Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Arbella-March Newsletter 2008
First Parish of Watertown
Arbella
March 2008
The calendar on our website fpwatertown.org is being redone, so some March events may not be listed. We hope by April to have a new, current online calendar.
Sermons and Worship Services
Sunday March 2, 2008
“Gifts Galore” Mark W. Harris
What if we began to see all of life as a gift? Each day is the beginning of the rest of your life. Would that make us more generous with the gifts we give to others, to churches, to those things we love?
Greeters: TBA, Anne Harrington
Social Hour: John Chamberlain and Sarah McSweeney
Sunday March 9, 2008
A Green Sanctuary Day Mark Caggiano
Mark Caggiano will lead a service which includes participants from the Green Sanctuary Committee, and a presentation of the 12 action items for Green Sanctuary recognition. How can you help make us green? Mark will preach a homily on a related theme.
Greeters: Peter Cudhea, Sachie Karmacharya
Social Hour: John Portz and Meredith Montague
Sunday March 16, 2008
“Life after Life” Mark W. Harris
UUs sometimes turn the idea of life after death to ask the question, is there life after birth? Some say we only learn how to live when we accept our own death. In that context I am reading Drew Faust’s new book This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War. What are your beliefs about life after death? Is there one? Sermon talk back
Greeters: Tesi Kohlenberg and Tom Goodwillie
Social Hour: Sachie Karmacharya, Susan Lind-Sinanian
Special music: FPW members Karen Allendoerfer and Djalai Babazadeh
Sunday March 23, 2008
“Easter Everywhere” Mark W. Harris
My title derives from a memoir by Darcy Steinke. Steinke feels a kind of spiritual rootlessness in her life, and begins to overcome her sense of loneliness and misery when she experiences Easter everywhere. Could we do that? There will be a story and special music.
Greeters: Marianne and Michael Collins
Social Hour: Jeanne Cleary and Barry Greess
Sunday March 30, 2008
“Lies My Father Told Me” Mark W. Harris
My father always told me to tell the truth . . . in fact, my mother said the same thing. But we encounter times where it may be more moral to lie. Will Twombly asked me about this question, and when and if we can ever lie, and here is my answer!
Greeters: Judi Fitts and Carole Katz
Social Hour: Mike McCarthy and Dede Dussault
Captain’s Log
March is going to be a busy month at First Parish. You have many fine events (comedy night, potluck dinners, pancake breakfast and benefit concert) to choose from, and that is not even counting the Annual Dinner and Talent Show on April 5. I hope you have signed up for a canvass dinner, but if not, please remember that March is Canvass month. If you love being part of this community for the worship experiences, RE, music, fellowship or caring or all of the above, then we need your full support so that these programs can continue under full throttle. Please consider carefully how you will support the church this year, and fill out a pledge form in the next couple of weeks.
The last month or so has been a time when many of us have felt the weight of illnesses in the lives of those we love. One can hope that things will be better in the days ahead, but life offers no assurances of that. We are not safe now simply because we have endured something dreadful the day or week before. I suppose this can make us more cautious about how we go about living, but that might be a mistake. Life teaches us that we never know what lurks around the next corner. This means that now is the time to make amends or tell your loved ones that you love them, and not tomorrow.
This is one reason we cannot say that I am waiting for winter to turn to spring, and I am not really going to do anything or go out until it is nice weather. Easter this year is about as early as it can be. I can even remember after thirty years in the ministry that it is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. This year the equinox is on Thursday, March 20, and the full moon is on Good Friday. I have trudged through snow for Easter sunrise services before, and March 23 may bring the same. In New England we know we have to be prepared. The resurrection will come whether it is snowing or not.
This year we are bringing in Easter at First Parish with a pancake breakfast. I would like some help with this come snow or sun shine, and will invite you to volunteer in the next couple of weeks. Sharing a meal together and the events of our lives is what a true communion is all about. We are the divine made flesh through our caring and support of one another. This must happen come winter or spring, rain or shine. Easter happened once, and we celebrate it as a renewal of life and earth, but we know that Easter must keep happening in our lives over and over again. Sure there are big resurrections such as coming back from cancer treatments with a clean bill of health or recovering from an addiction or surviving a terrible loss, but most of us find, even in the middle of winter snow storms that we must deal with the next illness, or the next fight between children, or the latest financial crisis. We use all our wits, and all our love, and all our strength to come back and live and work and love another day. Easter in March is harder to understand perhaps, but it is more reflective of how life is really lived. We can’t wait for the good weather or the perfect time or right life, for we must share what love and hope we have right now. We don’t know what tomorrow may bring, so bring on that March resurrection. We are going to celebrate even if the snow is flying!
Mark
Among Us
Our deepest sympathy to Ric Calleja and his family at the recent death of Ric’s mother.
A warm welcome to Carmen Emerson who has recently become a member of First Parish. There will be a spring new member welcome.
Healing thoughts to our dear members and friends who have undergone operations recently.
News: Our own Paul Day was recently featured on the front page of the Watertown Tab as his alter ego, Billy Bob Neck
Giles Holt was featured on the same front page as Paul in a showcase of his glass blowing skills.
There was also a picture in the TAB of our FPW kids gathered for their social action day.
Comedy Night
Who?
Starring Brian Longwell, Billy Bob Neck and other local comics
Where?
First Parish Church of Watertown UU
35 Church Street
Watertown, MA
When?
Sat., March 1, 2008 at 8 P.M.
Refreshments available at 7 P.M.
Admission $12.00
Why?
Why Not? Also, to support First Parish Social Action
Note: This is not intended as an event for children. No child care will be available
Giving Boxes
Our First Parish Giving Boxes will continue to be for the benefit of the Watertown Food Pantry. Please bring in your nonperishable items. Our Charitable Offering in February was for the Food Pantry. The total collected was $295.50. Thanks for your generous gifts. There is no charitable offering in March. There will be Easter envelopes available to benefit the church.
Building Our Future!
This week begins our Canvass season! Our theme this year is Building Our Future. Sunday March 2 is Canvass Sunday, and then canvass dinners begin the following week. What is a canvass dinner? It is a time to get together with other First Parish members and friends to share good food and good company. During dinner, there is time to talk about hopes and dreams for First Parish and make a financial commitment to support the church. If you have not had the opportunity to sign up, please send an email to the church: fpwatertown@comcast.net or to John Portz - jportz@rcn.com. This is your last, best chance! Our FABULOUS Annual Dinner and Talent Show will be April 5 (watch for sign-ups downstairs in the social hall and watch for announcements). The culmination of this process is our Annual Meeting on April 27 after church when we review and approve the budget, and conduct any major business. There will be more information about that in the next newsletter. Since about 40% of the church's income comes from pledges, it's important to consider this time to be a reflective one to think about how you can make a financial impact on the life and the work of the church and our continuing ministry to the community and one another.
Annual Dinner and Talent Show
On Saturday, April 5 the Annual First Parish Dinner and Talent Show will take place at church. Culminating a canvass season themed "Building Our Future", the dinner theme is "Build the Best "!! Everyone is invited to bring a potluck offering to dazzle us with the dish you do best. Layer a lasagna or pile up a layer cake. What can you build for us to enjoy? Sign-up sheets for the potluck categories will be on the bulletin board in March. So start thinking about your talents for the meal. We hope to see everyone there!! Always a delicious event, please come and bring your favorite/ best food. The Fellowship Committee is helping with coordination and set-up.
Following our Annual Dinner on April 5th you can show off more talent at the FPW Annual Talent Show. This is your chance to share your gifts with the First Parish family. We are looking for a variety of short acts (3 to 5 minutes. Classical, pop, original, comical, dance, poetry) All talent is welcome as long as it comes from the heart. This is your chance to be a star. We are looking for someone to coordinate the talent, but in the meantime you can let the office know if you are interested in joining in the fun.
Rummage Sale Coming Up
Once again the First Parish Rummage Sale will be held the first Saturday in May, May 3. It’s not too early to start putting aside articles you would like to donate. We are looking for household and kitchen items, sports equipment, crafts, small electronics, toys and games, musical instruments, books, tapes & CD’s… anything you think someone else may enjoy. Contact Jane Knuttunen or Sue Kuder for more details.
Easter Pancake Breakfast
This year to celebrate Easter we are planning on having a pancake breakfast on Easter Sunday. The menu will include pancakes, sausage, fruit, orange juice, coffee, etc. Rev. Mark Harris is in charge of flipping the tasty confections, but is in need of assistance. Roger Kamm has already offered his services. Would you like to join the happy cooks? We will also need people to help set up and clean up ( especially so since the minister cannot preach with syrup and butter all over him, and will therefore need time to change). Pancake helpers sign-up by emailing
Mark at minister@fpwatertown.org
From the Fellowship Committee:
Mug Shots: If we don't already have your photo up on the members and friends board in the social hall, please feel free to bring in a 4 x 6 of you or your family for posting. Or, to request a photoshoot by Carole Berney, please contact her at csberney@rcn.com, or sign up on the photo list posted downstairs.
Where did all the...dish towels...go? Has someone taken them home for washing? If you have any knowledge of their whereabouts, please contact at the above address.
Meanwhile, the Committee will purchase new ones for the kitchen, with "First Parish" clearly marked on them."Green" initiative for social hour: We are planning an event that will
reduce First Parish's carbon footprint a bit. Look for more news about this April happening soon!
Easter and Spring Flowers
If you would like to order flowers to decorate the sanctuary for Easter, March 23 and then to take home, please fill out this form and mail it to the church or place it in the box on the church office door by Sunday, March 9 . Please make checks payable to First Parish. All plants come in 6" pots.Cost: $7 each.
Name:________________________________
Number of plants Color
____ Tulips ____ Pink ____White___Red ____ Orange____ Purple
____ Hyacinths _____ Pink ____ Blue ____ White
____Hydrangeas____Pink____Blue____White
____ Lilies
____ Jonquils
Total $ enclosed:_________
Please fill in below as you would like it printed in the order of service.
In memory of: ______________________________________
In honor of: ________________________________________
A gift from:________________________________________
Benefit Concert on March 29
Kimberly Fraser and Troy Mac Gillivray
Saturday, March 29, 2008, 8pm
First Parish of Watertown
35 Church Street, Watertown
Admission: $15 for adults, $10 for children (12 and under), maximum of $35 for a family
(See map and calculate directions on MapQuest)
For public transportation, check the MBTA web site.
Kimberly and Troy will perform individually and together on fiddle and piano in addition to step-dancing. See our flyer for information on the artists.
This concert will benefit the Matenwa Community Learning Center
The Matenwa Community Learning Center is a community based initiative for transformational change and sustainable development. It began in 1996, and was the vision of Chris Low and Jean Abner Sauveur. Recognizing every child's right to a meaningful education, and that education is the entry point for the eradication of poverty, the two educator-leaders teamed up to create their own dream. The project revolves around the school in Haiti. Matenwa is located on the island of La Gonave, one of four islands that make up Haiti. It is 30 miles of the coast of Port-au-Prince. The school has a two acre compound on this rural island, with four small buildings and a recreational field, offering classes to 230 children. Classes are given in the native Haitian Creole language with children beginning their schooling at age four. A new preschool is now being constructed. The school is especially concerned with understanding and respect for the environment. A vegetable garden is an active laboratory for the application of traditional studies, but this knowledge is also shared with families at home, so that crop production is increased along with knowledge of nutrition The school is also involved with fish cultivation and a tree nursery to help promote reforestation of the island. There is also a Water Committee working towards making access to water safer and easier. The school also has a breakfast program, an adult literary initiative, and a program to support women artists as well., Contributions can be made to Beyond Borders, PO Box 2132, Norristown, PA 19404-2132 or you may email Chris Low at Chriswlow@aol.com.
Maine Summer Rental Available
A beautiful vacation spot overlooking Rockland Harbor is available anytime after July 21. A cottage owned by Mark and Andrea sits overlooking the water in Owls Head, Maine. There is access to a very usable beach where there are kayaks and a row boat you can use. The magnificent view includes the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, the sites of the harbor, and the majestic Camden Hills. The cottage itself sits on a dirt road and has about an acre of woods behind it. It has a full kitchen, dining area, and large living room overlooking the water. Donwstairs is a family room and laundry. Upstairs are three bedrooms that sleep a maximum of ten. We have cable TV and internet access. There are lots of beaches, art galleries, museums, restaurants, shops and more in the area. Rental is $1,400 per week. Email Andrea for more info or pictures (themanse@comcast.net).
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
I recently had the pleasure of collaborating on several projects with others. What I like most about collaborating is that we build on each others ideas and create something better than what any one of us could have created by ourselves. That is merely one of many benefits from being in a community like First Parish!
As a religious educator, I belong to groups where I connect with other professionals doing similar work. A week or two ago, someone came up with the idea of doing a love communion … to have D.R.E.’s from across the country write to our email group about why they love being a part of our UU community. He then planned to share the variety of answers during a story-for-all-ages in his congregation. Many religious educators loved the idea and said they were going to copy the list for their own stories or newsletter articles. I liked the idea too, but I thought it would be even more interesting to share the answers to that question by members of our own congregation.
I initiated my own version of this project by asking our children. I invited them to meditate on “what is sweet about First Parish” as they let a chocolate candy melt in their mouth. This is what they said….
I love my church family!
Playing with people outside and talking to everyone at Social Hour.
Everybody in First Parish is kind.
Everybody is fun and kind.
The people are nice to me.
I like playing with the people here.
Playing outside with kids.
Candy.
Everyone is so kind.
I like how everyone is nice, kind, gentle, and different.
I like that the people are nice.
They did so well with it that I asked if anyone wanted to set up a table at Social Hour to offer adults the chance to contribute. Several youth enthusiastically raised their hands and did an amazing job of bringing this project to the larger First Parish community. Here are your wonderful answers (without names since I didn’t warn people I would be publishing their answers) …
First Parish is the warmest and most welcoming and friendly place of the UU churches I have visited over many years.
I like the people, the music, and our community. XOX
I like all my friends at FPW.
I love connecting with people at First Parish and learning how to be a better person. Same for my family.
The kids. The adults. The music. The love. The services. Lay services. Food at social hour. All the talent we have.
I really like the friendliness of all the people.
How the people get along with one another.
The care people show for one another.
I really love the people at First Parish church! And all the love around here …
I like the good food and company. I like that we are a “can do” community that is not afraid of challenges.
Lots of cool kids! Sweet!
I love being part of a community of generous and ethical people who care about the world and accept me and my family for who are are.
I love the community at First Parish. I like that there are people of all ages and interests who come to our church.
The people!
Wow! What a wonderful list!! And what an amazing community to be a part of!!! Amen and blessed be.
Thank you!
The youth group wishes to thank everyone who supported their Pasta Dinner to benefit Invisible Children. Thanks to your generosity and their hard work, we collected $240 for this grassroots, youth-led organization that helps children victimized by the 20 year genocide in Uganda. To learn more about this group, check out www.invisiblechildren.com.
Sunny Bunny Pals are coming!
Easter is early this year and so will be the arrival of some Sunny Bunny Pals to spread warmth throughout our community. Pals are folks of any age who wish to secretly share some good wishes with someone this season (and receive good wishes from another Pal). This involves sending two cards in the mail during March and then bringing a small homemade gift to your pal on Easter Sunday. To build intergenerational connection, we try to match Pals of different ages. To sign up, contact Kelly Morton at kyskel@gmail.com by Sunday, March 2 at Social Hour.
Breakfast Chat:
The Breakfast Chat this month will be on Sunday, March 9 at 9:30am. We will discuss the book, “The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of Children” by Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar. We have copies of the book … see Roberta if you wish to borrow one.
Fun Social Action … Come to a screening of Dottie’s Magic Pockets!
We will be hosting a FREE screening of "Dottie's Magic Pockets" - it is Super-riffic Gay Family Fun! What a great way to celebrate family diversity with our young children!! The screening will be held at church, on Saturday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m., but park on the street as the parking lot is for the bank. Created by production company Pink Pea, LLC (and featured on NPR's Marketplace) "Dottie's Magic Pockets" is filled with lovable puppets, fun cartoons, and catchy songs and dances your kids will love. You might even find yourself singing along! As a recent Lesbian News reviewer put it: "...this is something the whole family can enjoy ... Move over Mickey, make way..." To learn more about the show, see:DottiesMagicPockets.com. Come join in the fun at the "Dottie's Magic Pockets" screening event! And bring a few friends!! (This program is for younger kids, but older kids are needed to help with refreshments.) Contact Roberta Altamari if you have questions.
Recycling our clothing for Charity!
Join us on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30pm as we talk about one thing that many Americans buy too much of … new clothes. First, let’s learn about where our clothes really come from by watching a documentary, China Blue. Will we be inspired to think twice when we purchase new clothes? And considering the economic injustice, human rights, and environmental implications, are we better off reducing, reusing, and recycling our clothes more often? In that spirit, everyone is invited to bring nice clothing they no longer want to pass along to someone else in our community. All clothes brought can be purchased for $1 each with all monies going to the charity that the group picks to support. (This event is intended for adults and youth in 9th grade or above.)
Freud/Lewis discussion for teens/ adults:
Coming on March 30, April 6, and April 13 at 4:30pm, Karen Allendoerfer will lead a fascinating discussion group relevant for teens and adults on “The Question of God” (based on a book written by Dr. Armand Nicholi, who is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard and has taught a course on this material at Harvard for over 35 years). Guided by a PBS video and discussion guide that contrasts the writings of Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis, we will explore some fascinating topics…
Sunday, March 30 at 3pm: Transcendent Experience
Sunday, April 6 at 3pm: Love Thy Neighbor
Sunday, April 13 at 3pm: Moral Law
Ferry Beach
In case you don’t know, Roberta is a Ferry Beach booster. That means she is happy to answer any questions you might have about this awesome UU summer vacation experience. (as are many other First Parish youth and adults who have been to Ferry Beach and love it!) They have a wide variety of conferences to nurture your UU spirit as you also enjoy a fun vacation on the beach. They have great programs for youth, families, and adults. See Roberta for more details or check out the brochures at church. Or check them out on the web at www.ferrybeach.org
Revisiting Walden (Part I)
Working as a librarian at Brandeis University, I have the honor of auditing classes as part of my job – to experience what it is like to be an undergraduate, so that I may be a better teacher myself. This semester I am sitting in on a new course about Nature Writing, taught by Caren Irr of the English Department. First off, we studied Henry David Thoreau’s classic “Walden.” The following passages express some of my thoughts about revisiting Walden.
The first time I read “Walden” took place in either high school or college, don’t know when, but sometime in the Sixties. Did I read the book in its entirety? I don’t know that either, but the answer is probably yes, though I probably glossed over a lot of passages that made no sense to my limited intellectual ability. I am also saying yes to finishing the read, because I distinctly remember that during high school, dogged determination and infatuation with all things Peter O’Toole got me through T.E. Lawrence’s masterpiece, “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom”.
(Recall that O’Toole played “Lawrence of Arabia”) There were many, many passages that were truly Greek to me, but I ploughed through all six hundred something pages of “Wisdom” the summer of 1963. .
The second reading of Walden took place sometime in my early thirties. I don’t know why I chose that particular read. The impression that stuck with me at the time was that Henry David Thoreau was a fraud. Within walking distance of down town Concord, Walden Pond, with all the visitors and human activity of logging, fishing and ice harvesting, was hardly the place to get away from it all.
With this latest reading, I still think Henry David was a fraud, but, oh, what a fabulous fraud! If not for his writing, I suspect that Walden Pond would be a gated community surrounded by exclusive, extravagant homes, rather than a wonderful state park - possibly in better physical shape now than when Ralph Waldo Emerson owned the land and Henry David Thoreau lived as a squatter. Indirectly, we celebrate Thoreau every year on Martin Luther King Day. Henry David’s concept of civil disobedience continues to inspire citizen activists throughout the land. An organization to which I belong, Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety, “Watertown’s voice for peace, the environment, and social justice”, rings with Thoreuvian sentiments. Nevertheless, if Henry David were alive today, I would bet that he would shirk from all meetings. A book I randomly pulled off the Brandeis Library’s shelves, “Dark Thoreau”, by Richard Bridgeman, confirmed my notion that Thoreau disliked people and community more than he loved Nature.
The line I have chosen for this essay would not have caught my attention during earlier readings of “Walden”. In the first paragraph of the Conclusion, Thoreau tosses in the line, “The buck-eye does not grow in New England, and the mocking-bird is rarely heard here.” I could write an entire thesis about the mockingbird, but I shall not bore you, gentle reader, with all that I know or would like to know about Mimus polyglottos. Most people now know that the mockingbird was a rare visitor in New England until the Twentieth Century. A very charming children’s book by Thornton W. Burgess, “The Adventures of Mister Mocker” (1914) tells a story about other animals’ reactions to this invader from the South. Mister Mocker and Unc’ Billy Possum were in cahoots.
But the story I really want to tell you – and then I will get back to Thoreau – is about Anita Diamant and her 2005 novel, “The Last Days of Dogtown”. Allow me to quote a passage:
“A birdsong split the night silence and Judy Rhines held her breath, listening to the torrent of melody. She wanted to turn and ask, “It’s too late for mockingbirds, isn’t it?’” (p. 171)
When I read those lines, alarms went off inside my head. “It’s not too late for mockingbirds, it’s too early!” (TO BE CONTINUED)
Yours truly,
Katherine Button
The Amateur Historian
Making a Mark
Mark Caggiano, Student minister
In an effort to garner some practical benefit from my educational wanderings, I will be offering a series of talks this spring on Islam generally and the Qur’an specifically. Several people have mentioned that they are interested in learning more about Islam because of the prominent place the religion holds in current events. The Bush Administration and others have stirred up a frenzy of concern over “Islamofascism” but this is a term of recent birth and one that can be expanded to meet the needs of its opponents without concern for the facts on the ground.
To begin with, the life of the average Muslim has little or nothing to do with bullets and bombs. Timothy McVeigh was by no means a representative of white Christians generally, so it is absurd to paint so wide a brush stroke of concern when it comes to Muslims. The discussion of day to day domestic and religious practices of Muslims is an instructive way of understanding this community. Moreover, different ethnic groups and regions have different ideas about what it means to be a good Muslim. Some scholars try to create a semblance of orthodox practice, but in actuality there is a wide range of opinion on practices from secular Turkey to eclectic India.
The course of talks will be over three Sundays, either before or after service depending upon interest. We will begin with general discussions of practices, beginning with first person accounts of religious experiences. We will also review the larger common areas of observance, keeping in mind differences across the centuries and the globe.
In the second session, we will look at the differences among the different sects of Islam: Sunni, Shia, etc. The Sunni vs. Shia dispute in Iraq is a microcosm of the larger and longer schism that has existed among Muslims since the early years of Islam. We will also discuss Sufism, which is a subset of meditative, mystically oriented Muslims who can be found within each of the sects.
Finally, we will experience some of the practices of Islam, from hearing recitations of the Qur’an to exploring some Sufi meditative practices. For example, some Sufi groups hold that the universe originated as “music” – imagine the Big Bang as a note rather than an explosion. The vibratory aspects of the universe continue to offer the patient practitioner a window into deeper connection with the world and the divine.
If you are interested in the course, please let me know. We are looking to hold the sessions in April or May, but there is some flexibility. There will be a small fee for course material photocopies, but these are from obscure books that would be expensive for you to buy and very hard to find, so this is the most efficient way to go.
Mark C.
Film on Darfur
On Sunday, March 2 the Boston Area Returned Peace Corps Volunteers will present a screening of the film THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK, a film that addresses the atrocities taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan. The film will be shown at 2:30 at the Studio Cinema in Belmont, 376 Trapelo Road. Following the film, Victoria Smith, Educational Outreach Coordinator for THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK, will speak of her recent trip to the refugee camps in Chad for survivors of the genocide, and Irit Tamir of the Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur will lead a discussion of what works to help the people of Darfur. The screening is co-sponsored by numerous local groups, including Amnesty International Belmont/Watertown, Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety, and The World in Watertown. For more information e-mail events@barpcv.org or call 617 926-7814.
Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen House Concert
Sunday, March 16th, 7 PM
at the Goodwillie/ Kohlenberg House!
Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen, each well-known and loved for their decades of music making, have joined musical forces in a new duo, and are celebrating the release of their first CD together, Cross the Water. They will be performing at the Watertown home of Tesi Kohlenberg and Tommy Goodwillie on Sunday, March 16th at 7 PM. Reservations are required, and can be made by e-mailing Tesi at tesik@rcn.com.
Samples of Cindy and Grey's music can be heard at http://www.kalletlarsen.com/pages/page1
Cindy is a superb singer, guitarist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Grey is one of America's finest players of the Irish flute and tin whistle, as well as an accomplished singer and concertina, fiddle, piano and harmonium player. As composers each has contributed to the unique tapestry of contemporary folk and world music as it exists and flourishes in America today. Together, they weave songs and tunes of vibrant color and rich texture.r
Scott Alarik of The Boston Globe calls Cindy "...one of folk music's most respected songwriters... provocative, heartwise, and original ...a brilliant guitarist... ". Mike Joyce of the Washington Post calls Grey "... a gifted multi-instrumentalist who consistently demonstrates his melodic finesse," while The New Mexico Daily describes his playing as "positively spellbinding".
The duo's repertoire includes Cindy's sparkling original songs, distinctive settings of traditional Irish music, Scandinavian fiddle duets, old-time fiddle and guitar tunes from southern Indiana, and new music that Cindy and Grey are inventing together. There is plenty of variety and breadth of musical territory here, all deeply rooted in folk traditions, and interwoven with the renaissance and baroque counterpoint in which both Cindy and Grey, coincidentally, were immersed while growing up. Included are vocal duets, guitar, Irish flute, Irish alto flute, tin whistle, concertina, harmonium, and duet fiddling, and plenty of stories that put the music into a personal context. For more on Cindy and Grey, please visit http://www.kalletlarsen.com/
Tickets are $12-$15 for adults; half price for children, and can be reserved by e-mailing Tesi at tesik@rcn.com.
Want To Get Away?
WINE COUNTRY EXCURSION TO THE NAPA VALLEY
An hour north of San Francisco are the lush vineyards, world class wineries and picturesque small towns of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. We invite all UUs and friends to share the beauty of our “home” through the UU Fellowship of North Bay’s “Wine Country Excursions.”
We offer small customized two day tours of our valleys which can include wine tastings, art galleries, museums, scenic trails and much more. We provide private rooms with bath in the homes of our members and experienced guides to conduct tours in their cars.
Napa itself is alive and vibrant with galleries, boutique shops, world-class restaurants, wine tasting rooms and entertainment. Sites of special interest include COPIA (The American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts); Jack London’s home (now a state park); the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone; the diRosa Art and Nature Preserve.
Tours are offered from May through October. Plan for two days of touring and a two or three night stay with all local transportation provided. Home hospitality without tours is also available. Our fees are much below market rates for similar services. All proceeds to help our Fellowship grow and purchase property in this expensive real estate market. We have limited openings, so contact us now for details. Tom Wilson 707.254-7443 or 2wilsons1dog@comcast.net
“Napa was as delightful as I had expected. What was equally important and somewhat unexpected was the profound connections I felt with my hosts and hostesses.” Carol Lim, Los Angeles
Travel and Meet UUs
Stay inexpensively with fellow UUs and make new friends! We list more than 200 UU hosts all over North America who invite you to be a guest in their home. For a copy of the 2008 UU’re Home and a year’s access to the website listings, please click on “become a member” to pay be credit card on our secure site or mail is a check for $25 and your email address.
UU’re Home
43 Vermont Court
Ashheville, NC 28806
828-281-3253
VNA Hospice Care Needs Men and Women to Volunteer in Your Community
VNA Hospice Care, Inc., formerly known as Hospice Care, Inc., is a nonprofit organization serving patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Hospice Volunteers provide companionship to patients, respite time for family members, or help with errands. Our volunteers are men and women who come from diverse backgrounds and age ranges. Their common bond is a desire to share their time and compassion with others. Volunteers visit patients weekly, or on weekends. As some patients speak another language, there is also a need for people who speak English and a second language. Join us in this special opportunity. No previous experience necessary. VNA Hospice Care provides training and ongoing support. For more information, please call Lisa Palais at 781-569-2888.
Universalist Convocation
MAY 2-4, BARTON CENTER, OXFORD, MASS. Complete information will be available by March 1 at www.nmuc.org/Convo (please type in this entire address).
Survey for GLBTQ Youth and Adults!
The UU church is committed to celebrating free expression of sexual/gender orientation and many congregations have actively welcomed gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer members. I am a social work graduate student who was once a GLBTQ youth in the UU, and I'm conducting a survey with the support of the Mass Bay District of UU Churches as part of my community practice project, a requirement for graduation. My objective is to understand the experience of GLBTQ youth in the UU community, including to what extent GLBTQ youth feel supported in the church, what has contributed to their experience, either positive and/or negative, and whether or not there is a need for additional programs/services. Whether you identify as a GLBTQ youth or if you are an adult who was part of UU in your youth, I invite you to take part in this anonymous on-line survey and share your experience. By participating, you have the opportunity to win a $25 gift certificate to Best Buy. Website: www.surveymonkey.com/UUqueeryouth.
Pet Sitting
Birds are a Special interest.
Reasonable rates
References available
Call Tracy @ 781-652-9544
UU Planning Ahead
Listed below is some preliminary information about the annual Minns Lectures. Mark is very happy to be the Minns Lecturer this year. He hopes you will consider attending. He will give four talks in the Boston area, including one in Watertown (dates are below. We will give more details next time). The fifth talk will be given at General Assembly (GA is the annual meeting for the entire UU Association of congregations; about 1,050 in all ) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Maybe you would like to attend that one, too. This obviously means Mark will be attending GA this year. If you would like to learn more about GA, or would consider attending, please let him know.
Minns Lectures
The Minns lectures are an annual series of lectures on religious topics conducted under the auspices of the Minns Lectureship Committee, whose membership is composed of ministers and members of King's Chapel in Boston and the First Church of Boston. With the first lecture, given in 1942 by Walton E. Cole, this series established itself as an innovative force in Unitarian Universalist thought, and the lectures continue today as a source of creative theological and religious advancement.
2008 Lecture Series
Unitarian Universalism and Class
A Faith for a Few?
by Mark W. Harris
Lecture 1: A Class-bound Faith? 4/30/08
Lecture 2: Brahmin Culture for the Masses 5/1/08
Lecture 3: Universalist Piety and a Classless Heaven 5/6/08
Lecture 4: The Science of Salvation
Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 7:00 pm
in Watertown
Lecture 5: A Faith for a Few?
Arbella
March 2008
The calendar on our website fpwatertown.org is being redone, so some March events may not be listed. We hope by April to have a new, current online calendar.
Sermons and Worship Services
Sunday March 2, 2008
“Gifts Galore” Mark W. Harris
What if we began to see all of life as a gift? Each day is the beginning of the rest of your life. Would that make us more generous with the gifts we give to others, to churches, to those things we love?
Greeters: TBA, Anne Harrington
Social Hour: John Chamberlain and Sarah McSweeney
Sunday March 9, 2008
A Green Sanctuary Day Mark Caggiano
Mark Caggiano will lead a service which includes participants from the Green Sanctuary Committee, and a presentation of the 12 action items for Green Sanctuary recognition. How can you help make us green? Mark will preach a homily on a related theme.
Greeters: Peter Cudhea, Sachie Karmacharya
Social Hour: John Portz and Meredith Montague
Sunday March 16, 2008
“Life after Life” Mark W. Harris
UUs sometimes turn the idea of life after death to ask the question, is there life after birth? Some say we only learn how to live when we accept our own death. In that context I am reading Drew Faust’s new book This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War. What are your beliefs about life after death? Is there one? Sermon talk back
Greeters: Tesi Kohlenberg and Tom Goodwillie
Social Hour: Sachie Karmacharya, Susan Lind-Sinanian
Special music: FPW members Karen Allendoerfer and Djalai Babazadeh
Sunday March 23, 2008
“Easter Everywhere” Mark W. Harris
My title derives from a memoir by Darcy Steinke. Steinke feels a kind of spiritual rootlessness in her life, and begins to overcome her sense of loneliness and misery when she experiences Easter everywhere. Could we do that? There will be a story and special music.
Greeters: Marianne and Michael Collins
Social Hour: Jeanne Cleary and Barry Greess
Sunday March 30, 2008
“Lies My Father Told Me” Mark W. Harris
My father always told me to tell the truth . . . in fact, my mother said the same thing. But we encounter times where it may be more moral to lie. Will Twombly asked me about this question, and when and if we can ever lie, and here is my answer!
Greeters: Judi Fitts and Carole Katz
Social Hour: Mike McCarthy and Dede Dussault
Captain’s Log
March is going to be a busy month at First Parish. You have many fine events (comedy night, potluck dinners, pancake breakfast and benefit concert) to choose from, and that is not even counting the Annual Dinner and Talent Show on April 5. I hope you have signed up for a canvass dinner, but if not, please remember that March is Canvass month. If you love being part of this community for the worship experiences, RE, music, fellowship or caring or all of the above, then we need your full support so that these programs can continue under full throttle. Please consider carefully how you will support the church this year, and fill out a pledge form in the next couple of weeks.
The last month or so has been a time when many of us have felt the weight of illnesses in the lives of those we love. One can hope that things will be better in the days ahead, but life offers no assurances of that. We are not safe now simply because we have endured something dreadful the day or week before. I suppose this can make us more cautious about how we go about living, but that might be a mistake. Life teaches us that we never know what lurks around the next corner. This means that now is the time to make amends or tell your loved ones that you love them, and not tomorrow.
This is one reason we cannot say that I am waiting for winter to turn to spring, and I am not really going to do anything or go out until it is nice weather. Easter this year is about as early as it can be. I can even remember after thirty years in the ministry that it is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. This year the equinox is on Thursday, March 20, and the full moon is on Good Friday. I have trudged through snow for Easter sunrise services before, and March 23 may bring the same. In New England we know we have to be prepared. The resurrection will come whether it is snowing or not.
This year we are bringing in Easter at First Parish with a pancake breakfast. I would like some help with this come snow or sun shine, and will invite you to volunteer in the next couple of weeks. Sharing a meal together and the events of our lives is what a true communion is all about. We are the divine made flesh through our caring and support of one another. This must happen come winter or spring, rain or shine. Easter happened once, and we celebrate it as a renewal of life and earth, but we know that Easter must keep happening in our lives over and over again. Sure there are big resurrections such as coming back from cancer treatments with a clean bill of health or recovering from an addiction or surviving a terrible loss, but most of us find, even in the middle of winter snow storms that we must deal with the next illness, or the next fight between children, or the latest financial crisis. We use all our wits, and all our love, and all our strength to come back and live and work and love another day. Easter in March is harder to understand perhaps, but it is more reflective of how life is really lived. We can’t wait for the good weather or the perfect time or right life, for we must share what love and hope we have right now. We don’t know what tomorrow may bring, so bring on that March resurrection. We are going to celebrate even if the snow is flying!
Mark
Among Us
Our deepest sympathy to Ric Calleja and his family at the recent death of Ric’s mother.
A warm welcome to Carmen Emerson who has recently become a member of First Parish. There will be a spring new member welcome.
Healing thoughts to our dear members and friends who have undergone operations recently.
News: Our own Paul Day was recently featured on the front page of the Watertown Tab as his alter ego, Billy Bob Neck
Giles Holt was featured on the same front page as Paul in a showcase of his glass blowing skills.
There was also a picture in the TAB of our FPW kids gathered for their social action day.
Comedy Night
Who?
Starring Brian Longwell, Billy Bob Neck and other local comics
Where?
First Parish Church of Watertown UU
35 Church Street
Watertown, MA
When?
Sat., March 1, 2008 at 8 P.M.
Refreshments available at 7 P.M.
Admission $12.00
Why?
Why Not? Also, to support First Parish Social Action
Note: This is not intended as an event for children. No child care will be available
Giving Boxes
Our First Parish Giving Boxes will continue to be for the benefit of the Watertown Food Pantry. Please bring in your nonperishable items. Our Charitable Offering in February was for the Food Pantry. The total collected was $295.50. Thanks for your generous gifts. There is no charitable offering in March. There will be Easter envelopes available to benefit the church.
Building Our Future!
This week begins our Canvass season! Our theme this year is Building Our Future. Sunday March 2 is Canvass Sunday, and then canvass dinners begin the following week. What is a canvass dinner? It is a time to get together with other First Parish members and friends to share good food and good company. During dinner, there is time to talk about hopes and dreams for First Parish and make a financial commitment to support the church. If you have not had the opportunity to sign up, please send an email to the church: fpwatertown@comcast.net or to John Portz - jportz@rcn.com. This is your last, best chance! Our FABULOUS Annual Dinner and Talent Show will be April 5 (watch for sign-ups downstairs in the social hall and watch for announcements). The culmination of this process is our Annual Meeting on April 27 after church when we review and approve the budget, and conduct any major business. There will be more information about that in the next newsletter. Since about 40% of the church's income comes from pledges, it's important to consider this time to be a reflective one to think about how you can make a financial impact on the life and the work of the church and our continuing ministry to the community and one another.
Annual Dinner and Talent Show
On Saturday, April 5 the Annual First Parish Dinner and Talent Show will take place at church. Culminating a canvass season themed "Building Our Future", the dinner theme is "Build the Best "!! Everyone is invited to bring a potluck offering to dazzle us with the dish you do best. Layer a lasagna or pile up a layer cake. What can you build for us to enjoy? Sign-up sheets for the potluck categories will be on the bulletin board in March. So start thinking about your talents for the meal. We hope to see everyone there!! Always a delicious event, please come and bring your favorite/ best food. The Fellowship Committee is helping with coordination and set-up.
Following our Annual Dinner on April 5th you can show off more talent at the FPW Annual Talent Show. This is your chance to share your gifts with the First Parish family. We are looking for a variety of short acts (3 to 5 minutes. Classical, pop, original, comical, dance, poetry) All talent is welcome as long as it comes from the heart. This is your chance to be a star. We are looking for someone to coordinate the talent, but in the meantime you can let the office know if you are interested in joining in the fun.
Rummage Sale Coming Up
Once again the First Parish Rummage Sale will be held the first Saturday in May, May 3. It’s not too early to start putting aside articles you would like to donate. We are looking for household and kitchen items, sports equipment, crafts, small electronics, toys and games, musical instruments, books, tapes & CD’s… anything you think someone else may enjoy. Contact Jane Knuttunen or Sue Kuder for more details.
Easter Pancake Breakfast
This year to celebrate Easter we are planning on having a pancake breakfast on Easter Sunday. The menu will include pancakes, sausage, fruit, orange juice, coffee, etc. Rev. Mark Harris is in charge of flipping the tasty confections, but is in need of assistance. Roger Kamm has already offered his services. Would you like to join the happy cooks? We will also need people to help set up and clean up ( especially so since the minister cannot preach with syrup and butter all over him, and will therefore need time to change). Pancake helpers sign-up by emailing
Mark at minister@fpwatertown.org
From the Fellowship Committee:
Mug Shots: If we don't already have your photo up on the members and friends board in the social hall, please feel free to bring in a 4 x 6 of you or your family for posting. Or, to request a photoshoot by Carole Berney, please contact her at csberney@rcn.com, or sign up on the photo list posted downstairs.
Where did all the...dish towels...go? Has someone taken them home for washing? If you have any knowledge of their whereabouts, please contact at the above address.
Meanwhile, the Committee will purchase new ones for the kitchen, with "First Parish" clearly marked on them."Green" initiative for social hour: We are planning an event that will
reduce First Parish's carbon footprint a bit. Look for more news about this April happening soon!
Easter and Spring Flowers
If you would like to order flowers to decorate the sanctuary for Easter, March 23 and then to take home, please fill out this form and mail it to the church or place it in the box on the church office door by Sunday, March 9 . Please make checks payable to First Parish. All plants come in 6" pots.Cost: $7 each.
Name:________________________________
Number of plants Color
____ Tulips ____ Pink ____White___Red ____ Orange____ Purple
____ Hyacinths _____ Pink ____ Blue ____ White
____Hydrangeas____Pink____Blue____White
____ Lilies
____ Jonquils
Total $ enclosed:_________
Please fill in below as you would like it printed in the order of service.
In memory of: ______________________________________
In honor of: ________________________________________
A gift from:________________________________________
Benefit Concert on March 29
Kimberly Fraser and Troy Mac Gillivray
Saturday, March 29, 2008, 8pm
First Parish of Watertown
35 Church Street, Watertown
Admission: $15 for adults, $10 for children (12 and under), maximum of $35 for a family
(See map and calculate directions on MapQuest)
For public transportation, check the MBTA web site.
Kimberly and Troy will perform individually and together on fiddle and piano in addition to step-dancing. See our flyer for information on the artists.
This concert will benefit the Matenwa Community Learning Center
The Matenwa Community Learning Center is a community based initiative for transformational change and sustainable development. It began in 1996, and was the vision of Chris Low and Jean Abner Sauveur. Recognizing every child's right to a meaningful education, and that education is the entry point for the eradication of poverty, the two educator-leaders teamed up to create their own dream. The project revolves around the school in Haiti. Matenwa is located on the island of La Gonave, one of four islands that make up Haiti. It is 30 miles of the coast of Port-au-Prince. The school has a two acre compound on this rural island, with four small buildings and a recreational field, offering classes to 230 children. Classes are given in the native Haitian Creole language with children beginning their schooling at age four. A new preschool is now being constructed. The school is especially concerned with understanding and respect for the environment. A vegetable garden is an active laboratory for the application of traditional studies, but this knowledge is also shared with families at home, so that crop production is increased along with knowledge of nutrition The school is also involved with fish cultivation and a tree nursery to help promote reforestation of the island. There is also a Water Committee working towards making access to water safer and easier. The school also has a breakfast program, an adult literary initiative, and a program to support women artists as well., Contributions can be made to Beyond Borders, PO Box 2132, Norristown, PA 19404-2132 or you may email Chris Low at Chriswlow@aol.com.
Maine Summer Rental Available
A beautiful vacation spot overlooking Rockland Harbor is available anytime after July 21. A cottage owned by Mark and Andrea sits overlooking the water in Owls Head, Maine. There is access to a very usable beach where there are kayaks and a row boat you can use. The magnificent view includes the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, the sites of the harbor, and the majestic Camden Hills. The cottage itself sits on a dirt road and has about an acre of woods behind it. It has a full kitchen, dining area, and large living room overlooking the water. Donwstairs is a family room and laundry. Upstairs are three bedrooms that sleep a maximum of ten. We have cable TV and internet access. There are lots of beaches, art galleries, museums, restaurants, shops and more in the area. Rental is $1,400 per week. Email Andrea for more info or pictures (themanse@comcast.net).
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
I recently had the pleasure of collaborating on several projects with others. What I like most about collaborating is that we build on each others ideas and create something better than what any one of us could have created by ourselves. That is merely one of many benefits from being in a community like First Parish!
As a religious educator, I belong to groups where I connect with other professionals doing similar work. A week or two ago, someone came up with the idea of doing a love communion … to have D.R.E.’s from across the country write to our email group about why they love being a part of our UU community. He then planned to share the variety of answers during a story-for-all-ages in his congregation. Many religious educators loved the idea and said they were going to copy the list for their own stories or newsletter articles. I liked the idea too, but I thought it would be even more interesting to share the answers to that question by members of our own congregation.
I initiated my own version of this project by asking our children. I invited them to meditate on “what is sweet about First Parish” as they let a chocolate candy melt in their mouth. This is what they said….
I love my church family!
Playing with people outside and talking to everyone at Social Hour.
Everybody in First Parish is kind.
Everybody is fun and kind.
The people are nice to me.
I like playing with the people here.
Playing outside with kids.
Candy.
Everyone is so kind.
I like how everyone is nice, kind, gentle, and different.
I like that the people are nice.
They did so well with it that I asked if anyone wanted to set up a table at Social Hour to offer adults the chance to contribute. Several youth enthusiastically raised their hands and did an amazing job of bringing this project to the larger First Parish community. Here are your wonderful answers (without names since I didn’t warn people I would be publishing their answers) …
First Parish is the warmest and most welcoming and friendly place of the UU churches I have visited over many years.
I like the people, the music, and our community. XOX
I like all my friends at FPW.
I love connecting with people at First Parish and learning how to be a better person. Same for my family.
The kids. The adults. The music. The love. The services. Lay services. Food at social hour. All the talent we have.
I really like the friendliness of all the people.
How the people get along with one another.
The care people show for one another.
I really love the people at First Parish church! And all the love around here …
I like the good food and company. I like that we are a “can do” community that is not afraid of challenges.
Lots of cool kids! Sweet!
I love being part of a community of generous and ethical people who care about the world and accept me and my family for who are are.
I love the community at First Parish. I like that there are people of all ages and interests who come to our church.
The people!
Wow! What a wonderful list!! And what an amazing community to be a part of!!! Amen and blessed be.
Thank you!
The youth group wishes to thank everyone who supported their Pasta Dinner to benefit Invisible Children. Thanks to your generosity and their hard work, we collected $240 for this grassroots, youth-led organization that helps children victimized by the 20 year genocide in Uganda. To learn more about this group, check out www.invisiblechildren.com.
Sunny Bunny Pals are coming!
Easter is early this year and so will be the arrival of some Sunny Bunny Pals to spread warmth throughout our community. Pals are folks of any age who wish to secretly share some good wishes with someone this season (and receive good wishes from another Pal). This involves sending two cards in the mail during March and then bringing a small homemade gift to your pal on Easter Sunday. To build intergenerational connection, we try to match Pals of different ages. To sign up, contact Kelly Morton at kyskel@gmail.com by Sunday, March 2 at Social Hour.
Breakfast Chat:
The Breakfast Chat this month will be on Sunday, March 9 at 9:30am. We will discuss the book, “The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of Children” by Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar. We have copies of the book … see Roberta if you wish to borrow one.
Fun Social Action … Come to a screening of Dottie’s Magic Pockets!
We will be hosting a FREE screening of "Dottie's Magic Pockets" - it is Super-riffic Gay Family Fun! What a great way to celebrate family diversity with our young children!! The screening will be held at church, on Saturday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m., but park on the street as the parking lot is for the bank. Created by production company Pink Pea, LLC (and featured on NPR's Marketplace) "Dottie's Magic Pockets" is filled with lovable puppets, fun cartoons, and catchy songs and dances your kids will love. You might even find yourself singing along! As a recent Lesbian News reviewer put it: "...this is something the whole family can enjoy ... Move over Mickey, make way..." To learn more about the show, see:DottiesMagicPockets.com. Come join in the fun at the "Dottie's Magic Pockets" screening event! And bring a few friends!! (This program is for younger kids, but older kids are needed to help with refreshments.) Contact Roberta Altamari if you have questions.
Recycling our clothing for Charity!
Join us on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30pm as we talk about one thing that many Americans buy too much of … new clothes. First, let’s learn about where our clothes really come from by watching a documentary, China Blue. Will we be inspired to think twice when we purchase new clothes? And considering the economic injustice, human rights, and environmental implications, are we better off reducing, reusing, and recycling our clothes more often? In that spirit, everyone is invited to bring nice clothing they no longer want to pass along to someone else in our community. All clothes brought can be purchased for $1 each with all monies going to the charity that the group picks to support. (This event is intended for adults and youth in 9th grade or above.)
Freud/Lewis discussion for teens/ adults:
Coming on March 30, April 6, and April 13 at 4:30pm, Karen Allendoerfer will lead a fascinating discussion group relevant for teens and adults on “The Question of God” (based on a book written by Dr. Armand Nicholi, who is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard and has taught a course on this material at Harvard for over 35 years). Guided by a PBS video and discussion guide that contrasts the writings of Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis, we will explore some fascinating topics…
Sunday, March 30 at 3pm: Transcendent Experience
Sunday, April 6 at 3pm: Love Thy Neighbor
Sunday, April 13 at 3pm: Moral Law
Ferry Beach
In case you don’t know, Roberta is a Ferry Beach booster. That means she is happy to answer any questions you might have about this awesome UU summer vacation experience. (as are many other First Parish youth and adults who have been to Ferry Beach and love it!) They have a wide variety of conferences to nurture your UU spirit as you also enjoy a fun vacation on the beach. They have great programs for youth, families, and adults. See Roberta for more details or check out the brochures at church. Or check them out on the web at www.ferrybeach.org
Revisiting Walden (Part I)
Working as a librarian at Brandeis University, I have the honor of auditing classes as part of my job – to experience what it is like to be an undergraduate, so that I may be a better teacher myself. This semester I am sitting in on a new course about Nature Writing, taught by Caren Irr of the English Department. First off, we studied Henry David Thoreau’s classic “Walden.” The following passages express some of my thoughts about revisiting Walden.
The first time I read “Walden” took place in either high school or college, don’t know when, but sometime in the Sixties. Did I read the book in its entirety? I don’t know that either, but the answer is probably yes, though I probably glossed over a lot of passages that made no sense to my limited intellectual ability. I am also saying yes to finishing the read, because I distinctly remember that during high school, dogged determination and infatuation with all things Peter O’Toole got me through T.E. Lawrence’s masterpiece, “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom”.
(Recall that O’Toole played “Lawrence of Arabia”) There were many, many passages that were truly Greek to me, but I ploughed through all six hundred something pages of “Wisdom” the summer of 1963. .
The second reading of Walden took place sometime in my early thirties. I don’t know why I chose that particular read. The impression that stuck with me at the time was that Henry David Thoreau was a fraud. Within walking distance of down town Concord, Walden Pond, with all the visitors and human activity of logging, fishing and ice harvesting, was hardly the place to get away from it all.
With this latest reading, I still think Henry David was a fraud, but, oh, what a fabulous fraud! If not for his writing, I suspect that Walden Pond would be a gated community surrounded by exclusive, extravagant homes, rather than a wonderful state park - possibly in better physical shape now than when Ralph Waldo Emerson owned the land and Henry David Thoreau lived as a squatter. Indirectly, we celebrate Thoreau every year on Martin Luther King Day. Henry David’s concept of civil disobedience continues to inspire citizen activists throughout the land. An organization to which I belong, Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety, “Watertown’s voice for peace, the environment, and social justice”, rings with Thoreuvian sentiments. Nevertheless, if Henry David were alive today, I would bet that he would shirk from all meetings. A book I randomly pulled off the Brandeis Library’s shelves, “Dark Thoreau”, by Richard Bridgeman, confirmed my notion that Thoreau disliked people and community more than he loved Nature.
The line I have chosen for this essay would not have caught my attention during earlier readings of “Walden”. In the first paragraph of the Conclusion, Thoreau tosses in the line, “The buck-eye does not grow in New England, and the mocking-bird is rarely heard here.” I could write an entire thesis about the mockingbird, but I shall not bore you, gentle reader, with all that I know or would like to know about Mimus polyglottos. Most people now know that the mockingbird was a rare visitor in New England until the Twentieth Century. A very charming children’s book by Thornton W. Burgess, “The Adventures of Mister Mocker” (1914) tells a story about other animals’ reactions to this invader from the South. Mister Mocker and Unc’ Billy Possum were in cahoots.
But the story I really want to tell you – and then I will get back to Thoreau – is about Anita Diamant and her 2005 novel, “The Last Days of Dogtown”. Allow me to quote a passage:
“A birdsong split the night silence and Judy Rhines held her breath, listening to the torrent of melody. She wanted to turn and ask, “It’s too late for mockingbirds, isn’t it?’” (p. 171)
When I read those lines, alarms went off inside my head. “It’s not too late for mockingbirds, it’s too early!” (TO BE CONTINUED)
Yours truly,
Katherine Button
The Amateur Historian
Making a Mark
Mark Caggiano, Student minister
In an effort to garner some practical benefit from my educational wanderings, I will be offering a series of talks this spring on Islam generally and the Qur’an specifically. Several people have mentioned that they are interested in learning more about Islam because of the prominent place the religion holds in current events. The Bush Administration and others have stirred up a frenzy of concern over “Islamofascism” but this is a term of recent birth and one that can be expanded to meet the needs of its opponents without concern for the facts on the ground.
To begin with, the life of the average Muslim has little or nothing to do with bullets and bombs. Timothy McVeigh was by no means a representative of white Christians generally, so it is absurd to paint so wide a brush stroke of concern when it comes to Muslims. The discussion of day to day domestic and religious practices of Muslims is an instructive way of understanding this community. Moreover, different ethnic groups and regions have different ideas about what it means to be a good Muslim. Some scholars try to create a semblance of orthodox practice, but in actuality there is a wide range of opinion on practices from secular Turkey to eclectic India.
The course of talks will be over three Sundays, either before or after service depending upon interest. We will begin with general discussions of practices, beginning with first person accounts of religious experiences. We will also review the larger common areas of observance, keeping in mind differences across the centuries and the globe.
In the second session, we will look at the differences among the different sects of Islam: Sunni, Shia, etc. The Sunni vs. Shia dispute in Iraq is a microcosm of the larger and longer schism that has existed among Muslims since the early years of Islam. We will also discuss Sufism, which is a subset of meditative, mystically oriented Muslims who can be found within each of the sects.
Finally, we will experience some of the practices of Islam, from hearing recitations of the Qur’an to exploring some Sufi meditative practices. For example, some Sufi groups hold that the universe originated as “music” – imagine the Big Bang as a note rather than an explosion. The vibratory aspects of the universe continue to offer the patient practitioner a window into deeper connection with the world and the divine.
If you are interested in the course, please let me know. We are looking to hold the sessions in April or May, but there is some flexibility. There will be a small fee for course material photocopies, but these are from obscure books that would be expensive for you to buy and very hard to find, so this is the most efficient way to go.
Mark C.
Film on Darfur
On Sunday, March 2 the Boston Area Returned Peace Corps Volunteers will present a screening of the film THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK, a film that addresses the atrocities taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan. The film will be shown at 2:30 at the Studio Cinema in Belmont, 376 Trapelo Road. Following the film, Victoria Smith, Educational Outreach Coordinator for THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK, will speak of her recent trip to the refugee camps in Chad for survivors of the genocide, and Irit Tamir of the Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur will lead a discussion of what works to help the people of Darfur. The screening is co-sponsored by numerous local groups, including Amnesty International Belmont/Watertown, Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety, and The World in Watertown. For more information e-mail events@barpcv.org or call 617 926-7814.
Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen House Concert
Sunday, March 16th, 7 PM
at the Goodwillie/ Kohlenberg House!
Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen, each well-known and loved for their decades of music making, have joined musical forces in a new duo, and are celebrating the release of their first CD together, Cross the Water. They will be performing at the Watertown home of Tesi Kohlenberg and Tommy Goodwillie on Sunday, March 16th at 7 PM. Reservations are required, and can be made by e-mailing Tesi at tesik@rcn.com.
Samples of Cindy and Grey's music can be heard at http://www.kalletlarsen.com/pages/page1
Cindy is a superb singer, guitarist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Grey is one of America's finest players of the Irish flute and tin whistle, as well as an accomplished singer and concertina, fiddle, piano and harmonium player. As composers each has contributed to the unique tapestry of contemporary folk and world music as it exists and flourishes in America today. Together, they weave songs and tunes of vibrant color and rich texture.r
Scott Alarik of The Boston Globe calls Cindy "...one of folk music's most respected songwriters... provocative, heartwise, and original ...a brilliant guitarist... ". Mike Joyce of the Washington Post calls Grey "... a gifted multi-instrumentalist who consistently demonstrates his melodic finesse," while The New Mexico Daily describes his playing as "positively spellbinding".
The duo's repertoire includes Cindy's sparkling original songs, distinctive settings of traditional Irish music, Scandinavian fiddle duets, old-time fiddle and guitar tunes from southern Indiana, and new music that Cindy and Grey are inventing together. There is plenty of variety and breadth of musical territory here, all deeply rooted in folk traditions, and interwoven with the renaissance and baroque counterpoint in which both Cindy and Grey, coincidentally, were immersed while growing up. Included are vocal duets, guitar, Irish flute, Irish alto flute, tin whistle, concertina, harmonium, and duet fiddling, and plenty of stories that put the music into a personal context. For more on Cindy and Grey, please visit http://www.kalletlarsen.com/
Tickets are $12-$15 for adults; half price for children, and can be reserved by e-mailing Tesi at tesik@rcn.com.
Want To Get Away?
WINE COUNTRY EXCURSION TO THE NAPA VALLEY
An hour north of San Francisco are the lush vineyards, world class wineries and picturesque small towns of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. We invite all UUs and friends to share the beauty of our “home” through the UU Fellowship of North Bay’s “Wine Country Excursions.”
We offer small customized two day tours of our valleys which can include wine tastings, art galleries, museums, scenic trails and much more. We provide private rooms with bath in the homes of our members and experienced guides to conduct tours in their cars.
Napa itself is alive and vibrant with galleries, boutique shops, world-class restaurants, wine tasting rooms and entertainment. Sites of special interest include COPIA (The American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts); Jack London’s home (now a state park); the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone; the diRosa Art and Nature Preserve.
Tours are offered from May through October. Plan for two days of touring and a two or three night stay with all local transportation provided. Home hospitality without tours is also available. Our fees are much below market rates for similar services. All proceeds to help our Fellowship grow and purchase property in this expensive real estate market. We have limited openings, so contact us now for details. Tom Wilson 707.254-7443 or 2wilsons1dog@comcast.net
“Napa was as delightful as I had expected. What was equally important and somewhat unexpected was the profound connections I felt with my hosts and hostesses.” Carol Lim, Los Angeles
Travel and Meet UUs
Stay inexpensively with fellow UUs and make new friends! We list more than 200 UU hosts all over North America who invite you to be a guest in their home. For a copy of the 2008 UU’re Home and a year’s access to the website listings, please click on “become a member” to pay be credit card on our secure site or mail is a check for $25 and your email address.
UU’re Home
43 Vermont Court
Ashheville, NC 28806
828-281-3253
VNA Hospice Care Needs Men and Women to Volunteer in Your Community
VNA Hospice Care, Inc., formerly known as Hospice Care, Inc., is a nonprofit organization serving patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Hospice Volunteers provide companionship to patients, respite time for family members, or help with errands. Our volunteers are men and women who come from diverse backgrounds and age ranges. Their common bond is a desire to share their time and compassion with others. Volunteers visit patients weekly, or on weekends. As some patients speak another language, there is also a need for people who speak English and a second language. Join us in this special opportunity. No previous experience necessary. VNA Hospice Care provides training and ongoing support. For more information, please call Lisa Palais at 781-569-2888.
Universalist Convocation
MAY 2-4, BARTON CENTER, OXFORD, MASS. Complete information will be available by March 1 at www.nmuc.org/Convo (please type in this entire address).
Survey for GLBTQ Youth and Adults!
The UU church is committed to celebrating free expression of sexual/gender orientation and many congregations have actively welcomed gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer members. I am a social work graduate student who was once a GLBTQ youth in the UU, and I'm conducting a survey with the support of the Mass Bay District of UU Churches as part of my community practice project, a requirement for graduation. My objective is to understand the experience of GLBTQ youth in the UU community, including to what extent GLBTQ youth feel supported in the church, what has contributed to their experience, either positive and/or negative, and whether or not there is a need for additional programs/services. Whether you identify as a GLBTQ youth or if you are an adult who was part of UU in your youth, I invite you to take part in this anonymous on-line survey and share your experience. By participating, you have the opportunity to win a $25 gift certificate to Best Buy. Website: www.surveymonkey.com/UUqueeryouth.
Pet Sitting
Birds are a Special interest.
Reasonable rates
References available
Call Tracy @ 781-652-9544
UU Planning Ahead
Listed below is some preliminary information about the annual Minns Lectures. Mark is very happy to be the Minns Lecturer this year. He hopes you will consider attending. He will give four talks in the Boston area, including one in Watertown (dates are below. We will give more details next time). The fifth talk will be given at General Assembly (GA is the annual meeting for the entire UU Association of congregations; about 1,050 in all ) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Maybe you would like to attend that one, too. This obviously means Mark will be attending GA this year. If you would like to learn more about GA, or would consider attending, please let him know.
Minns Lectures
The Minns lectures are an annual series of lectures on religious topics conducted under the auspices of the Minns Lectureship Committee, whose membership is composed of ministers and members of King's Chapel in Boston and the First Church of Boston. With the first lecture, given in 1942 by Walton E. Cole, this series established itself as an innovative force in Unitarian Universalist thought, and the lectures continue today as a source of creative theological and religious advancement.
2008 Lecture Series
Unitarian Universalism and Class
A Faith for a Few?
by Mark W. Harris
Lecture 1: A Class-bound Faith? 4/30/08
Lecture 2: Brahmin Culture for the Masses 5/1/08
Lecture 3: Universalist Piety and a Classless Heaven 5/6/08
Lecture 4: The Science of Salvation
Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 7:00 pm
in Watertown
Lecture 5: A Faith for a Few?