, have fun, and make beautiful music!
Come to this FREE public concert and see what everyone is so excited about! For information about this concert or about enrolling for 2nd semester, contact Joanne Hammil: 617-923-8448; joanne@joannehammil.com; www.joannehammil.com
UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings)
Do you dream of inexpensive vacation travel to interesting destinations where you can stay in the homes of friendly people who share your ideals and are happy to provide directions and advice for their area?
The UU bed and breakfast directory UU’re Home (formerly Homecomings) can fulfill your dream. For 27 years, we’ve provided a network of hosts in the United States (and a few abroad) who enjoy meeting new friends and who are happy to open their home to like-minded people. Check out our website at www.UUreHome.com, where entries are updated whenever changes are made or new hosts are added and you can charge a membership to your credit card. The 2006 edition of the annual paper directory will be available in April and can be ordered by sending a check for $18 (or $23, along with your e-mail address, for both the directory and a year’s access to the website) to UU’re Home, 43 Vermont Court, Asheville, NC 28806.
You can also become a host and be listed in the directory. Contact us at 828-281-3253 or at info@uurehome.com, and we will gladly send you information about listing your accommodations.
Watertown Community Housing
1) We are offering a certified Homebuying 101 Course on January 21st and 28th. Participation in this two-day course qualifies participants for special financing and mortgage products, as well as down payment assistance programs in and around Watertown. The course will de-mystify the homebuying process, and feature presentations from a realtor, real estate attorney, home inspector, and banker. Cost is $30 per person, $50 per household (Watertown residency is NOT required!). Please call 617-923-3505 to register.
2) We are accepting applications for our Home Improvement Program, which provides technical assistance and funding for weatherization measures. We can assist income-eligible homeowners with the replacement of leaky windows and doors, boilers, heating systems, and other projects that will fend off both low temperatures AND high fuel prices. For more information, please contact Ed, our program director: ed@watertowncommunityhousing.org.
Dori Peleg , Executive Director
Watertown Community Housing, Inc.
Another MLK Event
WHO: US Senator Edward Kennedy
WHAT: Speaking for a Just Minimum Wage
WHEN: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 16th at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: United First Parish Unitarian, Quincy MA (the historic "Church
of the Presidents'), 1306 Hancock St., Quincy, MA. The church is located in Quincy Center opposite Quincy City Hall and at
the Quincy Center T Station stop (Red Line, Braintree branch).