Friday, December 01, 2006
Arbella - Newsletter for December 2006
First Parish of Watertown
Arbella December 2006
for calendar of events see the website: fpwatertown.org
Sermons/Topics
Sunday, December 3, 2006 at 11:00am
“Sharing My UU Faith” A Lay Service
Three members of the congregation, Carole Berney, Kyle Hart and Martha Urban will share how they became Unitarian Universalists, and what the church means to them. Chris Johnson will be the worship leader. The Children’s Choir will sing.
Music: by Unitarian composers, Bela Bartok and Edvard Greig; Greeters: Elizabeth and Isabel Tappan-deFrees; Social Hour: Meredith Montague and John Portz
Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 11:00am
“Lost for Words” - Mark W. Harris
Are you under the impression that there is an original Bible? Did you know that even the earliest manuscripts of the Bible are centuries old, and that we don’t even have copies of copies of copies of copies of the original? There are more differences among manuscripts than there are words in the Christian scriptures. How can words ever be called inspired, original or even accurate or true? Sometimes we must go beyond words.
Music: Frank Grimes, violist; Greeters: Marianne and Michael Collins; Social Hour: Charmian Proskauer and Beth Parsons
Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 11:00am
Christmas Intergenerational Service
This service includes our annual pageant, “UU Peace Angels” produced and directed by Roberta Altamari. Mark will have a story, and the adult choir will sing. Music: First Parish
Choir is singing; Greeters: Marilyn Boenau and Karen Allendoerfer; Social Hour: Eileen Ryan and Celeste Oliva
Solstice Service at - 7:00 p.m.
Mark Caggiano and the Youth Group will be leading a Winter Solstice Service at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
at 11:00am and 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Services - Mark W. Harris
We will have two services on Christmas Eve day, one in the morning and one in the evening (not two evening services as usual). The morning service will be simple and child friendly. We will sing lots of carols, and share favorite holiday readings. Do you have one? Please let Mark know.
Music: First Parish member Karen Allendoerfer, violin; Greeters: Guy Urban and Charlyn Bethell.
The evening service will be our annual Candlelight Service. This includes traditional carols and music, scripture readings and a dramatic reading from Mark.
Social Hour: Evening Service: Everyone please bring cookies to share.
Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 11:00am
“A New Year’s Forgiveness”
Mark W. Harris
What did you do in the past year that you regret having done? Many of us like to start the new year afresh - How will we live differently? What resolutions will we make? The focus of this service will be what we might forgive ourselves and/or others for.
Greeters: David and Kathy Warren
Social Hour: Randy Rhoda and Jim Felty
Captain’s Log
Since my children are now interested in electronic games and the like, I am a little more privy to this part of the culture than I once was. This is a little scary to me. I felt naive that I was so surprised when I heard there were long lines at the electronic stores as the new game systems were introduced. It seems like this gaming lifestyle has become a focus for so many people that it makes me wonder where people find meaning. I heard about one person who had legally changed his name so it corresponded with some character from the Zelda series.
The holiday season confronts many of us with the question of popular culture and commercialism. How much are we going to buy, and will we put ourselves in debt in order to satisfy all the desires of our loved ones. Every time one of my children mentions some item, I say put it on your Christmas list. But how much of their wish list will be fulfilled? Confronting some of these holiday questions will be the subject of a potluck supper and discussion on Friday, December 15. We will try to have child care for this meeting, so that we can discuss some of the more delicate subjects such as, Santa or Not? I hope many of you can join us at 5:30 p.m.
The other day I saw a list of all the best and worst toys for kids. What was odd about the list was that it was like an anxiety driven parent’s worst nightmare. The 10 worst list all had items that could potentially choke, maim or burn your child in multiple ways. But what struck me as odd was that one of the items was a pull toy. Of course any pull toy could strangle your child. Does that mean ban all pull toys? I thought maybe the problem was not so much the toys but the amount of supervision the child was receiving. They became a real danger because no one is watching the child anymore. The toys have to be safer because we are not paying attention.
Then I looked at the best toy list. What was odd about this list was not that they told you how wonderful a particular toy was, but that the best list ALSO gave you the potential danger with each toy. Thus, the magnets were a choking hazard, etc. It turned out that all the toys were dangerous, and maybe the best thing to do would be not let them play with anything. The subliminal message for me is that maybe the best gift we could give our children is not simply more time with them, but more time when we can actually pay attention.
I think of this in the context of parents and cell phones. There are so many times when I see parents picking up their children at Dana’s school, for instance, and I see time and again that rather than interacting with the child they are picking up, they are talking to somebody on the cell phone. I am not anti-cell-phone, but I do become concerned when I see the child in the carriage, and the parent on the phone, or the child in the car seat, and the parent on the phone. When does the parent actually play with their child? When does the parent actually interact with the child? May this be the gift we bear this year. Not more time or more presents, but more time when we are actually present for them.
Most of us recall the famous quote from Jesus that you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven until you become as a little child. This is usually interpreted as adults reclaiming the openness and wonder of the child. What is also true of that reading, which is sometimes used at child dedications, is that it talks about Jesus taking the children up in his arms. He spends time with them and engages with them, and is playing with them. Of course no one knows if there is any historical validity to that story. Maybe we give it power because we wish it were so.
Perhaps we imagine that kind of engagement with children. My father used to say that Christmas is a holiday for children. We hear that in the message. God comes to earth as a helpless baby. Our nurture and care of the infant must be present in order that God grow and develop here on earth. How much time and energy goes into children translates into how spiritual we are going to be. It all comes back to those best and worst toys lists. Many of them can be best if we are right there enjoying them with our children, and many of them can be worst, too, when we don’t take the time to actually play with them. Any string can choke, but not if I am there holding one end, pulling it along, and laughing with them each step of the way. May your holiday season be a few of these laughs and smiles, and if there are no children around, then enjoy your own pull toy, and create your own magic from the season to be jolly.
Mark
New Member Sunday in January
Our fall/ winter new member welcome will be held on January 21. New members will be formally welcomed into the congregation on that day. Members need to sign the book which indicates a commitment to this church as your spiritual home with the implied intention of supporting the work of the church through your gifts of time and resources. Please speak to Mark Harris if you wish to become a member.
Guest at Your Table
On Thanksgiving Sunday we gave out Guest at Your Table boxes. These boxes are meant for daily donations to our UU Service Committee. You and/or your children place a daily donation in the box and then convert the change to a check made out to UUSC at the end of the program time. For FPW that means a collection date of Christmas Eve. If you cannot be at the Christmas Eve service, the box can be brought in the next time you come to church, or you may mail your check. We gave over $1,300 last year. The funds support the programs of the UUSC around the world. This year their four major program initiatives are: 1. serving people affected by disasters (Darfur, Katrina) 2. protecting everyone’s right to water
3. protecting civil liberties (right to vote, freedom from torture) 4. advancing worker’s rights and a living wage
UUSC Liaison
Sue Kuder has agreed to be our local UUSC liaison. We will help provide information about UUSC and its programs to the congregation. Thank you Sue. Jim Staton from Belmont, who is the regional UUSC coordinator, came to our November 19 service, and presented us with a Banner Award, and asked for the liaison assistance.
Retire That Debt!
Our two collection Sundays for the effort to Retire the Debt netted $2,850. Thank you for your generosity. The remaining amount on the debt for the Capital Fund Drive is approximately $3,850. We will be glad to accept any special donations to this debt, and envelopes are available in the sanctuary. We especially invited those who were not part of the capital fund drive to donate to this effort. Any unpaid amounts will be budgeted in the next fiscal year, 07-08.
Thank you Andrea from B and G
Andrea Greenwood has finished painting the bathrooms downstairs. Thank you so much for this great volunteer effort! The new partitions have also arrived and hopefully will be installed soon. The B and G Committee has also arranged for the installation of two more accessible doors that open automatically.
Grow Clinic Annual Toy Drive
We are collecting toys and gifts for the Boston Medical Center Growth and Development Program, which is comprised of low-income families with children ages 0-18 who otherwise would not have the resources to provide Christmas presents for their kids. Some are involved in the Grow Clinic (children who have been diagnosed with Failure to Thrive) and some are involved in the longitudinal PEP study, which examines the long-term developmental effects of being exposed to cocaine in-utero.
There are over 200 children served by these programs. Last year First Parish
Watertown donated 60 gifts, so our goal is to contribute 60 gifts again this year.
Please sign up and bring your unwrapped gift to church. Please tag it with the appropriate age grouping This year we have an earlier deadline than usual, and most of our solicitations have been by email. Toys/gifts must be brought to church unwrapped BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
Thank you for participating.
To sign up, call or email Patricia Fox: Note the age group you will be buying a gift for.
Contact: foxlet@rcn.com (781)648-6968
Hymnal Thanks
Thanks to Marianne Collins for her beautiful art work in the new hymnals recently added to our collection. Below is the list of those honored or commemorated. If you would like to purchase a hymnal in honor or memory of someone, please speak to Mark.
In honor of the wedding of Judi Fitts and David Palmer; In honor of First Parish of Watertown for your generosity to the community; In memory of Robert L. Dutton; In memory of Lois Cudhea, Fred Cudhea, David Cudhea; In memory of Ruth S. Curtis; In honor of all the volunteers for the R.E. program; In honor of Giles, Isabelle and Charlotte Holt;In loving memory of Donald Vester Tappan; In loving memory of Jane Holt deFrees; In memory of Hazel Mosel Smith; In honor of Roane Tooke Morton’s Day of dedication - May 14, 2006; In honor of Gates Lenore Tooke Morton’s Day of dedication - May 14, 2006; In memory of Herbert and Elizabeth Portz; In memory of Christine Morrissey; In memory of Pierre Merkl, Jr.; In memory of John E. Gorman, Sr.; In memory of Harold and Bernice Brown and Rudolph Kamm
Holiday Event in December
At the suggestion of Aurora Sherman we will have a potluck supper and discussion in December called “Unplugging the Holidays.” Many UUs wonder how to handle the topic of Santa Claus with their children ; how to celebrate a Christian holiday such as Christmas while you feel you are no longer Christian or feel inundated with the materialism of the holiday ; how do we fit other holidays such as Hanukkah into the mix; what about mixed marriages of Christian and Jewish partners or others. Please join us on Friday, December 15 for a potluck at 6:00 p.m. and a discussion to follow of the holiday season and UUs. We plan to have childcare during the discussion.
R.E.flections by a chalice D.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
chalicedreamer@verizon.net
cell phone: 617-872-5145
I can’t believe the holiday season is already here. It can be a very busy time of year and I hope that each of you can find time to enjoy the true spirit of the holidays. I know, I know, I say that every year. And I know it’s not easy. I, myself, am always wishing to overcome the commercialism of the season to really enjoy the holidays. But what holiday message am I trying to find hidden behind the commercialism?
As a Unitarian Universalist, I have to wonder what holidays I should even honor. I’m not Christian, so can I celebrate Christmas? I’m not Pagan, so can I celebrate Winter Solstice? I’m not Jewish, so can I celebrate Hanukkah? I’m not Buddhist, Muslim, or Hindu, so can I celebrate one of the holidays from the Eastern religions? That’s lots of things I’m not. But what am I?
Intellectually, it makes sense to me that Unitarian Universalists celebrate Christmas even though the majority of us don’t consider ourselves to be Christian. Since our historical journey came from Christian roots, it is clear to see why a Christian holiday has long been more dominant in our seasonal celebrations than any of the holidays originating from one of our faith’s other sources. While Winter Solstice and some holidays from other sources are gaining interest among UUs, Christmas still remains the most noticed and honored. But why?
First there has been the American evolution of Christmas away from the religious celebration of the birthday of Jesus towards a more cultural celebration of gift-giving as highlighted by Santa. For better or worse, an American family can actually make it through the entire Christmas season without even referencing baby Jesus. But even beyond cultural definitions, Unitarian Universalists through the years have seemed to take the Christmas holiday and make it special in many unique ways. When I first started coming to First Parish, I was impressed with the Unitarian Universalist presentation of Christmas. Christmas is special because a holy baby was born. Jesus did grow up to be an incredibly inspiring religious leader, but his birth is the miracle people celebrate on Christmas. We Unitarian Universalists honor Christmas to acknowledge that Jesus was special in the same way that all babies are holy. The birth of every child is a miracle to us! We join with others around our country (and world) to celebrate the preciousness of life.
I grew even more impressed with our Unitarian Universalist ancestors when I did some research a few years ago to write one of our Christmas pageants. I discovered many Unitarians and Universalists who made significant contributions to the Christmas holiday. There are the obvious contributors likes James Pierpont’s well-known carol "Jingle Bells", Edmund Hamilton Sears‚ beautiful carol "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear", and Dr. Charles Follen’s bringing of the tree decorating custom to America. In addition, there are countless stories of Unitarian Universalists who used the holiday season to continue to promote their values of peace and goodwill. Louisa May Alcott used her book "Little Women" to promote the idea that being with loved ones is what is most important at Christmastime and Charles Dickens used "A Christmas Carol" to promote Christmas as a time to be kind and charitable. Many more continued their dedicated work of helping those less fortunate than themselves. For example, Christmas Day did see Clara Barton stop her work of nursing wounded Civil War soldiers.
All of these wonderful ancestors are like "UU Peace Angels". Their loving spirit has transformed the way Unitarian Universalists celebrate the Christmas holiday. As we enjoy learning about some of these UU peace angels in our holiday pageant, may we all be inspired to be like them. How can we make the Christmas season more meaningful and peaceful for all people in our families and our world? Let’s think about that this year!
Important dates:
Ladies Night Out on Tuesday, December 12th at 7:30pm
Ladies : take a much needed break in the middle of this chaotic season and join some gal pals for a night of fun and connection. Plus, free shopping!!! Bring a dessert to munch on and any clothes you are ready to give up to a friend. In addition, bring any "re-gifts" that a friend might be able to put to good use. (any clothing or items not taken home will be donated to charity).
Fa la la la la, La la la laaaaa .
Join us for a wonderful evening of Christmas caroling and connection led by the amazing Charlyn Bethell. Folks of all ages are invited to join us at First Parish on Friday, December 22nd at 7pm. After we carol around the local neighborhood for about an hour, we will go to the home of Charlyn and family for cookies and cocoa. What a joyful night of fun this will be!
Fun for your kids and a night out for you!
The Coming-of-Age group is sponsoring a babysitting fundraiser on Saturday, December 23rd from 5:30 to 8:30pm. The evening will include a pizza dinner for your kids and holiday crafts galore (like a gingerbread puppet and a fridge magnet memo holder). And while your kids are here safe and happily occupied, you can get last minute holiday shopping done or get a quiet date with your loved one before the holiday festivities really get going. RSVP to Roberta to reserve your child a spot. $15 per child (and $10 for each additional child from the same family).
Youth group happenings!
Sunday, December 3rd after the worship service ~ meet with Mark Caggiano to plan Winter Solstice service
Friday, December 15th at 7:30pm to plan Cody's organic farming presentation and share some other interesting conversations.
Sunday evening, Dec. 17th ˆ lead intergenerational worship service for Winter Solstice at 7PM
Great stuff coming up to watch for:
Mid January Cody’s organic farming presentation to First Parish community.
All middle school and high school youth: save the date: Sunday, February 11th for a Green Web workshop by Promise the Children. A free dinner is included!
For more information: Check out my website, www.chalicedreamer.org, for up to date information about what your children are doing in their small group gatherings, Coming-of-Age and youth group activities, and volunteer needs.
Save the date:
Tuesday, January 9th at 7:30pm will be a Women's Circle to discuss the book, "Finding the Deep River Within: A Woman's Guide to Recovering Balance and Meaning in Everyday Life" by Abby Seixas. Lee Pierce has a couple copies she's passing around for anyone interested in reading the book who doesn't want to buy it.
See Lee or Roberta for more details.
A Spiritual Practices group will hopefully be starting on Sunday mornings before church this January. To be a part of a small team planning the group by email, let Roberta know and she'll add you to the list.
Amnesty International Calendars for Sale: In the month of December, David Morrison will be selling Amnesty International calendars during the social hour for $15 each. They make a great holiday gift, and the proceeds support the work of the local Watertown / Belmont Amnesty International Group. The local group works on human rights issues worldwide.
Social Action
Thanks so much for your September/October donations to the Watertown Food Pantry. Listed below are the November /December needs of the Boston Medical Center Food Pantry. Please donate as you are able.
The FPW Social Action Committee
Boston Medical Center Food Pantry
Needs List:
Cereals (hot/cold)
Vanilla wafers
Graham crackers
Pasta
Rice
Beans (canned or dried)
Canned fruits or vegetables
Tomato sauce
Pasta sauce
Baby food
Canned tuna, chicken, sardines
Peanut butter
Dry milk
Parmalat milk
Evaporated milk
Baby formula (Enfamil with iron preferred)
Vegetable oil
Jelly (regular and reduced sugar)
Spices (all varieties)
Macaroni and Cheese
Canned soups, esp. beef stew
Women and Work
The Women & Work group will not be meeting in December. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 26th.
The Amateur Historian
While the Watertown Historic District Commission voted last month to shelve a Brigham Historic District encompassing the neighborhood of Bailey Road, Brigham Street, Garfield Street, Russell Avenue, Stoneleigh Circle, Stoneleigh Road and parts of Bellevue Road, First Parish on its own should go forth and create its own “Brigham Historic Site” and apply for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. As the oldest church building in Watertown, the “Unitarian Building” designed by Charles Brigham, deserves higher recognition. The listing process with the National Register could take up to two years. For a worshiping community that has stuck together for close to four centuries, another couple of years seem trivial. Let’s go for it!
Your church historian took the first step by contacting the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Karen Davis was my contact. She sounded hopeful over the phone. The packet she sent contains a couple of forms to be filled out to include recent photographs, plus advice for contacting the Watertown Historical Commission for their opinion as to whether the building is worthy for listing on the National Register. Ms. Davis included an inventory form on the Unitarian Church from 1982, as part of a comprehensive cultural resources survey. Gentle readers, allow me to share with you comments from the 1982 inventory.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: “This 1 story building is a High Victorian Gothic style built to harmonize with former First Parish Church on this site. It was designed by architect Charles Brigham who donated his services. Masterfully composed as were other of his Watertown designs, the building maintains its balance, despite asymmetrical features, by the imposing roof which sweeps down over a 1 story tower, entry portico and transverse gable on the north, and apse-like rounded bay on the west.”
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: “Built in 1899 for $9,637, the Unitarian Building was at first intended to house Sunday School functions and a few group meetings, but within a few years its suitability for social functions as well as meetings led it to be a money-making building for the church. When the First Unitarian Church was torn down to make way for a drive-in bank, the Unitarian Church shifted its services to this building.”
That last sentence strikes me as an over-simplification of the severe financial restraints the church faced in the 1970’s. We don’t have to adopt the wording from a quarter-century ago.
The information “KnowHow #3” sheet lists several benefits of being listed in the national Register. I’m going to gloss over Recognition, Tax Incentives, Protection and go right to Grants. “Inclusion in the State Register of Historic Places, which comes automatically with National Register listing, provides eligibility for matching state grants for restoration of properties owned by private nonprofit organizations and municipalities, when such grants are available.”
Monica Fairbairn produced a pleasing landscaping plan, including a much desired Memorial Garden, for First Parish. But like many good things in life, turning plans into reality takes money. Our Ancient Parish home has no shortage of supporting evidence for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places. The next capital campaign for the church should look to the outdoors. No doubt many people in Watertown would like us to improve our open spaces. Seeing our name on the National Register may give us just the boost we need for raising funds to turn the grounds into an oasis. (The Oxford English Dictionary offers a figurative definition of oasis as a “place or period of calm or pleasure in the midst of a difficult or hectic situation; a place of relief, a refuge.”)
Peaceful thoughts from
Yours truly,
The Amateur Historian
Share Fun While Finishing a Project!
First Parish’s first Hobby Night of the winter is coming on Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the social hall/ dining room. Please join First Parish friends while sewing on buttons, creating scrap or photo books, making gingerbread houses, quilting, or any other indoor project you just need time to work on! This is an informal gathering - there will be snacks and warm drinks. However, if you have questions, please email Elizabeth: edefrees@aol.com.
Coming soon…Special Christmas offering
Each week, the offering is taken “for the ongoing life of the church.” As UUs, we have the joy (and pain) of being self-governing. With that comes our financial responsibility to the church. Our sustaining income to cover salaries and programs, physical plant, the parsonage, as well as smaller budgets for each committee to continue its work, comes largely from our members and friends. Twice a year (Christmas and Easter), we ask ourselves to determine if there is an additional contribution that can be added to the Sunday offering to help us make the budget work out in the church’s favor. Soon, you will receive an envelope labeled “Special Christmas Offering” – in the mail or in your Sunday Order of Service. Please take a moment to think about what First Parish means to you as a spiritual community, what role it plays in your life and determine what extra you could contribute at this time of year to help our budget along. If you have questions about the church budget, please contact anyone on the Finance Committee: Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees - chair, Marilyn Boeneau, Nick Tawa, John Portz, Bob Shay, or Michael Collins.
First Parish Open Choir Sing
The First Parish Choir will be singing on Sunday, December 17 with Monday night rehearsals at 6:45 on December 4 and 11 and a 9:45am rehearsal on the December 17. Please let Patty know if you can join the choir for this Sunday.
Service Auction
We had another successful Service auction on November 18. Preliminary total is about $3,489. Special thanks to Jean Merkl, our organizer, Paul Day, our auctioneer, and the Fellowship Committee for set-up, and finally to all those who either donated or purchased items, or both.
FPW Guest Musicians
This fall we have been privileged to welcome several First Parish members as guest musicians or vocalists on Sunday morning sharing their musical talents. If you too would like to play or sing for a Sunday service, please speak to Patty.
Upcoming Events
Isabelle Holt will be performing as Martha Cratchitt in the New Repertory Theatre’s professional production of A Christmas Carol at the Arsenal Center for the Arts. Performances begin on Dec 10 and run through Dec 24. This production includes lots of music. Isabelle will be singing and playing her violin. Come early for a preshow caroling concert in the lobby. Tickets $30-$50. Group rates available for groups of 10 or more . Student rush $13. www.newrep.org 617-923-8487.
Giles Holt will be performing with the Concordant volunteers as Jackie Custis, Martha Washington’s son, at the Longfellow Historic Site’s Historic Holiday Program on Sat. Dec. 2 and Sun Dec 3 from 1-4pm. The Concordant volunteers are a group of students in grades 7-12. They will interpret the history of The Longfellow House from 1774-1940. This program is free but reservations are required. Tours are scheduled every 20 minutes, limit of 12 people per tour call : 617-876-4491, M-F- 4:30 www.hps.gov/long. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 12138. Giles will also be performing with the Concordant volunteers as Julian Hawthorne, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s son, at the Wayside, home of authors, Holiday Program on Sat. Dec 9 and Sun. Dec 10 from 11am -3pm. Free the Wayside, Lexington St.(Just past the Orchard House , Concord, MA. For more information call Giles @617-924-4597, or Nancy @ 978-369-2712.
Giles Holt will be dancing and juggling as a bear and a wandering minstrel in the Christmas Revels at Sanders Theatre, Cambridge MA, Dec. 15-30. This year’s theme is old Germany and Switzerland. Tickets $20-$45. Group rates and volunteer opportunities available. www.revels.org or 617-496-2222, Harvard Box office, 617-972-8300, Revels’s office.
Car Needed
John Asare is a member of First Parish and a native of Ghana. Many of you know John graduated from Andover Newton Theological School, and some day hopes to go back to Ghana, and start a UU church there. He is back now from one of his frequent trips home, and working in the area again. He has even been spotted in church a few times. Right now John needs an inexpensive, working car that can pass inspection, and not be a lemon. If you can help John get on the road, please contact Mark, or John directly (he is in the directory) Thank you.
Aide Help Wanted
Mary MacDonald, a 93 year old women with limited sight living on Edenfield St. in Watertown with her son is in need of help when he is traveling .The help she requires is in the evenings at 10pm getting to bed about 10 times in a month. This person would also need to be available in the night hours. They would have their own room with a separate entrance. It is ideal for a student or person in need of housing. She does not require help during the day. If you know of anyone who is looking for this type of work please call her at 617-924-8806. She is a delightful person.
Upright Bureau Needed: Randy Rhoda is looking for a 5 drawer upright bureau. If anyone knows of a bureau that needs a new home please call Randy at 617-924-8852.
Washer/Dryer for Sale: Missy and Bob Shay have a washer/dryer that they would like to sell. Large capacity Maytag washer, top loading, good working order, in basement--$75.00. Large capacity gas Whirlpool dryer in need of new heat sensor, in basement--$25.00 Contact Bob or Missy.
UU Niagara Falls
Hear the roar! Feel the mist! See the mighty Falls! July 15-17, 2007 Come experience the wonder of Niagara Falls including some great educational opportunities while being taken care of like royalty. The UU Church of Niagara is conducting a four day UU Niagara Experience which is a lifetime opportunity to encounter the Falls up close from every perspective, even safely riding beneath a tethered balloon. Spend four days with us exploring the rich historical and natural wonders around the Falls. For information visit www.uunex.net Email : info@uunex.net
Telephone : (716) 791-4453
Bible Class on the Gospels This is a special class on the Gospels for the Holiday Season on Sunday nights, December 3 and 10 from 6-8 with Mark Harris. Who wrote the Gospels? How much of the Nativity stories, if any, are history? What were the Gospel writers trying to say about Jesus? (Food provided)
Poinsettias!
It’s that time of year again! If you would like to order poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for the holidays, and then bring them home after the Christmas Eve service (or the morning of the 24th if you wish), please fill out the order form below and return it by the December 8 or email the office with your order. Make checks out to First Parish of Watertown. The plants, in 6.5" pots, are from Wilson Farms in Lexington and are lovely and hardy.
I would like to purchase ____ poinsettias at $7.00 each. Enclosed is $__________
How many of which color(s)? __ white ___
pink__ red __ marble
In loving memory of ______________________________________
or
Gift of _________________________________________________
Arbella December 2006
for calendar of events see the website: fpwatertown.org
Sermons/Topics
Sunday, December 3, 2006 at 11:00am
“Sharing My UU Faith” A Lay Service
Three members of the congregation, Carole Berney, Kyle Hart and Martha Urban will share how they became Unitarian Universalists, and what the church means to them. Chris Johnson will be the worship leader. The Children’s Choir will sing.
Music: by Unitarian composers, Bela Bartok and Edvard Greig; Greeters: Elizabeth and Isabel Tappan-deFrees; Social Hour: Meredith Montague and John Portz
Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 11:00am
“Lost for Words” - Mark W. Harris
Are you under the impression that there is an original Bible? Did you know that even the earliest manuscripts of the Bible are centuries old, and that we don’t even have copies of copies of copies of copies of the original? There are more differences among manuscripts than there are words in the Christian scriptures. How can words ever be called inspired, original or even accurate or true? Sometimes we must go beyond words.
Music: Frank Grimes, violist; Greeters: Marianne and Michael Collins; Social Hour: Charmian Proskauer and Beth Parsons
Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 11:00am
Christmas Intergenerational Service
This service includes our annual pageant, “UU Peace Angels” produced and directed by Roberta Altamari. Mark will have a story, and the adult choir will sing. Music: First Parish
Choir is singing; Greeters: Marilyn Boenau and Karen Allendoerfer; Social Hour: Eileen Ryan and Celeste Oliva
Solstice Service at - 7:00 p.m.
Mark Caggiano and the Youth Group will be leading a Winter Solstice Service at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
at 11:00am and 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Services - Mark W. Harris
We will have two services on Christmas Eve day, one in the morning and one in the evening (not two evening services as usual). The morning service will be simple and child friendly. We will sing lots of carols, and share favorite holiday readings. Do you have one? Please let Mark know.
Music: First Parish member Karen Allendoerfer, violin; Greeters: Guy Urban and Charlyn Bethell.
The evening service will be our annual Candlelight Service. This includes traditional carols and music, scripture readings and a dramatic reading from Mark.
Social Hour: Evening Service: Everyone please bring cookies to share.
Sunday, December 31, 2006 at 11:00am
“A New Year’s Forgiveness”
Mark W. Harris
What did you do in the past year that you regret having done? Many of us like to start the new year afresh - How will we live differently? What resolutions will we make? The focus of this service will be what we might forgive ourselves and/or others for.
Greeters: David and Kathy Warren
Social Hour: Randy Rhoda and Jim Felty
Captain’s Log
Since my children are now interested in electronic games and the like, I am a little more privy to this part of the culture than I once was. This is a little scary to me. I felt naive that I was so surprised when I heard there were long lines at the electronic stores as the new game systems were introduced. It seems like this gaming lifestyle has become a focus for so many people that it makes me wonder where people find meaning. I heard about one person who had legally changed his name so it corresponded with some character from the Zelda series.
The holiday season confronts many of us with the question of popular culture and commercialism. How much are we going to buy, and will we put ourselves in debt in order to satisfy all the desires of our loved ones. Every time one of my children mentions some item, I say put it on your Christmas list. But how much of their wish list will be fulfilled? Confronting some of these holiday questions will be the subject of a potluck supper and discussion on Friday, December 15. We will try to have child care for this meeting, so that we can discuss some of the more delicate subjects such as, Santa or Not? I hope many of you can join us at 5:30 p.m.
The other day I saw a list of all the best and worst toys for kids. What was odd about the list was that it was like an anxiety driven parent’s worst nightmare. The 10 worst list all had items that could potentially choke, maim or burn your child in multiple ways. But what struck me as odd was that one of the items was a pull toy. Of course any pull toy could strangle your child. Does that mean ban all pull toys? I thought maybe the problem was not so much the toys but the amount of supervision the child was receiving. They became a real danger because no one is watching the child anymore. The toys have to be safer because we are not paying attention.
Then I looked at the best toy list. What was odd about this list was not that they told you how wonderful a particular toy was, but that the best list ALSO gave you the potential danger with each toy. Thus, the magnets were a choking hazard, etc. It turned out that all the toys were dangerous, and maybe the best thing to do would be not let them play with anything. The subliminal message for me is that maybe the best gift we could give our children is not simply more time with them, but more time when we can actually pay attention.
I think of this in the context of parents and cell phones. There are so many times when I see parents picking up their children at Dana’s school, for instance, and I see time and again that rather than interacting with the child they are picking up, they are talking to somebody on the cell phone. I am not anti-cell-phone, but I do become concerned when I see the child in the carriage, and the parent on the phone, or the child in the car seat, and the parent on the phone. When does the parent actually play with their child? When does the parent actually interact with the child? May this be the gift we bear this year. Not more time or more presents, but more time when we are actually present for them.
Most of us recall the famous quote from Jesus that you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven until you become as a little child. This is usually interpreted as adults reclaiming the openness and wonder of the child. What is also true of that reading, which is sometimes used at child dedications, is that it talks about Jesus taking the children up in his arms. He spends time with them and engages with them, and is playing with them. Of course no one knows if there is any historical validity to that story. Maybe we give it power because we wish it were so.
Perhaps we imagine that kind of engagement with children. My father used to say that Christmas is a holiday for children. We hear that in the message. God comes to earth as a helpless baby. Our nurture and care of the infant must be present in order that God grow and develop here on earth. How much time and energy goes into children translates into how spiritual we are going to be. It all comes back to those best and worst toys lists. Many of them can be best if we are right there enjoying them with our children, and many of them can be worst, too, when we don’t take the time to actually play with them. Any string can choke, but not if I am there holding one end, pulling it along, and laughing with them each step of the way. May your holiday season be a few of these laughs and smiles, and if there are no children around, then enjoy your own pull toy, and create your own magic from the season to be jolly.
Mark
New Member Sunday in January
Our fall/ winter new member welcome will be held on January 21. New members will be formally welcomed into the congregation on that day. Members need to sign the book which indicates a commitment to this church as your spiritual home with the implied intention of supporting the work of the church through your gifts of time and resources. Please speak to Mark Harris if you wish to become a member.
Guest at Your Table
On Thanksgiving Sunday we gave out Guest at Your Table boxes. These boxes are meant for daily donations to our UU Service Committee. You and/or your children place a daily donation in the box and then convert the change to a check made out to UUSC at the end of the program time. For FPW that means a collection date of Christmas Eve. If you cannot be at the Christmas Eve service, the box can be brought in the next time you come to church, or you may mail your check. We gave over $1,300 last year. The funds support the programs of the UUSC around the world. This year their four major program initiatives are: 1. serving people affected by disasters (Darfur, Katrina) 2. protecting everyone’s right to water
3. protecting civil liberties (right to vote, freedom from torture) 4. advancing worker’s rights and a living wage
UUSC Liaison
Sue Kuder has agreed to be our local UUSC liaison. We will help provide information about UUSC and its programs to the congregation. Thank you Sue. Jim Staton from Belmont, who is the regional UUSC coordinator, came to our November 19 service, and presented us with a Banner Award, and asked for the liaison assistance.
Retire That Debt!
Our two collection Sundays for the effort to Retire the Debt netted $2,850. Thank you for your generosity. The remaining amount on the debt for the Capital Fund Drive is approximately $3,850. We will be glad to accept any special donations to this debt, and envelopes are available in the sanctuary. We especially invited those who were not part of the capital fund drive to donate to this effort. Any unpaid amounts will be budgeted in the next fiscal year, 07-08.
Thank you Andrea from B and G
Andrea Greenwood has finished painting the bathrooms downstairs. Thank you so much for this great volunteer effort! The new partitions have also arrived and hopefully will be installed soon. The B and G Committee has also arranged for the installation of two more accessible doors that open automatically.
Grow Clinic Annual Toy Drive
We are collecting toys and gifts for the Boston Medical Center Growth and Development Program, which is comprised of low-income families with children ages 0-18 who otherwise would not have the resources to provide Christmas presents for their kids. Some are involved in the Grow Clinic (children who have been diagnosed with Failure to Thrive) and some are involved in the longitudinal PEP study, which examines the long-term developmental effects of being exposed to cocaine in-utero.
There are over 200 children served by these programs. Last year First Parish
Watertown donated 60 gifts, so our goal is to contribute 60 gifts again this year.
Please sign up and bring your unwrapped gift to church. Please tag it with the appropriate age grouping This year we have an earlier deadline than usual, and most of our solicitations have been by email. Toys/gifts must be brought to church unwrapped BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
Thank you for participating.
To sign up, call or email Patricia Fox: Note the age group you will be buying a gift for.
Contact: foxlet@rcn.com (781)648-6968
Hymnal Thanks
Thanks to Marianne Collins for her beautiful art work in the new hymnals recently added to our collection. Below is the list of those honored or commemorated. If you would like to purchase a hymnal in honor or memory of someone, please speak to Mark.
In honor of the wedding of Judi Fitts and David Palmer; In honor of First Parish of Watertown for your generosity to the community; In memory of Robert L. Dutton; In memory of Lois Cudhea, Fred Cudhea, David Cudhea; In memory of Ruth S. Curtis; In honor of all the volunteers for the R.E. program; In honor of Giles, Isabelle and Charlotte Holt;In loving memory of Donald Vester Tappan; In loving memory of Jane Holt deFrees; In memory of Hazel Mosel Smith; In honor of Roane Tooke Morton’s Day of dedication - May 14, 2006; In honor of Gates Lenore Tooke Morton’s Day of dedication - May 14, 2006; In memory of Herbert and Elizabeth Portz; In memory of Christine Morrissey; In memory of Pierre Merkl, Jr.; In memory of John E. Gorman, Sr.; In memory of Harold and Bernice Brown and Rudolph Kamm
Holiday Event in December
At the suggestion of Aurora Sherman we will have a potluck supper and discussion in December called “Unplugging the Holidays.” Many UUs wonder how to handle the topic of Santa Claus with their children ; how to celebrate a Christian holiday such as Christmas while you feel you are no longer Christian or feel inundated with the materialism of the holiday ; how do we fit other holidays such as Hanukkah into the mix; what about mixed marriages of Christian and Jewish partners or others. Please join us on Friday, December 15 for a potluck at 6:00 p.m. and a discussion to follow of the holiday season and UUs. We plan to have childcare during the discussion.
R.E.flections by a chalice D.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
chalicedreamer@verizon.net
cell phone: 617-872-5145
I can’t believe the holiday season is already here. It can be a very busy time of year and I hope that each of you can find time to enjoy the true spirit of the holidays. I know, I know, I say that every year. And I know it’s not easy. I, myself, am always wishing to overcome the commercialism of the season to really enjoy the holidays. But what holiday message am I trying to find hidden behind the commercialism?
As a Unitarian Universalist, I have to wonder what holidays I should even honor. I’m not Christian, so can I celebrate Christmas? I’m not Pagan, so can I celebrate Winter Solstice? I’m not Jewish, so can I celebrate Hanukkah? I’m not Buddhist, Muslim, or Hindu, so can I celebrate one of the holidays from the Eastern religions? That’s lots of things I’m not. But what am I?
Intellectually, it makes sense to me that Unitarian Universalists celebrate Christmas even though the majority of us don’t consider ourselves to be Christian. Since our historical journey came from Christian roots, it is clear to see why a Christian holiday has long been more dominant in our seasonal celebrations than any of the holidays originating from one of our faith’s other sources. While Winter Solstice and some holidays from other sources are gaining interest among UUs, Christmas still remains the most noticed and honored. But why?
First there has been the American evolution of Christmas away from the religious celebration of the birthday of Jesus towards a more cultural celebration of gift-giving as highlighted by Santa. For better or worse, an American family can actually make it through the entire Christmas season without even referencing baby Jesus. But even beyond cultural definitions, Unitarian Universalists through the years have seemed to take the Christmas holiday and make it special in many unique ways. When I first started coming to First Parish, I was impressed with the Unitarian Universalist presentation of Christmas. Christmas is special because a holy baby was born. Jesus did grow up to be an incredibly inspiring religious leader, but his birth is the miracle people celebrate on Christmas. We Unitarian Universalists honor Christmas to acknowledge that Jesus was special in the same way that all babies are holy. The birth of every child is a miracle to us! We join with others around our country (and world) to celebrate the preciousness of life.
I grew even more impressed with our Unitarian Universalist ancestors when I did some research a few years ago to write one of our Christmas pageants. I discovered many Unitarians and Universalists who made significant contributions to the Christmas holiday. There are the obvious contributors likes James Pierpont’s well-known carol "Jingle Bells", Edmund Hamilton Sears‚ beautiful carol "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear", and Dr. Charles Follen’s bringing of the tree decorating custom to America. In addition, there are countless stories of Unitarian Universalists who used the holiday season to continue to promote their values of peace and goodwill. Louisa May Alcott used her book "Little Women" to promote the idea that being with loved ones is what is most important at Christmastime and Charles Dickens used "A Christmas Carol" to promote Christmas as a time to be kind and charitable. Many more continued their dedicated work of helping those less fortunate than themselves. For example, Christmas Day did see Clara Barton stop her work of nursing wounded Civil War soldiers.
All of these wonderful ancestors are like "UU Peace Angels". Their loving spirit has transformed the way Unitarian Universalists celebrate the Christmas holiday. As we enjoy learning about some of these UU peace angels in our holiday pageant, may we all be inspired to be like them. How can we make the Christmas season more meaningful and peaceful for all people in our families and our world? Let’s think about that this year!
Important dates:
Ladies Night Out on Tuesday, December 12th at 7:30pm
Ladies : take a much needed break in the middle of this chaotic season and join some gal pals for a night of fun and connection. Plus, free shopping!!! Bring a dessert to munch on and any clothes you are ready to give up to a friend. In addition, bring any "re-gifts" that a friend might be able to put to good use. (any clothing or items not taken home will be donated to charity).
Fa la la la la, La la la laaaaa .
Join us for a wonderful evening of Christmas caroling and connection led by the amazing Charlyn Bethell. Folks of all ages are invited to join us at First Parish on Friday, December 22nd at 7pm. After we carol around the local neighborhood for about an hour, we will go to the home of Charlyn and family for cookies and cocoa. What a joyful night of fun this will be!
Fun for your kids and a night out for you!
The Coming-of-Age group is sponsoring a babysitting fundraiser on Saturday, December 23rd from 5:30 to 8:30pm. The evening will include a pizza dinner for your kids and holiday crafts galore (like a gingerbread puppet and a fridge magnet memo holder). And while your kids are here safe and happily occupied, you can get last minute holiday shopping done or get a quiet date with your loved one before the holiday festivities really get going. RSVP to Roberta to reserve your child a spot. $15 per child (and $10 for each additional child from the same family).
Youth group happenings!
Sunday, December 3rd after the worship service ~ meet with Mark Caggiano to plan Winter Solstice service
Friday, December 15th at 7:30pm to plan Cody's organic farming presentation and share some other interesting conversations.
Sunday evening, Dec. 17th ˆ lead intergenerational worship service for Winter Solstice at 7PM
Great stuff coming up to watch for:
Mid January Cody’s organic farming presentation to First Parish community.
All middle school and high school youth: save the date: Sunday, February 11th for a Green Web workshop by Promise the Children. A free dinner is included!
For more information: Check out my website, www.chalicedreamer.org, for up to date information about what your children are doing in their small group gatherings, Coming-of-Age and youth group activities, and volunteer needs.
Save the date:
Tuesday, January 9th at 7:30pm will be a Women's Circle to discuss the book, "Finding the Deep River Within: A Woman's Guide to Recovering Balance and Meaning in Everyday Life" by Abby Seixas. Lee Pierce has a couple copies she's passing around for anyone interested in reading the book who doesn't want to buy it.
See Lee or Roberta for more details.
A Spiritual Practices group will hopefully be starting on Sunday mornings before church this January. To be a part of a small team planning the group by email, let Roberta know and she'll add you to the list.
Amnesty International Calendars for Sale: In the month of December, David Morrison will be selling Amnesty International calendars during the social hour for $15 each. They make a great holiday gift, and the proceeds support the work of the local Watertown / Belmont Amnesty International Group. The local group works on human rights issues worldwide.
Social Action
Thanks so much for your September/October donations to the Watertown Food Pantry. Listed below are the November /December needs of the Boston Medical Center Food Pantry. Please donate as you are able.
The FPW Social Action Committee
Boston Medical Center Food Pantry
Needs List:
Cereals (hot/cold)
Vanilla wafers
Graham crackers
Pasta
Rice
Beans (canned or dried)
Canned fruits or vegetables
Tomato sauce
Pasta sauce
Baby food
Canned tuna, chicken, sardines
Peanut butter
Dry milk
Parmalat milk
Evaporated milk
Baby formula (Enfamil with iron preferred)
Vegetable oil
Jelly (regular and reduced sugar)
Spices (all varieties)
Macaroni and Cheese
Canned soups, esp. beef stew
Women and Work
The Women & Work group will not be meeting in December. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 26th.
The Amateur Historian
While the Watertown Historic District Commission voted last month to shelve a Brigham Historic District encompassing the neighborhood of Bailey Road, Brigham Street, Garfield Street, Russell Avenue, Stoneleigh Circle, Stoneleigh Road and parts of Bellevue Road, First Parish on its own should go forth and create its own “Brigham Historic Site” and apply for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. As the oldest church building in Watertown, the “Unitarian Building” designed by Charles Brigham, deserves higher recognition. The listing process with the National Register could take up to two years. For a worshiping community that has stuck together for close to four centuries, another couple of years seem trivial. Let’s go for it!
Your church historian took the first step by contacting the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Karen Davis was my contact. She sounded hopeful over the phone. The packet she sent contains a couple of forms to be filled out to include recent photographs, plus advice for contacting the Watertown Historical Commission for their opinion as to whether the building is worthy for listing on the National Register. Ms. Davis included an inventory form on the Unitarian Church from 1982, as part of a comprehensive cultural resources survey. Gentle readers, allow me to share with you comments from the 1982 inventory.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: “This 1 story building is a High Victorian Gothic style built to harmonize with former First Parish Church on this site. It was designed by architect Charles Brigham who donated his services. Masterfully composed as were other of his Watertown designs, the building maintains its balance, despite asymmetrical features, by the imposing roof which sweeps down over a 1 story tower, entry portico and transverse gable on the north, and apse-like rounded bay on the west.”
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: “Built in 1899 for $9,637, the Unitarian Building was at first intended to house Sunday School functions and a few group meetings, but within a few years its suitability for social functions as well as meetings led it to be a money-making building for the church. When the First Unitarian Church was torn down to make way for a drive-in bank, the Unitarian Church shifted its services to this building.”
That last sentence strikes me as an over-simplification of the severe financial restraints the church faced in the 1970’s. We don’t have to adopt the wording from a quarter-century ago.
The information “KnowHow #3” sheet lists several benefits of being listed in the national Register. I’m going to gloss over Recognition, Tax Incentives, Protection and go right to Grants. “Inclusion in the State Register of Historic Places, which comes automatically with National Register listing, provides eligibility for matching state grants for restoration of properties owned by private nonprofit organizations and municipalities, when such grants are available.”
Monica Fairbairn produced a pleasing landscaping plan, including a much desired Memorial Garden, for First Parish. But like many good things in life, turning plans into reality takes money. Our Ancient Parish home has no shortage of supporting evidence for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places. The next capital campaign for the church should look to the outdoors. No doubt many people in Watertown would like us to improve our open spaces. Seeing our name on the National Register may give us just the boost we need for raising funds to turn the grounds into an oasis. (The Oxford English Dictionary offers a figurative definition of oasis as a “place or period of calm or pleasure in the midst of a difficult or hectic situation; a place of relief, a refuge.”)
Peaceful thoughts from
Yours truly,
The Amateur Historian
Share Fun While Finishing a Project!
First Parish’s first Hobby Night of the winter is coming on Thursday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the social hall/ dining room. Please join First Parish friends while sewing on buttons, creating scrap or photo books, making gingerbread houses, quilting, or any other indoor project you just need time to work on! This is an informal gathering - there will be snacks and warm drinks. However, if you have questions, please email Elizabeth: edefrees@aol.com.
Coming soon…Special Christmas offering
Each week, the offering is taken “for the ongoing life of the church.” As UUs, we have the joy (and pain) of being self-governing. With that comes our financial responsibility to the church. Our sustaining income to cover salaries and programs, physical plant, the parsonage, as well as smaller budgets for each committee to continue its work, comes largely from our members and friends. Twice a year (Christmas and Easter), we ask ourselves to determine if there is an additional contribution that can be added to the Sunday offering to help us make the budget work out in the church’s favor. Soon, you will receive an envelope labeled “Special Christmas Offering” – in the mail or in your Sunday Order of Service. Please take a moment to think about what First Parish means to you as a spiritual community, what role it plays in your life and determine what extra you could contribute at this time of year to help our budget along. If you have questions about the church budget, please contact anyone on the Finance Committee: Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees - chair, Marilyn Boeneau, Nick Tawa, John Portz, Bob Shay, or Michael Collins.
First Parish Open Choir Sing
The First Parish Choir will be singing on Sunday, December 17 with Monday night rehearsals at 6:45 on December 4 and 11 and a 9:45am rehearsal on the December 17. Please let Patty know if you can join the choir for this Sunday.
Service Auction
We had another successful Service auction on November 18. Preliminary total is about $3,489. Special thanks to Jean Merkl, our organizer, Paul Day, our auctioneer, and the Fellowship Committee for set-up, and finally to all those who either donated or purchased items, or both.
FPW Guest Musicians
This fall we have been privileged to welcome several First Parish members as guest musicians or vocalists on Sunday morning sharing their musical talents. If you too would like to play or sing for a Sunday service, please speak to Patty.
Upcoming Events
Isabelle Holt will be performing as Martha Cratchitt in the New Repertory Theatre’s professional production of A Christmas Carol at the Arsenal Center for the Arts. Performances begin on Dec 10 and run through Dec 24. This production includes lots of music. Isabelle will be singing and playing her violin. Come early for a preshow caroling concert in the lobby. Tickets $30-$50. Group rates available for groups of 10 or more . Student rush $13. www.newrep.org 617-923-8487.
Giles Holt will be performing with the Concordant volunteers as Jackie Custis, Martha Washington’s son, at the Longfellow Historic Site’s Historic Holiday Program on Sat. Dec. 2 and Sun Dec 3 from 1-4pm. The Concordant volunteers are a group of students in grades 7-12. They will interpret the history of The Longfellow House from 1774-1940. This program is free but reservations are required. Tours are scheduled every 20 minutes, limit of 12 people per tour call : 617-876-4491, M-F- 4:30 www.hps.gov/long. 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 12138. Giles will also be performing with the Concordant volunteers as Julian Hawthorne, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s son, at the Wayside, home of authors, Holiday Program on Sat. Dec 9 and Sun. Dec 10 from 11am -3pm. Free the Wayside, Lexington St.(Just past the Orchard House , Concord, MA. For more information call Giles @617-924-4597, or Nancy @ 978-369-2712.
Giles Holt will be dancing and juggling as a bear and a wandering minstrel in the Christmas Revels at Sanders Theatre, Cambridge MA, Dec. 15-30. This year’s theme is old Germany and Switzerland. Tickets $20-$45. Group rates and volunteer opportunities available. www.revels.org or 617-496-2222, Harvard Box office, 617-972-8300, Revels’s office.
Car Needed
John Asare is a member of First Parish and a native of Ghana. Many of you know John graduated from Andover Newton Theological School, and some day hopes to go back to Ghana, and start a UU church there. He is back now from one of his frequent trips home, and working in the area again. He has even been spotted in church a few times. Right now John needs an inexpensive, working car that can pass inspection, and not be a lemon. If you can help John get on the road, please contact Mark, or John directly (he is in the directory) Thank you.
Aide Help Wanted
Mary MacDonald, a 93 year old women with limited sight living on Edenfield St. in Watertown with her son is in need of help when he is traveling .The help she requires is in the evenings at 10pm getting to bed about 10 times in a month. This person would also need to be available in the night hours. They would have their own room with a separate entrance. It is ideal for a student or person in need of housing. She does not require help during the day. If you know of anyone who is looking for this type of work please call her at 617-924-8806. She is a delightful person.
Upright Bureau Needed: Randy Rhoda is looking for a 5 drawer upright bureau. If anyone knows of a bureau that needs a new home please call Randy at 617-924-8852.
Washer/Dryer for Sale: Missy and Bob Shay have a washer/dryer that they would like to sell. Large capacity Maytag washer, top loading, good working order, in basement--$75.00. Large capacity gas Whirlpool dryer in need of new heat sensor, in basement--$25.00 Contact Bob or Missy.
UU Niagara Falls
Hear the roar! Feel the mist! See the mighty Falls! July 15-17, 2007 Come experience the wonder of Niagara Falls including some great educational opportunities while being taken care of like royalty. The UU Church of Niagara is conducting a four day UU Niagara Experience which is a lifetime opportunity to encounter the Falls up close from every perspective, even safely riding beneath a tethered balloon. Spend four days with us exploring the rich historical and natural wonders around the Falls. For information visit www.uunex.net Email : info@uunex.net
Telephone : (716) 791-4453
Bible Class on the Gospels This is a special class on the Gospels for the Holiday Season on Sunday nights, December 3 and 10 from 6-8 with Mark Harris. Who wrote the Gospels? How much of the Nativity stories, if any, are history? What were the Gospel writers trying to say about Jesus? (Food provided)
Poinsettias!
It’s that time of year again! If you would like to order poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for the holidays, and then bring them home after the Christmas Eve service (or the morning of the 24th if you wish), please fill out the order form below and return it by the December 8 or email the office with your order. Make checks out to First Parish of Watertown. The plants, in 6.5" pots, are from Wilson Farms in Lexington and are lovely and hardy.
I would like to purchase ____ poinsettias at $7.00 each. Enclosed is $__________
How many of which color(s)? __ white ___
pink__ red __ marble
In loving memory of ______________________________________
or
Gift of _________________________________________________