Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The Arbella- Newsletter December 2007
Arbella
December 2007
for calendar of events please go to our website www.fpwatertown.org
Sermons and Worship Services
Sunday, December 2, 2007
“Y R U A U U ?” Lay Service
Last year in December, a few of our members shared their thoughts on why they are UU and what it means to them. The service was so well received that we’re revisiting the topic again this year. Today Susan Flint, David Benson and Kathy Warren will reflect on their spiritual journey and why being a UU is important to them. This is a wonderful opportunity to both hear about the life journeys of a few of our friends, and to reflect on our own – and to consider “Y M I A U U ?” Chris Johnson will be leading the service.
Music: Patricia DeVore, Music Director
Guest: Karen Allendoerfer, violin
Greeters:Kathy Warren & David Warren
Social Hour: Holly Cachimuel and Paula Carnese
Sunday, December 9, 2007
“Counting on Custom”
Mark W. Harris
Every one of us gets used to things being a certain way. Life is so fraught with peril that we make up rituals in religion to give us something to count on. Yet sometimes we get so used to doing things or seeing thing a certain way that we do not even notice what we are doing any more. Since we know the way into church, we may not notice there is no sign pointing newcomers to the front door. How can we see things anew when we are so used to things being as they are?
Music: Guy Urban and Patty will play 4-hand duets on the piano; Isabel Tappan-deFrees, tenor horn
Greeters: Eric Chipman & Wendell Refior
Social Hour: Sachie Karmacharya and Peter Cudhea
Sunday, December 16, 2007
“What Does the Bible Say to UUs?”
Mark W. Harris
Last month I led a session for the RE Committee on why I think we should have Biblically literate children. We could ask the same question of adults. Centuries ago people became Unitarian or Universalist because of what they read in the Bible. Since then we have moved to embrace many scriptures, but it is the story of Jesus’ birth we will read this month, and Silent Night that we will sing. So is the Bible still relevant, or is it an old habit we can’t kick?
Guest musician, Ed Harney, trumpet
Greeters: Bob and Missy Shay
Social Hour: Paul and Norah Day
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Annual Christmas Pageant
Our FPW children will be presenting "A World of Gifts in Our Neighborhood”
Music: Patricia DeVore, Music Director
Greeters:Paula Carnese and Holly Cachimuel
Social Hour: Guy and Martha Urban and Charlyn Bethell
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Traditional candlelight services. Bring cookies to share for social hour at 6:00 p.m. If you have no preference, we encourage members to attend the second service.
Guest Musician: Jennifer DeVore, cello
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Question Box Sermon.
Mark W. Harris
This is your big chance to publicly ask the minister any question you want. I will invite some questions ahead of time via email, but will also take some on the spot. Come on, give your best shot to stump the minister!!!
Music: Patricia DeVore, Music Director
Greeters: Youth Greeters
Social Hour: Kathy Button and Judy Fitts
Captain’s Log
(from the minister)
This is now my 12th year here at FPW. Perhaps I have written a column on this subject before, and said the same thing. It is simple. I would love to see you after the service in the entryway to shake hands. When I was growing up in a conservative Congregational church, we would always exit the sanctuary after the close of the service, and then proceed to social hour. The culturally accepted ritual along the way to the social hall downstairs was to approach the minister and shake his hand. This tradition was also what I found true in the congregations I have served in Palmer and Milton, as well as in Sheffield, England. Years ago when I was the UUA’s Director of Information, I spent many Sundays on the road as a guest preacher. I went to Amherst and Athol, Wayland and Weymouth and everything in between. Do you know what was true in every single church I visited? Almost everybody shook the minister’s hand after the service. Watertown is the first place I have been where this was not true.
So you can imagine that when I first came here I thought this ritual of not shaking the minister’s hand was really unusual! Why is it different here? For many years I thought it was because in the old days there were so few members the minister would see them all at social hour. Social hour was also held right in the sanctuary after the service, so there was no switching from one space to another. Maybe former ministers did not go to the door. Maybe it is a kind of rebellion against traditional church patterns. I don’t really know.
For some, I know there is a need to pick up children immediately after church. I also happen to know that my sermons are not short, so maybe some of you need to come up for air! Mostly I have come to accept this as a style of the congregation. By and large you seem to like what I have to say on Sundays, so I know it is not an avoidance of having to comment on the sermon. You can even tell me if you don’t like a particular sermon, or even give me the classic non-committal comments, “That was interesting,” or “That was different.” Of course I like to hear positive comments, too.
Perhaps what not shaking the minister’s hand means is that you are speaking to each other. That is really what church is all about. I often tell people that my job is to make sure you are connected to each other, and not to me. I have always thought that you do a great job of being friendly to newcomers, and caring for people who have a need. Church is about creating a warm community. You need to be connected to each other. I affirm that.
But I also want to say that shaking my hand is a good thing. Here is why. In addition to hoping that you become connected to each other, I want to know how each and every one of you is doing. I care for each and every one of you. I want to know that you have survived the slings and arrows of life each week. I know life is hard, and while I may not know the details of everyone’s day to day living, I want you to know that I hold each and every one of you in my thoughts. Shaking my hand on any given Sunday when you are here means I can see you face to face, and ask how you are. I do this because I sincerely want to know. Your well-being is tied up with the well being of the church community because each of you is a vital part of it.
I want to know if you got a new job, or if your parent is ill, or if your child did something great or not so great, or somewhere in between. In short, seeing you and shaking your hand on Sunday means that even if I don’t say the words, I am saying, “I care.” Otherwise I may not see you in social hour, or you may need to leave, or I have a meeting, or someone grabs me on other business. I would be happy with two seconds of your time to say, “I’m OK”
What I do know is we are very crowded on Sunday, and I usually get to say hello to only a handful of people. Greeting your neighbor during the service helps a little. One thing I am going to do is have sermon talk backs on a regular basis. I think there is an interest in more adult discussions, but scheduling is difficult. These will begin at 12:30 p.m. and last for about an hour. This will be a way for me to see and talk to a few people on those Sundays. Otherwise, come say hello after the postlude. I don’t want to interrupt your important conversations. And I don’t want you to feel you need to tell me how great the sermon was. What I do want is the opportunity to say hello, how are you? It is a weekly ritual that I like, and I invite you to try it, if you don’t already. This is the season of light we are about to celebrate, and I want to know if your light is shining. May you have a wonderful holiday season.
Mark
Peace Banner
Have you noticed our new FPW banner with the Camus quote, “Peace is the only battle worth waging.” ?? Thanks to Will Twombly for arranging this, and for scaling the wall to put it up.
Among Us
Our deepest sympathy to Barry Greess whose father died in early November.
Amnesty Calendars
The 2008 Amnesty International calendars, with photos from around the world, are available for sale during social hour. The proceeds go to help the work of the local Watertown / Belmont chapter of Amnesty, which works for human rights worldwide.
Service Auction
Another service auction has been completed. Our results this year were over $3,700. This was an excellent total. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this event possible. Special thanks to Jean Merkl who arranged all the donations and put the booklet together. Rumor has it that Jean is stepping down after many years. Would you like to show off your computer skills by putting this together in 2008? Let Mark Harris or Martha Scott know. Thanks to Paul Day for his usual wonderful job as auctioneer. Also a big thanks to the Fellowship Committee for the dinner set-up, and all the folks who donated or bought items. It was another fun evening.
Web Site
Don't forget to check our website (www.fpwatertown.org) for all the latest information about the church. The calendar lists church events and meetings. Our current newsletter is always posted, and nearly every sermon, even those not given by Mark. Andrea's last sermon is posted on the website, as copies were not available that day. There is also quite a bit of information for newcomers, and Roberta has her own RE website you can link to from our church site. We also have a member section (user name:fpwatertown; (call office for password). This includes some photos, a link to Amazon. com (we earn money, if you buy through our website), and a directory (updated at least twice a year). This week our webmaster Kyle Hart has given us a "News This Week " section you can reach from the home page. Many weekly announcements will be listed there. So, please check us out, and keep up to date on the web.
Fellowship Committee
Name Tags
A new list has been posted on the social hall bulletin board for those people who need name tags. The Fellowship committee would like to remind everyone that we make name tags for adults only and that Roberta will be making them with the R.E. program as they are needed. Please wear your tag at church so that everyone can learn names, and remember to hang it in the cabinet before you leave the building.
"Welcoming as a Spiritual Practice”
The Fellowship Committee assigns one of its members each Sunday to be on the lookout for newcomers, help to make them feel comfortable, introduce them to others, and generally provide human warmth to those who may be feeling alone and shy on their first visit(s). Can you help? Ideally, we would like to have two "Welcomers" each Sunday, but our small committee can't manage that from within its ranks. If you would be willing to join in this spiritual practice of acknowledging the importance of every individual who enters First Parish's doors, please let one of the Fellowship Committee members know of your willingness(Carole Berney, Susan Flint, Lee Pierce, Missy Shay, and Sachie Karmacharya. Or email Mark or the First Parish office at fpwatertown@comcast.net. We will be delighted to welcome you to the growing list of "Welcomers"!
Carole Berney,
FP Fellowship Committee Chair
Work Day
Our thanks to all who helped out with our Fall Building and Grounds Clean-up Day. Despite the end of the hurricane the following were able to do some raking, cleaning, digging, pruning, etc.: David Benson, Nick Haddad, Nancy Dutton, Kathy Button, Kyle Hart, Will Twombly, David Morrison and Mark Harris
News from the R E Committee
What are we doing in RE? The RE committee has identified goals that keep us in line with the overall church goals for 2007-08. Those goals include 1) supporting and enhancing our existing RE program, 2) teaching a curriculum that follows our green sanctuary plans (this will take place in May 08), and 3) keeping our curriculum current with the UU philosophy of First Parish.
We are focusing on safety in RE in December. Teachers are going over emergency procedures with the children so we all know that, in the event of an emergency, we will all meet at the bank lawn. We expect to be ready for a "UU Fire Drill" soon!
The biggest challenge facing the RE program right now is the lack of space in our church. We are close to capacity in the rooms we have, and we all acknowledge that it is difficult to envision adding more children to the spaces we presently use. We plan to study these space issues in the months ahead.
A camcorder is on the Wish List for the RE program. We have many uses for one and are hoping that someone will pass one along to us. Is that person YOU?
The holiday pageant will be in full swing at the time the Arbella is printed. The pageant will take place at the December 23rd service and will be “A World of Gifts in our Neighborhood”. Helping parents include: Kelly Morton (contact person), Barbara Hansberry, and Celeste Oliva. The dress rehearsal will be on December 22nd in the morning at 10:00. There is a part for all interested children in our pageant.
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 23rd if you wish), please fill out the order form below and return it by the December 7 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:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Your name(s) as you would like it printed in the order of service:
___________________________________________________________________________________
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
Roberta@chalicedreamer.net
cell phone: 617-872-5145
website for RE families: www.chalicedreamer.net
It's hard to believe that the holiday season is already upon us. Rehearsals for our annual Holiday pageant are beginning and this year continues our tradition of rotating between our UU Peace Angels pageant and our World Religions pageant. So this will be our fourth time presenting "A World of Gifts in Our Neighborhood". It will be edited accordingly, to complement the skills and interests of this year's performers. We have several volunteers who have stepped up to take a leadership role with the pageant. It will be nice to have their assistance, creative talents, and energy!
The theme of the pageant is diversity ~ that many worthwhile holidays are celebrated this time of year. Most significant is that there is a meaningful message in each of these holidays. When we take a moment to consider this, we realize that many people around our world are sharing good wishes with each other. Those holidays include Christmas, Winter Solstice, New Year’s, Feast of St. Lucia, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, the Sikhs’ Day of the Maghi, Divali, and sometimes Ramadan (as that date varies because it is based on the lunar calendar).
We will learn more about these holidays during our pageant. When we travel to the homes of our neighbors, we may not find evergreen trees and Santa Claus, but we will find holidays being honored that have just as much meaning as the holidays we celebrate. It is interesting to me that most of these holidays include "light" somehow. It seems that most people want to find some warmth and good feelings during the cold, dark days of December.
Here, at the Unitarian Universalist parish in Watertown, we are also doing are part to spread good feelings like love and peace around our world. Our children, youth, and adults have been engaging in an amazing amount of social service work. From raising money for Project Bread and Invisible Children to helping shop for and package food baskets for local families in need, our children and youth are making a real difference in our community this Fall. And they have lots more planned for the coming months!!
As for the exact holidays we each celebrate and the way we honor them, that is as unique as each of our families. Most of us celebrate both Winter Solstice and Christmas. For Christmas, many of us honor the birthday of Jesus as a symbol that the birth of all children is holy and special. We don’t need to agree with Christian theology to recognize that the birth of Jesus was an important day.
Throughout this holiday season, whatever holidays you are celebrating, I hope you realize this ... that as the season turns dark and cold, it is important to spend some quality time with your loved ones. As you celebrate the holidays of your choosing, feel free to add your own loving touches to make it unique. That's what will make it most meaningful to you, your family, and your friends. With increased advertising and commercialism this time of year, it’s even more necessary to remember what really matters to you and your family. I look forward to hearing some of your holiday stories! Amen and Blessed Be.
R.E. Announcements:
Pageant Rehearsals:
We will be performing our annual Holiday Pageant on Sunday, December 23rd during the worship service. This year's pageant is "A World of Gifts in Our Neighborhood", a fascinating exploration of the many holidays being celebrated this time of year. Any and all folks interested in participating are welcome to join us for rehearsals at 9:45 AM on (Sunday) December 2, (Sunday) December 9, (Sunday) December 16, and (Saturday) December 22.
Social Action Corner:
Thanks to everyone who donated their surplus Halloween candy! It was donated to Birthday Wishes to be used in piñatas and goodie bags for the birthday parties of children living in homeless shelters. The Birthday Wishes folks were very grateful.
Thanks also to everyone who helped make 24 Thanksgiving Baskets for local families in need! From grocery shopping (with funds generously provided by the Miller/Tracy Children’s Foundation) and packaging to gift bag decorating, there were various activities that many folks participated in. Good work, everyone!
And thanks to everyone who made or purchased decorated plates, bowls, and spoons to benefit Project Bread! The kids raised over $100 for this important charity!
All families are invited to join with the First Parish community and participate in our two important projects happening this December. Imagine that there is a Guest At Your Table all month and donate as much as you can to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to bring much needed resources and education to people living in developing countries. Also, check out the Social Action Committee's project and sign up to purchase a holiday gift for one of the children served by the Grow Clinic in Boston. It can be a valuable part of your child's holiday season to experience giving to those in need.
Planning ahead for the Social Action Fair in January:
After a great success last year, we will definitely do another Social Action Fair this January. For it, children and youth are invited to sell their unwanted toys and books for the charity of their choice. So as you get Christmas presents, save the toys you are ready to give up for this great project. And think about what charity you would like to help this year!
A much needed Christmas gift for the church:
Dress-up "costume" clothes that fit kids ranging from size 8 to adult
a working videorecorder to document the great skits our kids are creating this year
Night Out for Connection, Gift Wrapping, and Fun:
Adults, join us for some favorite FREE activities … chatting, drinks, dessert, and getting boring tasks done in a fun way. On Thursday, December 20th at 7:30pm, bring some wrapping paper, the gifts you need wrapped, and a dessert or drink to share. For more details, talk to Roberta (at 617-872-5145 or Roberta@chalicedreamer.net).
Popcorn Theology for Youth and Adults:
On Sunday, December 30th from 6pm to 9pm: Youth Group sponsored intergenerational movie screening and discussion. Bring your dinner or dessert to munch on while we watch the movie. Check out the Sunday order-of-service or the RE website as it gets closer to find out what the movie selection is. (The movie will probably be rated PG-13, so youth must be 13 or older or have their parent’s permission to attend.)
Breakfast Chats:
On the second Sunday of every month, we are pleased to host monthly breakfast chats on important and relevant themes for our work here at First Parish. On December 9th at 9:30am, the breakfast discussion will be led by Roberta Altamari on "Different Ways to Celebrate this Holiday Season".
Winter Solstice and Holiday Caroling:
Join us as our youth lead us in an inspiring worship service on Friday, December 21st at 6:30pm in honor of Winter Solstice. We will follow that up with some Holiday Caroling . We should start singing at approximately 7:30pm. This year, we will have a set route with some special houses along the way for singing. If there is a special house you would like us to include, please let me know. We may be able to sing at Brigham House and we are looking into that possibility. Charlyn will have lots of music and words for you as needed. Be sure to bring warm clothing including gloves and a flashlight.We will walk and sing for about 45 minutes before heading to The Bethel/Urban House at 1034 Belmont St. for warm drinks, goodies, and a great time hanging out together by the fire! Even if you don't love to sing, come to the party after the singing! Hope to see you.
Children’s Choir
The children singers at First Parish sound wonderful! We sang at the Thanksgiving service and will resume singing after the holidays. Please don’t hesitate to contact Charlyn Bethell if you would like your child included with us. The more children involved, the better we sound! Our usual rehearsal is on Sundays before church at 10:15.
Update on Environmental Activities
Over the last 9 months, many of you have no doubt noticed an increase in "green" activities and projects at First Parish. Some of these have been sponsored in conjunction with the Green Sanctuary Committee which is formally working towards developing an Action Plan for certification of First Parish as an official Green Sanctuary. Other activities have simply emerged from our church activity as a whole, as we become more aware and concerned about environmental issues in our immediate community and the world at large. We list below these activities both for information and also for all of us to be aware of the positive impact our congregation is having in collectively addressing these environmental concerns.
1. First Parish table at the Faire on the Square where information about environmental issues as well as a "green" raffle was held.
2. Two Environmental Fairs at social hour where CFL bulbs, shower coaches and canvas shopping bags were sold.
3. Climate Walk
4. A thorough environmental audit of church
5. Changed all light bulbs to CFL, and changed fluorescents to energy efficient fluorescents at First Parish. Also, new Christmas lights.
6. Sponsoring ongoing recycling program at the church:– paper, bottles, cans, etc.
7. Environmental Film Series
8. Participation in the Charles River Clean-up Day
9. Earth Sunday
10. Green cards passed out during the service and filled out by parishioners
11. Have started making purchasing choices for social hour and social events - only fair trade coffee, no styrofoam, etc.
Stay tuned to the newsletter for continued updates on environmental initiatives here at First Parish as well as information about the Green Sanctuary Initiative.
Making a Mark
by Mark J.T. Caggiano, student minister
Some people may not be aware that, among my many extra-curricular activities, I find time to be an elected official in the Town of North Andover. I have been a Selectman there since 2003. I have always found the title of “Selectman” to sound a bit pompous, but it is an old term that has survived from colonial times, sexist language and all. “Selectman” just meant those who were selected from the population of a town to run its day-to-day affairs.
As a Selectman, I was recently invited to an organizational meeting for a possible candidate for the board. We talked about paperwork, timelines, getting out the vote and all sorts of political detail. A key element of any good campaign, political or otherwise, is to bring together people who are passionate and hard working, but more importantly, those who are patient and willing to learn. Without a strong dose of these qualities, it is hard to organize campaigns, which are often tedious and information-laden.
One quality that is also often present in political discussions is anger. Citizens occasionally look up from their own busy lives and pick up one minor thread of news that bothers them. On what planet would that seem like a good idea? Are all these politicians and bureaucrats corrupt, stupid or both? I have heard this sentiment many different ways. At my recent organizational meeting, I was asked numerous questions about the seemingly ridiculous things the town was doing. I explained to people the backdrop for some of these projects and problems, admitting that things were not perfect, but also carefully discussing the facts and the decisions made. Once you dig into the mess of detail necessary for governing a New England town, you might think twice about “selecting” someone to do it, especially if you happen to like him or her.
The meeting wound down with a few drinks and sandwiches. The “townies” in the group reminisced about the old days when there was a big barbeque on the Town Common at the Fourth of July. This was apparently the big social event of the year. The tradition died out and people were quick to point fingers at who had dropped the ball. I spoke with the candidate and suggested that she might want to take this on as project during the campaign. I explained that the event had died because some people had gotten rather rowdy one year and the main organizers, some of whom lived within earshot, became less enthused about the whole project. It quickly stopped being held because someone needed to have the passion and drive to make it a reality. Knowing the pitfalls, he or she could then think of a better way of approaching the problem rather than simply and pointlessly getting annoyed. Anger is rarely helpful because people often sit with it, or lash out over it, rather than doing something constructive about it.
Recently, the UU community was elated when it found out that marriage equality was protected through the rather bizarre process of a failed constitutional amendment. Gay couples will continue to be free to marry in Massachusetts for the foreseeable future. There was a strong campaign to protect this right, with passion and hard work aplenty. There was also patient study of the political mechanism and a steep learning curve about the weird universe of Beacon Hill (e.g. Is a “Yes” vote good or bad this week? No, “No” is good, “Yes” is bad). Anger was not very helpful in that debate because every vote was needed to stop the amendment – you could not afford to lose a single vote. The best results were from persuasion, dialogue and understanding the person in question. I was amazed at some of the people who came up on the “right” side of the issue. The vast majority of the House and Senate lined up to protect the right to marry. When you are willing and ready to work hard and to learn the ropes, even politics can become less mysterious, somewhat less infuriating and even at times productive.
With this process in mind, you can fill in the blank with a social action target and make similar strides: global warming, the war in Iraq, etc. One could easily say, “If Americans weren’t so lazy/greedy/wasteful, the world would not be in this mess.” Even if this was completely true, and the speaker was solely blameless, we need those thoughtless people to begin to think about their decisions. They are not likely to listen to just another nagging voice with a cause. In order to achieve success, you need passion to fuel the fire, hard work to move the mountain, patience to endure the struggle and careful study to understand the “who, what, where, when and how” of the situation. For example, there was some recent news that Evangelical Christians have become organized to protect the environment against global warming. This may be partly because of how bad things have become, but it is also a function of a few determined people taking the time to explain the situation rationally and carefully. Al Gore did not win an Oscar and a Nobel Prize just because he is a nice guy. Like Gore, we need to reflect upon the task before us and figure out the best pathway for success. Whether planning for the Green Sanctuary or the Social Action Committees, or protesting the war or cuts to public school budgets, the best approach to a problem is not to vent one’s anger but to find a way to address the problem. Both approaches may address the symptom of anger, but only one way may actually fix the root cause.
Social Action
Grow Clinic Toy Collection
Once again the First Parish of Watertown will be collecting toys for the children at the Grow Clinic of Boston Medical Center. Ellen Church at the Grow Clinic says their greatest need is for gifts for adolescents, although they are appreciative of donations for ALL age groups 0-18 years. This year our gift giving will be done differently. Anyone who wants to participate simply brings in a gift for a child or teen, by December 2. No advance sign-up is needed. The Grow Clinic has a list of suggested donations, which has been sent to our email list. Printed copies are available at church. Since there is no advance sign-up, all you need to do is purchase one or more toys to bring in, and then leave it unwrapped on the stage near the Joys and Sorrows box. Bring the donation to church this Sunday. Thank you so much for your generosity. Thanks to Patricia Fox for arranging this.
Suggested Toy and Gift Donations
(PLEASE DO NOT DONATE ANY WAR TOYS, GUNS, OR MILITARY THEME TOYS)
Babies and Toddlers (0-4):
· Educational preschool toys (i.e.
· Sing a-longs, numbers, alphabet and shapes)
· Wooden puzzles/puzzles marked with appropriate age groups, including educational puzzles dealing with counting,
shapes,animals, and the alphabet.
· Building blocks
· Push and pull toys
· Playskool toys
· MegaBloks
· Soft, bouncing balls
· Tonka Junior trucks
· Fisher Price play sets
· Toy telephones
· Fisher Price toy medical kit
School-aged Kids (5-10):
· Interactive flipbooks that teach phonetics to young children (i.e. Leap Frog)
· Crayons/Coloring books
· Craft materials (i.e. paper pads, sketchpads, rainbow paints, finger paints, etc.)
· Toy cash registers
· Train sets
· Matchbox cars
· Mr. Potato Head
· Plastic tea sets
· Sturdy trucks (i.e., Fisher Price toy trucks, buses and cars)
· Baby dolls (multicultural, if possible)
Barbie dolls (multicultural preferred)
Etch-a-Sketch/Magna Doodle
Board games
Puzzles
Preteens and Teenagers (11-18):
· Arts/Crafts materials and activity sets (i.e. beads, ceramics, sand art and jewelry making kits)
· Clock radios
· Sports related items (i.e. hats, sweatshirts, footballs, and basketballs)
· Jewelry
· School organizer sets
· Watches
· Nail polish/lip balm/lip gloss sets
· Bath gels/ body lotion/ body sprays gift sets
· Gift certificates for DVDs & CDs, video games.
· Diaries
· CD player/Discman
· Jewelry boxes
· Calculators
· Board games
· Electronic games/handheld games
· Cameras
· Pre-paid cell phones
· Remote control cars
Charitable offerings/ Giving Boxes
The Giving Box for November and December will benefit the Grow Clinic Food Pantry at Boston Medical Center. Contributions should be non-perishable food items, but especially nutritious foods that are proteins. There was a Charitable Offering on November 18 for the Grow Clinic. Thank you to all who donated. The loose bills amounted to about $375.00
The Charitable Offering in December is the Christmas Eve offering for the Guest at Your Table program.
UUSC Guest at Your Table Program - Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve
Give thanks by giving back. On November 18, 2007, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we joined UU communities nationwide to celebrate an important tradition: The UU Service Committee Guest at Your Table Program. Every year First Parish members and friends participate in this UUSC program where they bring home little boxes that picture many of the UUSC international programs on the sides. Everyone is invited to welcome one of the people who participate in these programs into their homes; welcoming them by contributing towards the UUSC programs. Boxes are collected at the Christmas Eve service, and members are encouraged to convert all their loose cash and coin into a check made out to UUSC.
Through this special tradition, Unitarian Universalist communities celebrate the worth and dignity of all people and learn how to put these values into action. The Guest at Your Table experience of families learning together has built lasting connections to UU values for generations of UU youth.
Guest at Your Table has been an important part of UUSC, and of UU culture, since 1975. The program made its UUSC debut following then Institutional Advancement Director Warren Salinger's trip to the Netherlands. While there, he was inspired by a similar organization's program, entitled "Gast aan Tafel," to educate its supporters about its work and to raise vital funds. That program used colorful boxes that the whole family could enjoy. Warren immediately began work with UUSC's staff in Massachusetts to adapt the idea for use in Unitarian Universalist homes.
Holiday Services and Events at First Parish
Friday, December 21 – Winter Solstice Service at 6:30 p.m. to be followed by Caroling and Socializing at the Urban/Bethell home.
Sunday, December 23 – Annual Christmas Pageant at 11:00 a.m.
Our FPW children will be presenting
"A World of Gifts in Our Neighborhood”
Monday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Traditional candlelight services. Bring cookies to share for social hour at 6:00 p.m.
December 2007
for calendar of events please go to our website www.fpwatertown.org
Sermons and Worship Services
Sunday, December 2, 2007
“Y R U A U U ?” Lay Service
Last year in December, a few of our members shared their thoughts on why they are UU and what it means to them. The service was so well received that we’re revisiting the topic again this year. Today Susan Flint, David Benson and Kathy Warren will reflect on their spiritual journey and why being a UU is important to them. This is a wonderful opportunity to both hear about the life journeys of a few of our friends, and to reflect on our own – and to consider “Y M I A U U ?” Chris Johnson will be leading the service.
Music: Patricia DeVore, Music Director
Guest: Karen Allendoerfer, violin
Greeters:Kathy Warren & David Warren
Social Hour: Holly Cachimuel and Paula Carnese
Sunday, December 9, 2007
“Counting on Custom”
Mark W. Harris
Every one of us gets used to things being a certain way. Life is so fraught with peril that we make up rituals in religion to give us something to count on. Yet sometimes we get so used to doing things or seeing thing a certain way that we do not even notice what we are doing any more. Since we know the way into church, we may not notice there is no sign pointing newcomers to the front door. How can we see things anew when we are so used to things being as they are?
Music: Guy Urban and Patty will play 4-hand duets on the piano; Isabel Tappan-deFrees, tenor horn
Greeters: Eric Chipman & Wendell Refior
Social Hour: Sachie Karmacharya and Peter Cudhea
Sunday, December 16, 2007
“What Does the Bible Say to UUs?”
Mark W. Harris
Last month I led a session for the RE Committee on why I think we should have Biblically literate children. We could ask the same question of adults. Centuries ago people became Unitarian or Universalist because of what they read in the Bible. Since then we have moved to embrace many scriptures, but it is the story of Jesus’ birth we will read this month, and Silent Night that we will sing. So is the Bible still relevant, or is it an old habit we can’t kick?
Guest musician, Ed Harney, trumpet
Greeters: Bob and Missy Shay
Social Hour: Paul and Norah Day
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Annual Christmas Pageant
Our FPW children will be presenting "A World of Gifts in Our Neighborhood”
Music: Patricia DeVore, Music Director
Greeters:Paula Carnese and Holly Cachimuel
Social Hour: Guy and Martha Urban and Charlyn Bethell
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Traditional candlelight services. Bring cookies to share for social hour at 6:00 p.m. If you have no preference, we encourage members to attend the second service.
Guest Musician: Jennifer DeVore, cello
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Question Box Sermon.
Mark W. Harris
This is your big chance to publicly ask the minister any question you want. I will invite some questions ahead of time via email, but will also take some on the spot. Come on, give your best shot to stump the minister!!!
Music: Patricia DeVore, Music Director
Greeters: Youth Greeters
Social Hour: Kathy Button and Judy Fitts
Captain’s Log
(from the minister)
This is now my 12th year here at FPW. Perhaps I have written a column on this subject before, and said the same thing. It is simple. I would love to see you after the service in the entryway to shake hands. When I was growing up in a conservative Congregational church, we would always exit the sanctuary after the close of the service, and then proceed to social hour. The culturally accepted ritual along the way to the social hall downstairs was to approach the minister and shake his hand. This tradition was also what I found true in the congregations I have served in Palmer and Milton, as well as in Sheffield, England. Years ago when I was the UUA’s Director of Information, I spent many Sundays on the road as a guest preacher. I went to Amherst and Athol, Wayland and Weymouth and everything in between. Do you know what was true in every single church I visited? Almost everybody shook the minister’s hand after the service. Watertown is the first place I have been where this was not true.
So you can imagine that when I first came here I thought this ritual of not shaking the minister’s hand was really unusual! Why is it different here? For many years I thought it was because in the old days there were so few members the minister would see them all at social hour. Social hour was also held right in the sanctuary after the service, so there was no switching from one space to another. Maybe former ministers did not go to the door. Maybe it is a kind of rebellion against traditional church patterns. I don’t really know.
For some, I know there is a need to pick up children immediately after church. I also happen to know that my sermons are not short, so maybe some of you need to come up for air! Mostly I have come to accept this as a style of the congregation. By and large you seem to like what I have to say on Sundays, so I know it is not an avoidance of having to comment on the sermon. You can even tell me if you don’t like a particular sermon, or even give me the classic non-committal comments, “That was interesting,” or “That was different.” Of course I like to hear positive comments, too.
Perhaps what not shaking the minister’s hand means is that you are speaking to each other. That is really what church is all about. I often tell people that my job is to make sure you are connected to each other, and not to me. I have always thought that you do a great job of being friendly to newcomers, and caring for people who have a need. Church is about creating a warm community. You need to be connected to each other. I affirm that.
But I also want to say that shaking my hand is a good thing. Here is why. In addition to hoping that you become connected to each other, I want to know how each and every one of you is doing. I care for each and every one of you. I want to know that you have survived the slings and arrows of life each week. I know life is hard, and while I may not know the details of everyone’s day to day living, I want you to know that I hold each and every one of you in my thoughts. Shaking my hand on any given Sunday when you are here means I can see you face to face, and ask how you are. I do this because I sincerely want to know. Your well-being is tied up with the well being of the church community because each of you is a vital part of it.
I want to know if you got a new job, or if your parent is ill, or if your child did something great or not so great, or somewhere in between. In short, seeing you and shaking your hand on Sunday means that even if I don’t say the words, I am saying, “I care.” Otherwise I may not see you in social hour, or you may need to leave, or I have a meeting, or someone grabs me on other business. I would be happy with two seconds of your time to say, “I’m OK”
What I do know is we are very crowded on Sunday, and I usually get to say hello to only a handful of people. Greeting your neighbor during the service helps a little. One thing I am going to do is have sermon talk backs on a regular basis. I think there is an interest in more adult discussions, but scheduling is difficult. These will begin at 12:30 p.m. and last for about an hour. This will be a way for me to see and talk to a few people on those Sundays. Otherwise, come say hello after the postlude. I don’t want to interrupt your important conversations. And I don’t want you to feel you need to tell me how great the sermon was. What I do want is the opportunity to say hello, how are you? It is a weekly ritual that I like, and I invite you to try it, if you don’t already. This is the season of light we are about to celebrate, and I want to know if your light is shining. May you have a wonderful holiday season.
Mark
Peace Banner
Have you noticed our new FPW banner with the Camus quote, “Peace is the only battle worth waging.” ?? Thanks to Will Twombly for arranging this, and for scaling the wall to put it up.
Among Us
Our deepest sympathy to Barry Greess whose father died in early November.
Amnesty Calendars
The 2008 Amnesty International calendars, with photos from around the world, are available for sale during social hour. The proceeds go to help the work of the local Watertown / Belmont chapter of Amnesty, which works for human rights worldwide.
Service Auction
Another service auction has been completed. Our results this year were over $3,700. This was an excellent total. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this event possible. Special thanks to Jean Merkl who arranged all the donations and put the booklet together. Rumor has it that Jean is stepping down after many years. Would you like to show off your computer skills by putting this together in 2008? Let Mark Harris or Martha Scott know. Thanks to Paul Day for his usual wonderful job as auctioneer. Also a big thanks to the Fellowship Committee for the dinner set-up, and all the folks who donated or bought items. It was another fun evening.
Web Site
Don't forget to check our website (www.fpwatertown.org) for all the latest information about the church. The calendar lists church events and meetings. Our current newsletter is always posted, and nearly every sermon, even those not given by Mark. Andrea's last sermon is posted on the website, as copies were not available that day. There is also quite a bit of information for newcomers, and Roberta has her own RE website you can link to from our church site. We also have a member section (user name:fpwatertown; (call office for password). This includes some photos, a link to Amazon. com (we earn money, if you buy through our website), and a directory (updated at least twice a year). This week our webmaster Kyle Hart has given us a "News This Week " section you can reach from the home page. Many weekly announcements will be listed there. So, please check us out, and keep up to date on the web.
Fellowship Committee
Name Tags
A new list has been posted on the social hall bulletin board for those people who need name tags. The Fellowship committee would like to remind everyone that we make name tags for adults only and that Roberta will be making them with the R.E. program as they are needed. Please wear your tag at church so that everyone can learn names, and remember to hang it in the cabinet before you leave the building.
"Welcoming as a Spiritual Practice”
The Fellowship Committee assigns one of its members each Sunday to be on the lookout for newcomers, help to make them feel comfortable, introduce them to others, and generally provide human warmth to those who may be feeling alone and shy on their first visit(s). Can you help? Ideally, we would like to have two "Welcomers" each Sunday, but our small committee can't manage that from within its ranks. If you would be willing to join in this spiritual practice of acknowledging the importance of every individual who enters First Parish's doors, please let one of the Fellowship Committee members know of your willingness(Carole Berney, Susan Flint, Lee Pierce, Missy Shay, and Sachie Karmacharya. Or email Mark or the First Parish office at fpwatertown@comcast.net. We will be delighted to welcome you to the growing list of "Welcomers"!
Carole Berney,
FP Fellowship Committee Chair
Work Day
Our thanks to all who helped out with our Fall Building and Grounds Clean-up Day. Despite the end of the hurricane the following were able to do some raking, cleaning, digging, pruning, etc.: David Benson, Nick Haddad, Nancy Dutton, Kathy Button, Kyle Hart, Will Twombly, David Morrison and Mark Harris
News from the R E Committee
What are we doing in RE? The RE committee has identified goals that keep us in line with the overall church goals for 2007-08. Those goals include 1) supporting and enhancing our existing RE program, 2) teaching a curriculum that follows our green sanctuary plans (this will take place in May 08), and 3) keeping our curriculum current with the UU philosophy of First Parish.
We are focusing on safety in RE in December. Teachers are going over emergency procedures with the children so we all know that, in the event of an emergency, we will all meet at the bank lawn. We expect to be ready for a "UU Fire Drill" soon!
The biggest challenge facing the RE program right now is the lack of space in our church. We are close to capacity in the rooms we have, and we all acknowledge that it is difficult to envision adding more children to the spaces we presently use. We plan to study these space issues in the months ahead.
A camcorder is on the Wish List for the RE program. We have many uses for one and are hoping that someone will pass one along to us. Is that person YOU?
The holiday pageant will be in full swing at the time the Arbella is printed. The pageant will take place at the December 23rd service and will be “A World of Gifts in our Neighborhood”. Helping parents include: Kelly Morton (contact person), Barbara Hansberry, and Celeste Oliva. The dress rehearsal will be on December 22nd in the morning at 10:00. There is a part for all interested children in our pageant.
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 23rd if you wish), please fill out the order form below and return it by the December 7 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:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Your name(s) as you would like it printed in the order of service:
___________________________________________________________________________________
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
Roberta@chalicedreamer.net
cell phone: 617-872-5145
website for RE families: www.chalicedreamer.net
It's hard to believe that the holiday season is already upon us. Rehearsals for our annual Holiday pageant are beginning and this year continues our tradition of rotating between our UU Peace Angels pageant and our World Religions pageant. So this will be our fourth time presenting "A World of Gifts in Our Neighborhood". It will be edited accordingly, to complement the skills and interests of this year's performers. We have several volunteers who have stepped up to take a leadership role with the pageant. It will be nice to have their assistance, creative talents, and energy!
The theme of the pageant is diversity ~ that many worthwhile holidays are celebrated this time of year. Most significant is that there is a meaningful message in each of these holidays. When we take a moment to consider this, we realize that many people around our world are sharing good wishes with each other. Those holidays include Christmas, Winter Solstice, New Year’s, Feast of St. Lucia, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, the Sikhs’ Day of the Maghi, Divali, and sometimes Ramadan (as that date varies because it is based on the lunar calendar).
We will learn more about these holidays during our pageant. When we travel to the homes of our neighbors, we may not find evergreen trees and Santa Claus, but we will find holidays being honored that have just as much meaning as the holidays we celebrate. It is interesting to me that most of these holidays include "light" somehow. It seems that most people want to find some warmth and good feelings during the cold, dark days of December.
Here, at the Unitarian Universalist parish in Watertown, we are also doing are part to spread good feelings like love and peace around our world. Our children, youth, and adults have been engaging in an amazing amount of social service work. From raising money for Project Bread and Invisible Children to helping shop for and package food baskets for local families in need, our children and youth are making a real difference in our community this Fall. And they have lots more planned for the coming months!!
As for the exact holidays we each celebrate and the way we honor them, that is as unique as each of our families. Most of us celebrate both Winter Solstice and Christmas. For Christmas, many of us honor the birthday of Jesus as a symbol that the birth of all children is holy and special. We don’t need to agree with Christian theology to recognize that the birth of Jesus was an important day.
Throughout this holiday season, whatever holidays you are celebrating, I hope you realize this ... that as the season turns dark and cold, it is important to spend some quality time with your loved ones. As you celebrate the holidays of your choosing, feel free to add your own loving touches to make it unique. That's what will make it most meaningful to you, your family, and your friends. With increased advertising and commercialism this time of year, it’s even more necessary to remember what really matters to you and your family. I look forward to hearing some of your holiday stories! Amen and Blessed Be.
R.E. Announcements:
Pageant Rehearsals:
We will be performing our annual Holiday Pageant on Sunday, December 23rd during the worship service. This year's pageant is "A World of Gifts in Our Neighborhood", a fascinating exploration of the many holidays being celebrated this time of year. Any and all folks interested in participating are welcome to join us for rehearsals at 9:45 AM on (Sunday) December 2, (Sunday) December 9, (Sunday) December 16, and (Saturday) December 22.
Social Action Corner:
Thanks to everyone who donated their surplus Halloween candy! It was donated to Birthday Wishes to be used in piñatas and goodie bags for the birthday parties of children living in homeless shelters. The Birthday Wishes folks were very grateful.
Thanks also to everyone who helped make 24 Thanksgiving Baskets for local families in need! From grocery shopping (with funds generously provided by the Miller/Tracy Children’s Foundation) and packaging to gift bag decorating, there were various activities that many folks participated in. Good work, everyone!
And thanks to everyone who made or purchased decorated plates, bowls, and spoons to benefit Project Bread! The kids raised over $100 for this important charity!
All families are invited to join with the First Parish community and participate in our two important projects happening this December. Imagine that there is a Guest At Your Table all month and donate as much as you can to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee to bring much needed resources and education to people living in developing countries. Also, check out the Social Action Committee's project and sign up to purchase a holiday gift for one of the children served by the Grow Clinic in Boston. It can be a valuable part of your child's holiday season to experience giving to those in need.
Planning ahead for the Social Action Fair in January:
After a great success last year, we will definitely do another Social Action Fair this January. For it, children and youth are invited to sell their unwanted toys and books for the charity of their choice. So as you get Christmas presents, save the toys you are ready to give up for this great project. And think about what charity you would like to help this year!
A much needed Christmas gift for the church:
Dress-up "costume" clothes that fit kids ranging from size 8 to adult
a working videorecorder to document the great skits our kids are creating this year
Night Out for Connection, Gift Wrapping, and Fun:
Adults, join us for some favorite FREE activities … chatting, drinks, dessert, and getting boring tasks done in a fun way. On Thursday, December 20th at 7:30pm, bring some wrapping paper, the gifts you need wrapped, and a dessert or drink to share. For more details, talk to Roberta (at 617-872-5145 or Roberta@chalicedreamer.net).
Popcorn Theology for Youth and Adults:
On Sunday, December 30th from 6pm to 9pm: Youth Group sponsored intergenerational movie screening and discussion. Bring your dinner or dessert to munch on while we watch the movie. Check out the Sunday order-of-service or the RE website as it gets closer to find out what the movie selection is. (The movie will probably be rated PG-13, so youth must be 13 or older or have their parent’s permission to attend.)
Breakfast Chats:
On the second Sunday of every month, we are pleased to host monthly breakfast chats on important and relevant themes for our work here at First Parish. On December 9th at 9:30am, the breakfast discussion will be led by Roberta Altamari on "Different Ways to Celebrate this Holiday Season".
Winter Solstice and Holiday Caroling:
Join us as our youth lead us in an inspiring worship service on Friday, December 21st at 6:30pm in honor of Winter Solstice. We will follow that up with some Holiday Caroling . We should start singing at approximately 7:30pm. This year, we will have a set route with some special houses along the way for singing. If there is a special house you would like us to include, please let me know. We may be able to sing at Brigham House and we are looking into that possibility. Charlyn will have lots of music and words for you as needed. Be sure to bring warm clothing including gloves and a flashlight.We will walk and sing for about 45 minutes before heading to The Bethel/Urban House at 1034 Belmont St. for warm drinks, goodies, and a great time hanging out together by the fire! Even if you don't love to sing, come to the party after the singing! Hope to see you.
Children’s Choir
The children singers at First Parish sound wonderful! We sang at the Thanksgiving service and will resume singing after the holidays. Please don’t hesitate to contact Charlyn Bethell if you would like your child included with us. The more children involved, the better we sound! Our usual rehearsal is on Sundays before church at 10:15.
Update on Environmental Activities
Over the last 9 months, many of you have no doubt noticed an increase in "green" activities and projects at First Parish. Some of these have been sponsored in conjunction with the Green Sanctuary Committee which is formally working towards developing an Action Plan for certification of First Parish as an official Green Sanctuary. Other activities have simply emerged from our church activity as a whole, as we become more aware and concerned about environmental issues in our immediate community and the world at large. We list below these activities both for information and also for all of us to be aware of the positive impact our congregation is having in collectively addressing these environmental concerns.
1. First Parish table at the Faire on the Square where information about environmental issues as well as a "green" raffle was held.
2. Two Environmental Fairs at social hour where CFL bulbs, shower coaches and canvas shopping bags were sold.
3. Climate Walk
4. A thorough environmental audit of church
5. Changed all light bulbs to CFL, and changed fluorescents to energy efficient fluorescents at First Parish. Also, new Christmas lights.
6. Sponsoring ongoing recycling program at the church:– paper, bottles, cans, etc.
7. Environmental Film Series
8. Participation in the Charles River Clean-up Day
9. Earth Sunday
10. Green cards passed out during the service and filled out by parishioners
11. Have started making purchasing choices for social hour and social events - only fair trade coffee, no styrofoam, etc.
Stay tuned to the newsletter for continued updates on environmental initiatives here at First Parish as well as information about the Green Sanctuary Initiative.
Making a Mark
by Mark J.T. Caggiano, student minister
Some people may not be aware that, among my many extra-curricular activities, I find time to be an elected official in the Town of North Andover. I have been a Selectman there since 2003. I have always found the title of “Selectman” to sound a bit pompous, but it is an old term that has survived from colonial times, sexist language and all. “Selectman” just meant those who were selected from the population of a town to run its day-to-day affairs.
As a Selectman, I was recently invited to an organizational meeting for a possible candidate for the board. We talked about paperwork, timelines, getting out the vote and all sorts of political detail. A key element of any good campaign, political or otherwise, is to bring together people who are passionate and hard working, but more importantly, those who are patient and willing to learn. Without a strong dose of these qualities, it is hard to organize campaigns, which are often tedious and information-laden.
One quality that is also often present in political discussions is anger. Citizens occasionally look up from their own busy lives and pick up one minor thread of news that bothers them. On what planet would that seem like a good idea? Are all these politicians and bureaucrats corrupt, stupid or both? I have heard this sentiment many different ways. At my recent organizational meeting, I was asked numerous questions about the seemingly ridiculous things the town was doing. I explained to people the backdrop for some of these projects and problems, admitting that things were not perfect, but also carefully discussing the facts and the decisions made. Once you dig into the mess of detail necessary for governing a New England town, you might think twice about “selecting” someone to do it, especially if you happen to like him or her.
The meeting wound down with a few drinks and sandwiches. The “townies” in the group reminisced about the old days when there was a big barbeque on the Town Common at the Fourth of July. This was apparently the big social event of the year. The tradition died out and people were quick to point fingers at who had dropped the ball. I spoke with the candidate and suggested that she might want to take this on as project during the campaign. I explained that the event had died because some people had gotten rather rowdy one year and the main organizers, some of whom lived within earshot, became less enthused about the whole project. It quickly stopped being held because someone needed to have the passion and drive to make it a reality. Knowing the pitfalls, he or she could then think of a better way of approaching the problem rather than simply and pointlessly getting annoyed. Anger is rarely helpful because people often sit with it, or lash out over it, rather than doing something constructive about it.
Recently, the UU community was elated when it found out that marriage equality was protected through the rather bizarre process of a failed constitutional amendment. Gay couples will continue to be free to marry in Massachusetts for the foreseeable future. There was a strong campaign to protect this right, with passion and hard work aplenty. There was also patient study of the political mechanism and a steep learning curve about the weird universe of Beacon Hill (e.g. Is a “Yes” vote good or bad this week? No, “No” is good, “Yes” is bad). Anger was not very helpful in that debate because every vote was needed to stop the amendment – you could not afford to lose a single vote. The best results were from persuasion, dialogue and understanding the person in question. I was amazed at some of the people who came up on the “right” side of the issue. The vast majority of the House and Senate lined up to protect the right to marry. When you are willing and ready to work hard and to learn the ropes, even politics can become less mysterious, somewhat less infuriating and even at times productive.
With this process in mind, you can fill in the blank with a social action target and make similar strides: global warming, the war in Iraq, etc. One could easily say, “If Americans weren’t so lazy/greedy/wasteful, the world would not be in this mess.” Even if this was completely true, and the speaker was solely blameless, we need those thoughtless people to begin to think about their decisions. They are not likely to listen to just another nagging voice with a cause. In order to achieve success, you need passion to fuel the fire, hard work to move the mountain, patience to endure the struggle and careful study to understand the “who, what, where, when and how” of the situation. For example, there was some recent news that Evangelical Christians have become organized to protect the environment against global warming. This may be partly because of how bad things have become, but it is also a function of a few determined people taking the time to explain the situation rationally and carefully. Al Gore did not win an Oscar and a Nobel Prize just because he is a nice guy. Like Gore, we need to reflect upon the task before us and figure out the best pathway for success. Whether planning for the Green Sanctuary or the Social Action Committees, or protesting the war or cuts to public school budgets, the best approach to a problem is not to vent one’s anger but to find a way to address the problem. Both approaches may address the symptom of anger, but only one way may actually fix the root cause.
Social Action
Grow Clinic Toy Collection
Once again the First Parish of Watertown will be collecting toys for the children at the Grow Clinic of Boston Medical Center. Ellen Church at the Grow Clinic says their greatest need is for gifts for adolescents, although they are appreciative of donations for ALL age groups 0-18 years. This year our gift giving will be done differently. Anyone who wants to participate simply brings in a gift for a child or teen, by December 2. No advance sign-up is needed. The Grow Clinic has a list of suggested donations, which has been sent to our email list. Printed copies are available at church. Since there is no advance sign-up, all you need to do is purchase one or more toys to bring in, and then leave it unwrapped on the stage near the Joys and Sorrows box. Bring the donation to church this Sunday. Thank you so much for your generosity. Thanks to Patricia Fox for arranging this.
Suggested Toy and Gift Donations
(PLEASE DO NOT DONATE ANY WAR TOYS, GUNS, OR MILITARY THEME TOYS)
Babies and Toddlers (0-4):
· Educational preschool toys (i.e.
· Sing a-longs, numbers, alphabet and shapes)
· Wooden puzzles/puzzles marked with appropriate age groups, including educational puzzles dealing with counting,
shapes,animals, and the alphabet.
· Building blocks
· Push and pull toys
· Playskool toys
· MegaBloks
· Soft, bouncing balls
· Tonka Junior trucks
· Fisher Price play sets
· Toy telephones
· Fisher Price toy medical kit
School-aged Kids (5-10):
· Interactive flipbooks that teach phonetics to young children (i.e. Leap Frog)
· Crayons/Coloring books
· Craft materials (i.e. paper pads, sketchpads, rainbow paints, finger paints, etc.)
· Toy cash registers
· Train sets
· Matchbox cars
· Mr. Potato Head
· Plastic tea sets
· Sturdy trucks (i.e., Fisher Price toy trucks, buses and cars)
· Baby dolls (multicultural, if possible)
Barbie dolls (multicultural preferred)
Etch-a-Sketch/Magna Doodle
Board games
Puzzles
Preteens and Teenagers (11-18):
· Arts/Crafts materials and activity sets (i.e. beads, ceramics, sand art and jewelry making kits)
· Clock radios
· Sports related items (i.e. hats, sweatshirts, footballs, and basketballs)
· Jewelry
· School organizer sets
· Watches
· Nail polish/lip balm/lip gloss sets
· Bath gels/ body lotion/ body sprays gift sets
· Gift certificates for DVDs & CDs, video games.
· Diaries
· CD player/Discman
· Jewelry boxes
· Calculators
· Board games
· Electronic games/handheld games
· Cameras
· Pre-paid cell phones
· Remote control cars
Charitable offerings/ Giving Boxes
The Giving Box for November and December will benefit the Grow Clinic Food Pantry at Boston Medical Center. Contributions should be non-perishable food items, but especially nutritious foods that are proteins. There was a Charitable Offering on November 18 for the Grow Clinic. Thank you to all who donated. The loose bills amounted to about $375.00
The Charitable Offering in December is the Christmas Eve offering for the Guest at Your Table program.
UUSC Guest at Your Table Program - Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve
Give thanks by giving back. On November 18, 2007, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we joined UU communities nationwide to celebrate an important tradition: The UU Service Committee Guest at Your Table Program. Every year First Parish members and friends participate in this UUSC program where they bring home little boxes that picture many of the UUSC international programs on the sides. Everyone is invited to welcome one of the people who participate in these programs into their homes; welcoming them by contributing towards the UUSC programs. Boxes are collected at the Christmas Eve service, and members are encouraged to convert all their loose cash and coin into a check made out to UUSC.
Through this special tradition, Unitarian Universalist communities celebrate the worth and dignity of all people and learn how to put these values into action. The Guest at Your Table experience of families learning together has built lasting connections to UU values for generations of UU youth.
Guest at Your Table has been an important part of UUSC, and of UU culture, since 1975. The program made its UUSC debut following then Institutional Advancement Director Warren Salinger's trip to the Netherlands. While there, he was inspired by a similar organization's program, entitled "Gast aan Tafel," to educate its supporters about its work and to raise vital funds. That program used colorful boxes that the whole family could enjoy. Warren immediately began work with UUSC's staff in Massachusetts to adapt the idea for use in Unitarian Universalist homes.
Holiday Services and Events at First Parish
Friday, December 21 – Winter Solstice Service at 6:30 p.m. to be followed by Caroling and Socializing at the Urban/Bethell home.
Sunday, December 23 – Annual Christmas Pageant at 11:00 a.m.
Our FPW children will be presenting
"A World of Gifts in Our Neighborhood”
Monday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Traditional candlelight services. Bring cookies to share for social hour at 6:00 p.m.
The Arbella - Newsletter November 2007
The Arbella
Newsletter November 2007
Sermons and Worship Services
Sunday, November 4, 2007
“Get Happy” Mark W. Harris
What will make you happy? Some recent books suggest that we tend to look in all the wrong places. My study group wanted to take up this topic in the spring because they all felt so gloomy they figured that just talking about happiness might make us happy. Is that enough? We will dedicate William Carrasco at this service.
Music: Patricia deVore, Music Director
Greeters: Paul Dansereau/ Julie Miller
Social Hour: Kathy and David Warren
Sunday, November 11, 2007
“Lay Down Your Arms”
Andrea Greenwood
I have told folks once or twice that the only wisdom regarding parenting I
have learned is that it is much better to wait a day to clean up rice. My
sermon will not be about domestic battles at quite this level, but perhaps
this is a parable. If we set aside the goal of a clean rug or table, does the goal become being able to live with the mess? Or is it simply that waiting can be a more expedient way of achieving some of our goals? Many of us are in agreement about the value of laying down our arms, but what do we
take up in their stead? Is peace in the empty arms?
Music: Debbie Thompson, cello and Betsy Doriss, oboe
Greeters: Bob and Missy Shay
Social Hour: Teo Ellsworth, MaryHowe
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Intergenerational
Thanksgiving Service
We will have our annual Thanksgiving Service for all ages. Our ancient
church silver will be here, so that we might share an apple juice and corn
bread communion. Our adult choir and our children’s choir will sing, and
there should be a story or two.
Music: First Parish Choir
Greeters: Charmian Proskauer and Jim Felty
Social Hour: Holly Cachimuel and Paula Carnese
Sunday, November 25, 2007
“Pilgrim Fortiude” Mark W. Harris
Remember the series I began last year on the seven virtues? (Prudence, Justice Temperance ) It is time to start up again with “Fortitude.” Last summer when I read Nathaniel Philbrick’s bestseller Mayflower, I thought of fortitude many times. The Pilgrims never gave up. The Native American story is also one of never giving up. In the midst of that tragedy, perhaps there is a lesson to be learned.
Music: Patricia deVore, Music Director
Greeters: Habis Obyat/ Fatima Hussein
Social Hour : Michael and Anna Anctil
Captains’s Log
How is our faith made manifest in our lives? This is always the most important question. I knew what my column was going to be about after Andrea read me a brief passage from today’s Globe, which was replete with Red Sox victory headlines. The article was about the uncovering of child laborworkers in New Delhi, India in a factory operated by the Gap. It seems that children as young as 10 were spending 16 hours a day sewing clothes made by hand. The children had been sold to the factory operators by their parents, and were working under the guise of being trainees. As trainees, they were not paid. Children who were slaves basically made the clothes, and then, for those who shop at the Gap, there is the realization that these were perhaps the same clothes which were adorning our bodies. This is the kind of thing we prefer not to think about. Do we ever wonder whose hands labored over that shirt that says “Made in India” on the label that rubs against our neck? Cheering for the Red Sox is much easier on the guilt factor. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the Global economy, which is why it helps to think and act locally.
Recently I have been the recipient of some mouth watering, tasty delights (mostly!) prepared by Andrea as she figures out ways to cook some local vegetables we have been receiving as FPW member Susan Flint delivers our half of the joint full share in the Belmont organic farm. The Anctils have a share, too. You pay upfront, and then Gretta, the farmer grows the vegetables and distributes them to the folks who are part of this cooperative. We have had kohlrabi and celeriac and leeks stewed and brewed together in a lovely soup, that even fooled our non-vegetable eating sons to think it was potato soup. There have been some fabulous stir frys with Chinese cabbage and bok choy and carrots. I cooked one of these with soy sauce and rice wine vinegar and ginger. Maybe an auction item donation in the making? These distributions will end this month, and I am sure we will go back to eating fruits and vegetables that are trucked and flown in from who knows where. But being more local has its rewards.
It has certainly been a way to experiment with creative talents in the kitchen, and realize the impact of how we live. To live healthy lives, and build a healthy world is part of the challenge we all face. What kind of foods do we eat? Where do they come from? I am no saint when it comes to making good choices about foods. I eat my share of junk, and I am not always conscious of where my foods come from. But there has been a discernible change. This year, thanks to our First Parish shopping bags, we have begun to regularly use those canvas bags every time we shop. Now when I visit my son Joel’s restaurant in Portsmouth, my burrito is made on whole wheat rather than white. How can we take better care of ourselves? How can we take better care of the earth?
One First Parish answer may be opportunities to share the kinds of changes we have or would like to make in our lives. I believe one of the Green Sanctuary recommendations for action will be the establishment of groups called, Simplicity Circles. This will be an opportunity to learn more, and feel supported more as we try to live more green lives. I think these would
be useful ways for us to change our ways of living in the world.
I know many of you have made changes in your homes with new kinds of light bulbs, weather stripping, solar panels and the like. Long before the Environmental movement, the great architect and Unitarian Frank Lloyd Wright was advocating what he called organic architecture. Together Wright and the Unitarian minister, William Channing Gannett (think of the hymn, “It Sounds along the Ages”) collaborated on a volume called, The House Beautiful. The idea behind it was the “domestication of the Infinite” in “a building of God.” Gannett said the beautiful home could reflect nature’s simplest harmonies - good books, good company, simple and useful furniture, lovely flowers, and that with the togetherness of family life, there was a representation of God’s all inclusive creation. I discuss some of this in a recent paper I gave out in Amherst, (if you want to read the paper, go to : www.uusocietyamherst.org and scroll down to Mark Harris’ talk) A few weeks ago we saw an exhibit at the Portland, Maine Museum of Art called Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful, which reflected some of his thinking and designing.
Wright designed total living spaces which were a reflection of nature - floor to ceiling windows brought in the out of doors. His open floor plans echoed the natural prairies of the Midwest. This free-flowing open plan also redefined how the defined lives of the Victorian era, could be opened to boundless possibility. He was trying to create designs to soothe the soul, and bring it into harmony with nature. How can we come into closer harmony with the earth and each other? This is the implication of our faith, and we ask how is it reflected in our homes, our foods, our clothes, our cars -all of life. It is a big challenge, but it can be exciting. You should have tasted this soup. Act local, and the way we come to live, will indeed be global.
Mark
Among Us
Our deepest sympathy to Michelle Gaseau at the death of her father in September.
A warm welcome to William Carrasco son of Katreena and Larry, who will be dedicated in church on November 4.
The Boston Globe featured a special insert on October 28 on Diversity. Bob and Missy Shay’s son Keith is pictured on the cover along with his wife Lisa, and their son.
Faire on the Square
A special thanks to all who helped staff our FPW table at the Faire. Volunteers included Peter Cudhea, Paula Carnese, Judi Fitts, Eileen Ryan, Eric Chipman, Carole Berney, Bobbie Brown, Norah Mulvaney-Day, Brian Hebeisen, Martha Scott, David Morrison, and Mark Harris.
Handicapped Parking
When is the Handicapped Parking (HP) space reserved for HP use?
Answer: Always! Not just on Sunday morning. Please help us save this HP space (and the space next to it with the diagonal lines) for HP use. Thank you.
B and G Committee
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
I feel like I should write a really informative column about religious education, but I can’t let go of what feels relevant to me right now … "the value of community". Words can’t express just how important and inspiring this community is. I will attempt to share my sincere appreciation.
I give thanks for the support that is so graciously offered by individuals during times of hardship. I’ve witnessed for years how great the First Parish community is at helping one another during hard times. But when my family had to recently deal with some challenges of our own, I experienced it first hand. The love of many of you really helped us through these past few months. And while it was quite impressive to see about twenty five friends and family (over half of them First Parish folks) turn out to help us move, it was even more amazing to discover just how much people cared about us and were willing to extend a helping hand in some way during the month.
I give thanks for the youth at First Parish. One of my goals this year is to help establish a strong Youth Group. With some of our youth bringing their friends, it has grown into a really nice group of teens. I was worried that adding this work onto my family situation and my usual DRE duties would be stressful, but it has instead been rejuvenating and inspiring. From hearing fun and silly conversations to supporting them in doing important social justice work, my time spent with our youth has been fascinating. We have a wonderful group of teens here at First Parish and it can be very enjoyable spending time with them.
I give thanks for meeting people who are different from me here. It’s easy to say that we are welcoming to anyone that comes here, but it can be scary to meet someone new … especially if that person seems really different from us. Teaching Tolerance sponsors "Mix It Up Day" every November to encourage kids to have lunch in their school cafeteria with someone they normally would never sit with. We recently encouraged our Youth Group to embrace this "breaking down the cultural barriers" by inviting the Obyat’s teenage son, Abood, to join our group. While our youth were nervous because they didn’t know what he’d be like and if he’d ruin their "group", he was even more nervous. So nervous that he declined our early invitations. But we persisted and he came. The amazing thing about when you do succeed in breaking down a wall, it is almost always a pleasant surprise. You find out what you share in common with the person. In the case of Abood, I realized what a smart, funny, and compassionate teen he is. I liked having him at our meetings. While it started out as us trying to do something nice for Abood, I think we got the biggest reward because we got another great teen in our youth group.
I give thanks for being a part of sincere intergenerational connections. I’ve seen the wonderful relationships that grow when adults take time to do things with our children and youth. When people of different ages share something that they both are interested in, the sparks of friendship can ignite. Every year, I’m impressed to see even more examples of intergenerational friendship evolve naturally and organically. While it’s almost impossible to make such relationships grow, the community spirit here seems to foster them. And I love watching them.
I give thanks for all of the new friends that I meet at First Parish. I just attended the "Newcomer Breakfast," and loved hearing the stories from the newcomers. Just as I was about to declare this the best year ever for new friends, I realized I have this same thought every year. I really like how new people bring a fresh perspective and energy for us. Their presence is exciting and I’m especially happy to welcome this year’s new friends.
I also give thanks for our "tried and true" friends that have been around forever doing all those thankless tasks that keep this church thriving. There are many people in our community that do unbelievable amounts of work. It is too many people to mention by name and too many different jobs to even begin to make a list. As the Director of Religious Education, I try to regularly thank those many amazing "unsung heroes" of our children’s ministry program. While I’d like to give them a huge public thank you now, I’d also like to offer major thanks to everyone in this community who dedicates their volunteer hours to helping us out. We talk at pledge season about how every dollar helps, well … so does every helpful action. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Well, I’ve gone well past the space I usually get for a column and I could still keep on typing. Like I said, the gifts I see in our community are plentiful. And I am very grateful to be a part of all this! Blessed be and Amen.
Ladies Night Out:
Ladies, join us for some favorite FREE activities … shopping and dessert. On Tuesday, November 13th at 7pm, bring some clothes you no longer want and a small dessert to share. We will enjoy a clothing exchange while we chat, eat, and enjoy a fun evening out! And new to this year’s Ladies Night Out, come get glitter toes!! RSVP to Roberta (at 617-872-5145 or Roberta@chalicedreamer.net) if you plan to come as we might meet at someone’s home instead of the church.
Children’s Ministry Wish List:
Dress-up "costume" clothes that fit kids ranging from size 8 to adult
A working videorecorder to document the great skits our kids are creating this year
Volunteer positions:
We have worked hard to select programming for this year that is truly engaging for the kids while being easy to teach. Volunteering to help in our R.E. program has never been easier! Contact Roberta today to talk about what role could be perfect for you!! If you already know what role you’d like to help with, you can check the days we need help on the "volunteer schedule" link on the RE website at www.chalicedreamer.net.
Popcorn Theology for Youth and Adults:
On Sunday, November 25 from 6pm to 8:30pm: Youth Group sponsored intergenerational movie screening and discussion. Bring your dinner or dessert to munch on while we watch the movie. Check out the Sunday order-of-service or the Youth Group page of the RE website as it gets closer to find out what the movie selection is. (The movie will probably be rated PG-13, so youth must be 13 or older or have their parent’s permission to attend.)
Breakfast Chats:
On the second Sunday of every month, we are pleased to host monthly breakfast chats on important and relevant themes for our work here at First Parish. On November 11th at 9am, Mark Harris will lead the breakfast discussion on "Why it’s important to have Biblically literate children".
Adult RE:
The R.E. committee has heard the call for some more organization and enthusiasm in our Adult RE programming. We at First Parish actually have a great deal of adult RE programs happening, but information about those programs can be hard to find outside the monthly Arbella. Kelly Morton has agreed to be our R.E. specialist looking into what we can do to improve our Adult R.E. programming. Do you have any ideas you’d like to offer or see offered at First Parish? We would love to hear them! Contact Kelly at 781-899-3580 or kyskel@gmail.com. Roberta has suggested that we have an adult RE page on her RE website (at www.chalicedreamer.net). Like our families have had for the past year, now adults can know one convenient place that they always can find the latest information about the adult RE programs. If you are involved in organizing an adult RE program, please pass the details on to Roberta Roberta@chalicedreamer.net)
New UU Class
Mark Harris offers a class on First Parish and Unitarian Universalism twice a year in the fall and the spring. This fall there are three opportunities to participate in this Adult Education program. Newcomers are especially invited, but others are welcome, too. The three New UU Classes are scheduled as follows, and will all be held in the Conference Room upstairs at First Parish.
Sunday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 18 at 9:30 a.m.
These classes are based on the questions the participants bring to the session. Where did UUism begin? Are we Christian or not? Is it ok to be an Atheist here? If you look in last Sunday’s Globe Real Estate section, Watertown is the featured town. In the history two people are listed: Both FPW people! Charles Brigham, who designed our building, and Convers Francis, our Transcendentalist minister. Come learn more about our amazing history!
Charitable offerings/ Giving Boxes
Thanks so much to everyone for your generous monetary contributions to REACH Beyond Domestic Violence in October. We collected a total of $321.
Also thanks to those who brought in items for the residents of their shelter
The Giving Box for November and December will benefit the Grow Clinic Food Pantry at Boston Medical Center. Contributions should be non-perishable food items, but especially nutritious foods. There will be a Charitable Offering on November 18 for the Grow Clinic. This Grow Clinic giving box will culminate with our annual Christmas gift program in December.
The Charitable Offering in December is the Christmas Eve offering and the Guest at Your Table program.
Guest at Your Table 2007-2008
On November 18, 2007, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, our Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Guest at Your Table boxes will be distributed, a ritual enacted by hundreds of Unitarian Universalist communities nationwide.
These boxes are meant for all our members and friends to use to make daily contributions to a special guest – representing one of the many national and international programs sponsored by our service committee. More information on those guests will be available on the 18th and Sundays thereafter. The boxes are collected on Christmas Eve, or you can make your donation as near to December 25 as possible. Loose change collected over the month should be converted to a check made out to UUSC.
First Parish Choir
The First Parish Choir will be singing again on November 18. Even if you haven't sung with us before, think about joining us this time. We welcome new singers!!
Rehearsal times and performances:
Nov. 7 7:00 pm sanctuary
Nov. 14 7:00 pm sanctuary
Nov. 18 9:45 am rehearsal
11:00 am singing
News from the Obyat/Hussein Family
We are happy to report that our friends, Habis, Fatima, and Abood, have obtained official permission from the Customs and Immigration Service to remain in the United States for at least one more year. Their request package contained an impressive stack of letters from members and friends of First Parish. These were especially important, as they demonstrated conclusively the degree to which the community is committed to supporting the family. The request was approved very quickly, clearing the way for submission of humanitarian parole applications for the four Obyat children still remaining in Jordan.
Living conditions for Rasha, Abdulraheem, Abdallah, and Anhar continue to be extremely difficult. Their landlord has issued eviction notices, effective December 1, because he plans to sell the building in the near future. As of this writing, John Gallini, the Obyats’ volunteer attorney, is awaiting final documents from Jordan before filing the humanitarian parole applications. Once again, the many letters from members of our congregation, along with medical professionals and town officials, make an overwhelming case for allowing the children to rejoin their parents and brother here in Watertown. We can only hope that the Department of Homeland Security will agree.
Meanwhile, Habis, Fatima, and Abood continue to make the best of life in the face of so much uncertainty. Look for Habis in the children’s room of the library, where he is now a part-time staff member.
Youth Group Helps with Bicycle Collection
Many thanks to the FPW Youth Group for the help they provided for the Bikes Not Bombs bicycle collection on Saturday, October 13. It was a brisk Fall afternoon, perfect weather for the collection, and it was a record breaker! We collected 129 bikes that day, more than any previous bike collection. And more keep coming in. Giles and Zach worked hard at preparing the bikes for shipment, becoming quite proficient with pedal wrenches! Not to be outdone, Zach’s father Thom got in the act too. With 129 bikes to dismantle, they needed all the help they could get. Emma, Amy, Charlotte and Erin greeted the donors, collected cash, and directed bike traffic. Roberta led the girls in waving at cars to further publicize the event, and was perplexed at all the men who waved back. A special thanks to Giles for creating the unique flyer that publicized the collection, and that was distributed in the schools and posted around town. In addition to the bikes, we collected $700 in cash for Bikes Not Bombs to defray the cost of shipping the bikes overseas. We hope that this is the first of many collections that the youth group will support. Other sponsors included the World in Watertown, St. John’s Methodist Church, the Watertown Savings Bank, and the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. A final thanks to all the FPW people who contributed by donating their used bikes and their moral support.
Clean Up Day
Saturday, November 3, from 9:00 – 1:00 am
Feel the good earth sifting through your fingers!
Experience the thrill of a perfectly orchestrated pruning!
Gaze in wonder at a litter free landscape! Enjoy congenial conversations, comradeship and free coffee !
All this and more can be yours by joining Building and Grounds for our Annual Church Clean Up Day. By donating one or more hours of your time, you will be giving yourself the ultimate satisfaction of helping to beautify a local landmark – our very own First Parish of Watertown! We do need your energy and your expertise so please contact Nick Haddad or David Benson for details. Or, simply show up at the church on Saturday morning.
The Service Auction is coming
on Saturday, November 10!
Pot Luck dinner starts at 6:00pm and the Auction at 7:30pm. Children invited and childcare provided. Come for the pot luck or arrive in time for the Auction. Socialize and have some fun, see old friends and meet new people, Silent bidding on items until just before the live auction! Service Auction booklets are available at church and some items will be on display at social hour on November 4. This is the only Sunday for silent bidding this year. See you on November 10.
A Colorful, Entertaining, and Educational Multimedia Presentation by Carole Smith Berney
Watertown Photographer, Writer, and Nature Educator
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Watertown Library – 7:00 p.m.
Watertown Savings Bank Auditorium
You are invited to attend this delightful, combination multimedia/narrated show that celebrates, appreciates, and urges us to care for the natural spaces and wildlife in our town. Carole’s color photographic images of the Charles River, Mount Auburn Cemetery, and other public parks and private spaces (including gardens, trees, wildflowers, and wildlife that make these their home) will feature some humorous and surprising stories of animal encounters in our densely settled, semi-urban setting. Also celebrated will be local “green” efforts on the part of citizens and organizations to enhance the environmental health of our natural resources.
SPONSORED BY THE WATERTOWN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION'S
"A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT" GRANTMAKING PROGRAM
Co-Sponsored by Trees for Watertown,
Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety, and East End Neighbors
For more information, e-mail csberney@rcn.com
In it for the long haul...
Service Trips to New Orleans
Sponsored by Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul - helping people in the Gulf Coast region rebuild their homes, their neighborhoods, their communities and their lives for as long as it takes.
Please join us: First time and experienced volunteers are needed for a relief and recovery service trip to the New Orleans area to do rebuilding, painting (homes and schools), tutoring elementary students, and lots of listening with residents in several neighborhoods that were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina and subsequent flooding.
Dates:
Dec 2 - Dec 8 (adults and ages 15 up)
Feb 17 - Feb 22 (high school youth and adults)
Mar 16- Mar 22 (college students and adults)
May 18 - May 25 (college students and adults)
For more information see our bulletin board or contact Trip Coordinator, Janet Parsons at jdparsons@alumni.tufts.edu, or at 781-721-9010 or Trip Leader, Rev. Mary Harrington, mjhsealcove@comcast.net, or at 781-820-9193.
Raising our Voices!
Sunday, November 4
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
First Church in Roxbury
10 Putnam St.
Roxbury, MA02119
The UU Urban Ministry and Close to Home present Raising our Voices!, a domestic violence awareness event featuring a keynote address by State Rep. Gloria Fox speaking about her own personal experience of domestic violence and "Voices of Men," a one-man play by Ben Atherton-Zeman (http://www.voicesofmen.org) about domestic violence and sexual assault notable for its creative use of theatre to connect with a wide range of audiences.
Ben is a UU and a member of the First Parish in Littleton. His show is educational, heartwarming and addresses the need for people to be involved in acknowledging, ending and talking about domestic violence as well as becoming a resource for people who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. His main focus is getting men involved in this discussion.
For more information and directions to First Church in Roxbury, visit www.uuum.org or call (617) 318-6010
Following the performance there will be a reception and youth- and adult-led
discussions on a variety of topics including "How Youth Violence is Connected to Domestic Violence" and "How YOU Can Talk With Your Friends, Family and Community About Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault."
This event is presented in collaboration with Close to Home (http://www.close2home.org) a Domestic Violence program in Dorchester.
Amadeus
Friday & Saturday, November 9-10
at 8 pm at Follen Community Church
755 Mass. Ave. Lexington, MA 02420
Tickets available for a suggested donation of $15.
The Follen Players of Follen Community Church present Amadeus, Peter Shaffer's award-winning play about the last months of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life. The visually opulent movie version, directed by Milos Forman, won eight Oscars (including Best Picture) in 1985. The play is a darker work -- a psychologically enthralling and sometimes darkly humorous meditation on genius versus mediocrity, and on the apparent randomness with which God doles out both talent and good health.
This production of Amadeus is part of Follen Community Church's Concerts for a Cause series. All proceeds will benefit the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry.
For tickets and more information, call 781-862-3805 ext.205
UUSC Holiday Cards
As families celebrate the tradition of Guest at Your Table, many are preparing for the holidays. You can share special holiday greetings with your loved ones, while helping to make a difference in our world, by purchasing Unitarian Universalist Service Committee holiday cards. Visit www.uusc.org/holidaycards today.
Three beautiful new UUSC holiday cards are now available, including an original design by Holiday Card Contest winner Megan Miley of Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Goleta, Calif. Cards can be ordered on consignment or purchased directly.
Proceeds from the sale of holiday cards help UUSC advance justice and work for basic human rights in the name of UU principles. Order your holiday cards today!
Newsletter November 2007
Sermons and Worship Services
Sunday, November 4, 2007
“Get Happy” Mark W. Harris
What will make you happy? Some recent books suggest that we tend to look in all the wrong places. My study group wanted to take up this topic in the spring because they all felt so gloomy they figured that just talking about happiness might make us happy. Is that enough? We will dedicate William Carrasco at this service.
Music: Patricia deVore, Music Director
Greeters: Paul Dansereau/ Julie Miller
Social Hour: Kathy and David Warren
Sunday, November 11, 2007
“Lay Down Your Arms”
Andrea Greenwood
I have told folks once or twice that the only wisdom regarding parenting I
have learned is that it is much better to wait a day to clean up rice. My
sermon will not be about domestic battles at quite this level, but perhaps
this is a parable. If we set aside the goal of a clean rug or table, does the goal become being able to live with the mess? Or is it simply that waiting can be a more expedient way of achieving some of our goals? Many of us are in agreement about the value of laying down our arms, but what do we
take up in their stead? Is peace in the empty arms?
Music: Debbie Thompson, cello and Betsy Doriss, oboe
Greeters: Bob and Missy Shay
Social Hour: Teo Ellsworth, MaryHowe
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Intergenerational
Thanksgiving Service
We will have our annual Thanksgiving Service for all ages. Our ancient
church silver will be here, so that we might share an apple juice and corn
bread communion. Our adult choir and our children’s choir will sing, and
there should be a story or two.
Music: First Parish Choir
Greeters: Charmian Proskauer and Jim Felty
Social Hour: Holly Cachimuel and Paula Carnese
Sunday, November 25, 2007
“Pilgrim Fortiude” Mark W. Harris
Remember the series I began last year on the seven virtues? (Prudence, Justice Temperance ) It is time to start up again with “Fortitude.” Last summer when I read Nathaniel Philbrick’s bestseller Mayflower, I thought of fortitude many times. The Pilgrims never gave up. The Native American story is also one of never giving up. In the midst of that tragedy, perhaps there is a lesson to be learned.
Music: Patricia deVore, Music Director
Greeters: Habis Obyat/ Fatima Hussein
Social Hour : Michael and Anna Anctil
Captains’s Log
How is our faith made manifest in our lives? This is always the most important question. I knew what my column was going to be about after Andrea read me a brief passage from today’s Globe, which was replete with Red Sox victory headlines. The article was about the uncovering of child laborworkers in New Delhi, India in a factory operated by the Gap. It seems that children as young as 10 were spending 16 hours a day sewing clothes made by hand. The children had been sold to the factory operators by their parents, and were working under the guise of being trainees. As trainees, they were not paid. Children who were slaves basically made the clothes, and then, for those who shop at the Gap, there is the realization that these were perhaps the same clothes which were adorning our bodies. This is the kind of thing we prefer not to think about. Do we ever wonder whose hands labored over that shirt that says “Made in India” on the label that rubs against our neck? Cheering for the Red Sox is much easier on the guilt factor. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the Global economy, which is why it helps to think and act locally.
Recently I have been the recipient of some mouth watering, tasty delights (mostly!) prepared by Andrea as she figures out ways to cook some local vegetables we have been receiving as FPW member Susan Flint delivers our half of the joint full share in the Belmont organic farm. The Anctils have a share, too. You pay upfront, and then Gretta, the farmer grows the vegetables and distributes them to the folks who are part of this cooperative. We have had kohlrabi and celeriac and leeks stewed and brewed together in a lovely soup, that even fooled our non-vegetable eating sons to think it was potato soup. There have been some fabulous stir frys with Chinese cabbage and bok choy and carrots. I cooked one of these with soy sauce and rice wine vinegar and ginger. Maybe an auction item donation in the making? These distributions will end this month, and I am sure we will go back to eating fruits and vegetables that are trucked and flown in from who knows where. But being more local has its rewards.
It has certainly been a way to experiment with creative talents in the kitchen, and realize the impact of how we live. To live healthy lives, and build a healthy world is part of the challenge we all face. What kind of foods do we eat? Where do they come from? I am no saint when it comes to making good choices about foods. I eat my share of junk, and I am not always conscious of where my foods come from. But there has been a discernible change. This year, thanks to our First Parish shopping bags, we have begun to regularly use those canvas bags every time we shop. Now when I visit my son Joel’s restaurant in Portsmouth, my burrito is made on whole wheat rather than white. How can we take better care of ourselves? How can we take better care of the earth?
One First Parish answer may be opportunities to share the kinds of changes we have or would like to make in our lives. I believe one of the Green Sanctuary recommendations for action will be the establishment of groups called, Simplicity Circles. This will be an opportunity to learn more, and feel supported more as we try to live more green lives. I think these would
be useful ways for us to change our ways of living in the world.
I know many of you have made changes in your homes with new kinds of light bulbs, weather stripping, solar panels and the like. Long before the Environmental movement, the great architect and Unitarian Frank Lloyd Wright was advocating what he called organic architecture. Together Wright and the Unitarian minister, William Channing Gannett (think of the hymn, “It Sounds along the Ages”) collaborated on a volume called, The House Beautiful. The idea behind it was the “domestication of the Infinite” in “a building of God.” Gannett said the beautiful home could reflect nature’s simplest harmonies - good books, good company, simple and useful furniture, lovely flowers, and that with the togetherness of family life, there was a representation of God’s all inclusive creation. I discuss some of this in a recent paper I gave out in Amherst, (if you want to read the paper, go to : www.uusocietyamherst.org and scroll down to Mark Harris’ talk) A few weeks ago we saw an exhibit at the Portland, Maine Museum of Art called Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful, which reflected some of his thinking and designing.
Wright designed total living spaces which were a reflection of nature - floor to ceiling windows brought in the out of doors. His open floor plans echoed the natural prairies of the Midwest. This free-flowing open plan also redefined how the defined lives of the Victorian era, could be opened to boundless possibility. He was trying to create designs to soothe the soul, and bring it into harmony with nature. How can we come into closer harmony with the earth and each other? This is the implication of our faith, and we ask how is it reflected in our homes, our foods, our clothes, our cars -all of life. It is a big challenge, but it can be exciting. You should have tasted this soup. Act local, and the way we come to live, will indeed be global.
Mark
Among Us
Our deepest sympathy to Michelle Gaseau at the death of her father in September.
A warm welcome to William Carrasco son of Katreena and Larry, who will be dedicated in church on November 4.
The Boston Globe featured a special insert on October 28 on Diversity. Bob and Missy Shay’s son Keith is pictured on the cover along with his wife Lisa, and their son.
Faire on the Square
A special thanks to all who helped staff our FPW table at the Faire. Volunteers included Peter Cudhea, Paula Carnese, Judi Fitts, Eileen Ryan, Eric Chipman, Carole Berney, Bobbie Brown, Norah Mulvaney-Day, Brian Hebeisen, Martha Scott, David Morrison, and Mark Harris.
Handicapped Parking
When is the Handicapped Parking (HP) space reserved for HP use?
Answer: Always! Not just on Sunday morning. Please help us save this HP space (and the space next to it with the diagonal lines) for HP use. Thank you.
B and G Committee
R.E.flections by a chaliceD.R.E.amer
by Roberta Altamari
I feel like I should write a really informative column about religious education, but I can’t let go of what feels relevant to me right now … "the value of community". Words can’t express just how important and inspiring this community is. I will attempt to share my sincere appreciation.
I give thanks for the support that is so graciously offered by individuals during times of hardship. I’ve witnessed for years how great the First Parish community is at helping one another during hard times. But when my family had to recently deal with some challenges of our own, I experienced it first hand. The love of many of you really helped us through these past few months. And while it was quite impressive to see about twenty five friends and family (over half of them First Parish folks) turn out to help us move, it was even more amazing to discover just how much people cared about us and were willing to extend a helping hand in some way during the month.
I give thanks for the youth at First Parish. One of my goals this year is to help establish a strong Youth Group. With some of our youth bringing their friends, it has grown into a really nice group of teens. I was worried that adding this work onto my family situation and my usual DRE duties would be stressful, but it has instead been rejuvenating and inspiring. From hearing fun and silly conversations to supporting them in doing important social justice work, my time spent with our youth has been fascinating. We have a wonderful group of teens here at First Parish and it can be very enjoyable spending time with them.
I give thanks for meeting people who are different from me here. It’s easy to say that we are welcoming to anyone that comes here, but it can be scary to meet someone new … especially if that person seems really different from us. Teaching Tolerance sponsors "Mix It Up Day" every November to encourage kids to have lunch in their school cafeteria with someone they normally would never sit with. We recently encouraged our Youth Group to embrace this "breaking down the cultural barriers" by inviting the Obyat’s teenage son, Abood, to join our group. While our youth were nervous because they didn’t know what he’d be like and if he’d ruin their "group", he was even more nervous. So nervous that he declined our early invitations. But we persisted and he came. The amazing thing about when you do succeed in breaking down a wall, it is almost always a pleasant surprise. You find out what you share in common with the person. In the case of Abood, I realized what a smart, funny, and compassionate teen he is. I liked having him at our meetings. While it started out as us trying to do something nice for Abood, I think we got the biggest reward because we got another great teen in our youth group.
I give thanks for being a part of sincere intergenerational connections. I’ve seen the wonderful relationships that grow when adults take time to do things with our children and youth. When people of different ages share something that they both are interested in, the sparks of friendship can ignite. Every year, I’m impressed to see even more examples of intergenerational friendship evolve naturally and organically. While it’s almost impossible to make such relationships grow, the community spirit here seems to foster them. And I love watching them.
I give thanks for all of the new friends that I meet at First Parish. I just attended the "Newcomer Breakfast," and loved hearing the stories from the newcomers. Just as I was about to declare this the best year ever for new friends, I realized I have this same thought every year. I really like how new people bring a fresh perspective and energy for us. Their presence is exciting and I’m especially happy to welcome this year’s new friends.
I also give thanks for our "tried and true" friends that have been around forever doing all those thankless tasks that keep this church thriving. There are many people in our community that do unbelievable amounts of work. It is too many people to mention by name and too many different jobs to even begin to make a list. As the Director of Religious Education, I try to regularly thank those many amazing "unsung heroes" of our children’s ministry program. While I’d like to give them a huge public thank you now, I’d also like to offer major thanks to everyone in this community who dedicates their volunteer hours to helping us out. We talk at pledge season about how every dollar helps, well … so does every helpful action. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Well, I’ve gone well past the space I usually get for a column and I could still keep on typing. Like I said, the gifts I see in our community are plentiful. And I am very grateful to be a part of all this! Blessed be and Amen.
Ladies Night Out:
Ladies, join us for some favorite FREE activities … shopping and dessert. On Tuesday, November 13th at 7pm, bring some clothes you no longer want and a small dessert to share. We will enjoy a clothing exchange while we chat, eat, and enjoy a fun evening out! And new to this year’s Ladies Night Out, come get glitter toes!! RSVP to Roberta (at 617-872-5145 or Roberta@chalicedreamer.net) if you plan to come as we might meet at someone’s home instead of the church.
Children’s Ministry Wish List:
Dress-up "costume" clothes that fit kids ranging from size 8 to adult
A working videorecorder to document the great skits our kids are creating this year
Volunteer positions:
We have worked hard to select programming for this year that is truly engaging for the kids while being easy to teach. Volunteering to help in our R.E. program has never been easier! Contact Roberta today to talk about what role could be perfect for you!! If you already know what role you’d like to help with, you can check the days we need help on the "volunteer schedule" link on the RE website at www.chalicedreamer.net.
Popcorn Theology for Youth and Adults:
On Sunday, November 25 from 6pm to 8:30pm: Youth Group sponsored intergenerational movie screening and discussion. Bring your dinner or dessert to munch on while we watch the movie. Check out the Sunday order-of-service or the Youth Group page of the RE website as it gets closer to find out what the movie selection is. (The movie will probably be rated PG-13, so youth must be 13 or older or have their parent’s permission to attend.)
Breakfast Chats:
On the second Sunday of every month, we are pleased to host monthly breakfast chats on important and relevant themes for our work here at First Parish. On November 11th at 9am, Mark Harris will lead the breakfast discussion on "Why it’s important to have Biblically literate children".
Adult RE:
The R.E. committee has heard the call for some more organization and enthusiasm in our Adult RE programming. We at First Parish actually have a great deal of adult RE programs happening, but information about those programs can be hard to find outside the monthly Arbella. Kelly Morton has agreed to be our R.E. specialist looking into what we can do to improve our Adult R.E. programming. Do you have any ideas you’d like to offer or see offered at First Parish? We would love to hear them! Contact Kelly at 781-899-3580 or kyskel@gmail.com. Roberta has suggested that we have an adult RE page on her RE website (at www.chalicedreamer.net). Like our families have had for the past year, now adults can know one convenient place that they always can find the latest information about the adult RE programs. If you are involved in organizing an adult RE program, please pass the details on to Roberta Roberta@chalicedreamer.net)
New UU Class
Mark Harris offers a class on First Parish and Unitarian Universalism twice a year in the fall and the spring. This fall there are three opportunities to participate in this Adult Education program. Newcomers are especially invited, but others are welcome, too. The three New UU Classes are scheduled as follows, and will all be held in the Conference Room upstairs at First Parish.
Sunday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 18 at 9:30 a.m.
These classes are based on the questions the participants bring to the session. Where did UUism begin? Are we Christian or not? Is it ok to be an Atheist here? If you look in last Sunday’s Globe Real Estate section, Watertown is the featured town. In the history two people are listed: Both FPW people! Charles Brigham, who designed our building, and Convers Francis, our Transcendentalist minister. Come learn more about our amazing history!
Charitable offerings/ Giving Boxes
Thanks so much to everyone for your generous monetary contributions to REACH Beyond Domestic Violence in October. We collected a total of $321.
Also thanks to those who brought in items for the residents of their shelter
The Giving Box for November and December will benefit the Grow Clinic Food Pantry at Boston Medical Center. Contributions should be non-perishable food items, but especially nutritious foods. There will be a Charitable Offering on November 18 for the Grow Clinic. This Grow Clinic giving box will culminate with our annual Christmas gift program in December.
The Charitable Offering in December is the Christmas Eve offering and the Guest at Your Table program.
Guest at Your Table 2007-2008
On November 18, 2007, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, our Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Guest at Your Table boxes will be distributed, a ritual enacted by hundreds of Unitarian Universalist communities nationwide.
These boxes are meant for all our members and friends to use to make daily contributions to a special guest – representing one of the many national and international programs sponsored by our service committee. More information on those guests will be available on the 18th and Sundays thereafter. The boxes are collected on Christmas Eve, or you can make your donation as near to December 25 as possible. Loose change collected over the month should be converted to a check made out to UUSC.
First Parish Choir
The First Parish Choir will be singing again on November 18. Even if you haven't sung with us before, think about joining us this time. We welcome new singers!!
Rehearsal times and performances:
Nov. 7 7:00 pm sanctuary
Nov. 14 7:00 pm sanctuary
Nov. 18 9:45 am rehearsal
11:00 am singing
News from the Obyat/Hussein Family
We are happy to report that our friends, Habis, Fatima, and Abood, have obtained official permission from the Customs and Immigration Service to remain in the United States for at least one more year. Their request package contained an impressive stack of letters from members and friends of First Parish. These were especially important, as they demonstrated conclusively the degree to which the community is committed to supporting the family. The request was approved very quickly, clearing the way for submission of humanitarian parole applications for the four Obyat children still remaining in Jordan.
Living conditions for Rasha, Abdulraheem, Abdallah, and Anhar continue to be extremely difficult. Their landlord has issued eviction notices, effective December 1, because he plans to sell the building in the near future. As of this writing, John Gallini, the Obyats’ volunteer attorney, is awaiting final documents from Jordan before filing the humanitarian parole applications. Once again, the many letters from members of our congregation, along with medical professionals and town officials, make an overwhelming case for allowing the children to rejoin their parents and brother here in Watertown. We can only hope that the Department of Homeland Security will agree.
Meanwhile, Habis, Fatima, and Abood continue to make the best of life in the face of so much uncertainty. Look for Habis in the children’s room of the library, where he is now a part-time staff member.
Youth Group Helps with Bicycle Collection
Many thanks to the FPW Youth Group for the help they provided for the Bikes Not Bombs bicycle collection on Saturday, October 13. It was a brisk Fall afternoon, perfect weather for the collection, and it was a record breaker! We collected 129 bikes that day, more than any previous bike collection. And more keep coming in. Giles and Zach worked hard at preparing the bikes for shipment, becoming quite proficient with pedal wrenches! Not to be outdone, Zach’s father Thom got in the act too. With 129 bikes to dismantle, they needed all the help they could get. Emma, Amy, Charlotte and Erin greeted the donors, collected cash, and directed bike traffic. Roberta led the girls in waving at cars to further publicize the event, and was perplexed at all the men who waved back. A special thanks to Giles for creating the unique flyer that publicized the collection, and that was distributed in the schools and posted around town. In addition to the bikes, we collected $700 in cash for Bikes Not Bombs to defray the cost of shipping the bikes overseas. We hope that this is the first of many collections that the youth group will support. Other sponsors included the World in Watertown, St. John’s Methodist Church, the Watertown Savings Bank, and the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. A final thanks to all the FPW people who contributed by donating their used bikes and their moral support.
Clean Up Day
Saturday, November 3, from 9:00 – 1:00 am
Feel the good earth sifting through your fingers!
Experience the thrill of a perfectly orchestrated pruning!
Gaze in wonder at a litter free landscape! Enjoy congenial conversations, comradeship and free coffee !
All this and more can be yours by joining Building and Grounds for our Annual Church Clean Up Day. By donating one or more hours of your time, you will be giving yourself the ultimate satisfaction of helping to beautify a local landmark – our very own First Parish of Watertown! We do need your energy and your expertise so please contact Nick Haddad or David Benson for details. Or, simply show up at the church on Saturday morning.
The Service Auction is coming
on Saturday, November 10!
Pot Luck dinner starts at 6:00pm and the Auction at 7:30pm. Children invited and childcare provided. Come for the pot luck or arrive in time for the Auction. Socialize and have some fun, see old friends and meet new people, Silent bidding on items until just before the live auction! Service Auction booklets are available at church and some items will be on display at social hour on November 4. This is the only Sunday for silent bidding this year. See you on November 10.
A Colorful, Entertaining, and Educational Multimedia Presentation by Carole Smith Berney
Watertown Photographer, Writer, and Nature Educator
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Watertown Library – 7:00 p.m.
Watertown Savings Bank Auditorium
You are invited to attend this delightful, combination multimedia/narrated show that celebrates, appreciates, and urges us to care for the natural spaces and wildlife in our town. Carole’s color photographic images of the Charles River, Mount Auburn Cemetery, and other public parks and private spaces (including gardens, trees, wildflowers, and wildlife that make these their home) will feature some humorous and surprising stories of animal encounters in our densely settled, semi-urban setting. Also celebrated will be local “green” efforts on the part of citizens and organizations to enhance the environmental health of our natural resources.
SPONSORED BY THE WATERTOWN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION'S
"A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT" GRANTMAKING PROGRAM
Co-Sponsored by Trees for Watertown,
Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety, and East End Neighbors
For more information, e-mail csberney@rcn.com
In it for the long haul...
Service Trips to New Orleans
Sponsored by Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul - helping people in the Gulf Coast region rebuild their homes, their neighborhoods, their communities and their lives for as long as it takes.
Please join us: First time and experienced volunteers are needed for a relief and recovery service trip to the New Orleans area to do rebuilding, painting (homes and schools), tutoring elementary students, and lots of listening with residents in several neighborhoods that were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina and subsequent flooding.
Dates:
Dec 2 - Dec 8 (adults and ages 15 up)
Feb 17 - Feb 22 (high school youth and adults)
Mar 16- Mar 22 (college students and adults)
May 18 - May 25 (college students and adults)
For more information see our bulletin board or contact Trip Coordinator, Janet Parsons at jdparsons@alumni.tufts.edu, or at 781-721-9010 or Trip Leader, Rev. Mary Harrington, mjhsealcove@comcast.net, or at 781-820-9193.
Raising our Voices!
Sunday, November 4
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
First Church in Roxbury
10 Putnam St.
Roxbury, MA02119
The UU Urban Ministry and Close to Home present Raising our Voices!, a domestic violence awareness event featuring a keynote address by State Rep. Gloria Fox speaking about her own personal experience of domestic violence and "Voices of Men," a one-man play by Ben Atherton-Zeman (http://www.voicesofmen.org) about domestic violence and sexual assault notable for its creative use of theatre to connect with a wide range of audiences.
Ben is a UU and a member of the First Parish in Littleton. His show is educational, heartwarming and addresses the need for people to be involved in acknowledging, ending and talking about domestic violence as well as becoming a resource for people who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. His main focus is getting men involved in this discussion.
For more information and directions to First Church in Roxbury, visit www.uuum.org or call (617) 318-6010
Following the performance there will be a reception and youth- and adult-led
discussions on a variety of topics including "How Youth Violence is Connected to Domestic Violence" and "How YOU Can Talk With Your Friends, Family and Community About Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault."
This event is presented in collaboration with Close to Home (http://www.close2home.org) a Domestic Violence program in Dorchester.
Amadeus
Friday & Saturday, November 9-10
at 8 pm at Follen Community Church
755 Mass. Ave. Lexington, MA 02420
Tickets available for a suggested donation of $15.
The Follen Players of Follen Community Church present Amadeus, Peter Shaffer's award-winning play about the last months of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life. The visually opulent movie version, directed by Milos Forman, won eight Oscars (including Best Picture) in 1985. The play is a darker work -- a psychologically enthralling and sometimes darkly humorous meditation on genius versus mediocrity, and on the apparent randomness with which God doles out both talent and good health.
This production of Amadeus is part of Follen Community Church's Concerts for a Cause series. All proceeds will benefit the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry.
For tickets and more information, call 781-862-3805 ext.205
UUSC Holiday Cards
As families celebrate the tradition of Guest at Your Table, many are preparing for the holidays. You can share special holiday greetings with your loved ones, while helping to make a difference in our world, by purchasing Unitarian Universalist Service Committee holiday cards. Visit www.uusc.org/holidaycards today.
Three beautiful new UUSC holiday cards are now available, including an original design by Holiday Card Contest winner Megan Miley of Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Goleta, Calif. Cards can be ordered on consignment or purchased directly.
Proceeds from the sale of holiday cards help UUSC advance justice and work for basic human rights in the name of UU principles. Order your holiday cards today!