Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Arbella - May Newsletter 2009
First Parish of Watertown
Arbella
May 2009
For calendar of events please go to our member page.
Sermons and Topics
Sunday, May 3, 2009 11:00 a.m
“Walking Together”
Rev. Andrea Greenwood
This is the title of a book about how our congregations are organized, and it came to mind when I heard from Marianne Collins about the friends with whom she literally walks. We say that you don't have to think alike to love alike, but what happens when your beliefs really do conflict with those whom you care about? This is an auction sermon.
Andrea Greenwood is a former minister and DRE of First Parish.
Music: First Parish Choir is singing.
Social Hour: Roger & Judy Kamm
Greeters: Lee Pierce and Dede Dussault
Sunday, May 10, 2009 11:00 a.m.
"Unexpected Blessings"
Rev. Susan Criscione
Renewal House, a program of the UU Urban Ministry, is a domestic violence shelter in Roxbury that primarily serves women fleeing violent living situations. In the past year our staff went through extensive training so that our shelter would become GLBT inclusive. This process has taught all of our staff about the unexpected blessings of truly serving all people. And in the midst of this we have been aware of the limitless bounds of transformative love and healing - in a context of care and respect. As we celebrate Mother's Day - let us remember and honor those women who have gone before us and continue to walk beside us even today - to show us the possibility of true grace, true humility, true power.
Susan Criscione is the director of Renewal House.
Social Hour: Lani Gerson and Chris Kjellson
Greeters: Charlyn Bethell, Guy and Martha Urban
Sunday, May 17, 2009 11:00 a.m.
"Manifesting Our Heart's Desire"
Rev. Rali Weaver
Many of the new wave belief systems talk about the abundance of the universe and manifesting our heart's desire. Rev. Weaver will explore abundance theologies from Norman Vincent Peale to "The Secret" and try to find out what if any insight they might offer us.
The Rev. Rali M. Weaver is the Parish Minister at the First Church and Parish in Dedham.
Social Hour: Jeanne Cleary & Barry Greess
Greeters: Carole Katz and Sachie Karmacharya
Sunday, May 24, 2009 11:00 a.m.
“Come Sing a Song with Me”
Charlyn Bethell
This service will be a “hymn-along”, a service to sing some of your favorite hymns. I will be asking you to tell me some of your favorite ones, along with some protest-era songs that you might enjoy singing. Then along with Guy, me, and some of my favorite folk band musicians, we will play traditional and creative accompaniments. This should be a blast!
Charlyn Bethell is Music Director of First Parish of Watertown.
Social Hour: TBA
Greeters: Julie Miller & Paul Dansereau
Sunday, May 31, 2009 11:00 a.m.
“Vision” Christopher Johnson
What are the various elements to seeing? How do we view our world, others, and ourselves. When we don't like what we see, is it what we're looking at, or how we're looking at it?
Christopher Johnson is a member of First Parish. Chris currently works at Brandeis University at its International Business School.
Music: Folk Song Society
Social Hour: Susan Lind-Sinanian and Anne Harrington
Greeters: Judy & Roger Kamm
Captains Log
by Andrea Greenwood
This year I have had an opportunity to visit more UU churches on Sunday mornings than is usually the case. I have been a modern day circuit rider, preaching in local congregations; and also was in Atlanta one weekend. My normal life is fairly circumscribed -- though I prefer to think of it as environmentally friendly: I walk to church, and the library, and the post office; I see the same people and live locally. I bloom where I am planted; all that. And I am a closet writer, literally. When I work, I go into my closet, where there is a computer, a space heater, a clay mask of the Greenwoman I made one summer at Ferry Beach (a UU camp), and a carved wooden plate which was given to me at my installation here in Watertown back in 1992. So it has been interesting to be out and about, on the road, and out of the closet. There has been a reclaiming of my identity, which I imagine happens to many women of a certain age who have shifted professional gears in response to family situations, health concerns, and other pressing needs. It has been nice to have a chance to dabble in preaching again; and in some cases to see former members of this congregation now chairing committees in suburban churches.
At church in Atlanta, though, I was jealous. It was such a vibrant organization: walking in there were greeters, staffed tables, printed literature, directions for R.E. families, photographs of recent activities, multiple social action and social service opportunities, and classes, retreats, workshops being offered. There were two different musical groups assisting with the service, and lots of hi-tech devices which let different leaders participate easily from various spots in the room. Lights dimmed during meditation time, and came up during the sermon -- all by magic. I felt bad; reminded of how nice it would be to have the kind of space and energy and funding that was present in their congregation; to feel carried by something so active. And it did not have any negative “big church” feel: people were friendly and warm, the service had all the components of lay participation and collaboration throughout. Of course I counted, and there were 270 people there; the second service on a very stormy Sunday. But 270 people in that space (UUCA, a concrete building with a sanctuary built as an ampitheatre, with the pulpit down in the pit area, and circular seating rising up in about 30 tiers) felt about the same as 65 in ours -- comfortably attended, but not full.
As the service went on, my jealousy receded. They seemed just like us. Instead of noticing what they did better or had more of, I noticed how they had some of the same problems. Announcements. Parts of the service that went on too long. References to things a new person might not know about. Not everyone knowing the hymns. It felt like home! I had gone to church wanting to experience this congregation, and I hadn’t realized that I would immediately compare it to my own. That just happened, spontaneously, and I felt inadequate, jealous and frustrated; wanting some of what they had for myself. But as I sat through it, I felt that really, they were not any better; that we are the same in many ways, and that in fact Watertown does some things exceptionally well.
It is good to bloom where we are planted; to be happy and engaged in the places where we live. But it is also wonderful to get out and have a chance to see how others do it; to learn and think about new possibilities -- not because we believe that someone else has a better thing going on, but because we are all the same. As I have been working on this book that Mark and I are writing, introducing Unitarian and Universalist traditions, our identity as religious liberals is very much on my mind. Articulating what makes us who we are; how pulpit centered white steepled churches with organs in New England embrace the same values as poured concrete kivas with no pulpit and music by electric guitars (seriously, the offertory was Bruce Springsteen! -- or, rather, someone playing Bruce Springsteen) -- this is an opportunity to think more deeply; and richly; about who we are as a people, and why; what we hold dear.
And it is also an opportunity to change; to bring the things we learn back home; to keep improving upon what we do here. Getting out can challenge our assumptions, and free us in new ways. It wasn’t true that the systematic organization of so many activities made the Atlanta church better than this one; within 20 minutes, they felt pretty similar. And it isn’t true that a big church feels less intimate or more formal. About 600 people attended services that morning, and it felt about the same as it does here. Who we are is not about numbers in this way; it is about how we live in this world. And I would like to see a whole lot more of us. Maybe we can think about our space, our seating, our parking, the timing of our services, how we balance the need for talk among us with formal readings, etc. -- these little details -- and look at how they impact who we are, and what we really want to define us. I think we are more than we know we are.
See you in church!
Andrea, filling in for Mark
Religious Education
Planting seeds…
May-may be my favorite time of year, filled with growth and unfolding beauty. I especially love the unexpected small wonders that burst forth from the earth at this time of year, bulbs and seeds long forgotten under the winter snows are shouting out for joy and reminding me to smile. They also remind me that we are all given the opportunity to share in the wonders of the Earth and to honor the Earth through our stewardship of the environment. There are these moments in each day, moments in which we each can express our love of the Earth and of each other by planting small seeds of kindness -a smile, a touch, a moment of connection, these are the seeds we plant. We plant seeds and wait. We all have the opportunity plant the seeds of our Unitarian Universalist faith and of our caring community in our children and youth whenever we are with them. Our actions and words are the seeds we plant-seeds that may remain hidden for a long time and burst forth in joy in the most unexpected moments. We plant seeds and wait.
We will be planting many seeds during this month of May. During the early weeks of May the children and youth in our Religious Education programs are learning about the Earth and Indigenous cultures, while at the same time exploring old and new ways to conserve, sustain and protect the Earth. One way in which we will honor the Earth is to dig in and plant seeds for the future, literally. We are planting radishes, pumpkins, sunflowers and nasturtiums. We hope to harvest our radishes by June, watch for sunflowers and nasturtiums through the summer and return to the possibility of pumpkins in the fall.
The Religious Education Committee has been hard at work this spring discussing next year and the programs we will offer. We have determined that we are ready for some more change! This fall we will begin our new church year as a co-operative program. On May 24th during social hour we will begin 2009-2010 registration for returning families in the RE program. We will continue to register families through the end of the church year in June. On the registration forms please note the section where you may choose your preference of volunteer position. Each family with a child(ren) registered in the RE program is asked to volunteer during the year. There are twenty-nine “teaching” Sundays during the year, each Sunday there are four classrooms in which we need two adult teacher/volunteers. In addition there are 5 Sundays in which all the children/youth are together in activity groups. There are also teaching opportunities in programs that require additional teacher training such as Our Whole Lives. There are opportunities to volunteer as “on call” substitute teachers, pageant assistants, and one-time special event volunteers. To distribute the responsibility equally among the registered families each family should plan to sign up for a minimum of eight teaching/volunteer slots during the year. Please
take some time to consider where your talents might best be shared as you complete your registration information. Once we have received the registration forms the RE committee and myself will try our best to honor requests and assign individuals to classroom groups. The individuals in each classroom group will work together to determine when they are available to teach and rotate in the classroom(s) through the year. You may choose to divide your volunteer time in more than one classroom. We will try to honor these requests as well.
The Religious Education Committee has also determined that we will offer the 4-5 grade Our Whole Lives program for our youth this fall from September through December. The 8th grade Our Whole Lives program will be offered beginning in March 2010 in collaboration with First Parish Needham. Families with youth who may participate in these programs will be receiving letters with additional information later this spring. Based upon projected numbers of youth in this age group the RE committee has decided that the Coming of Age program will not be offered during the 2009-2010 year.
As we move quickly toward the end of our church year there is still much work to be done. We will complete our Green web/Indigenous cultures mini term and plan for our Youth Sunday worship service honoring many of our children and youth. The RE committee and I will be reviewing curricula and planning for next year, planting the seeds for our coming year together. I hope that you too will plant some seeds this spring!
I wish you all the warmth of the sun and bursts of unexpected joy!
Namaste,
Debra Zagaeski (Director of Religious Education)
Musically Speaking
by Charlyn Bethell
It is surprising to me that we only have eight more services until summer comes! Let me give you a heads-up on some of the music that is to come in those weeks.
As we embark on the month of May, get ready for the First Parish Choir singing two songs of the season on May 3rd. One is by Thomas Morley, a fine Renaissance composer from England; this light-hearted piece is called "Now is the Month of Maying". The second piece has us look ahead a bit to Memorial Day with a piece called Flanders Fields. This uses the moving, poetic text of Dr. John McCrae, as he remembered World War I soldiers.
Later in the month, on May 24th to be exact, will be a service that I am calling a "Hymn-along". We will be singing some of our favorite songs, either hymns from our hymnals or some of our favorite protest-era songs. I have asked some people from the Talent Show band to join us for some special accompaniments. Please jot down your favorite hymns and/or songs so I can plan this service. I can't do this without your help!!! I promise it will be lively. Since it is Memorial Day weekend, many people will be away, so if you are in town, be sure to come to church to help us fill out the songs.
On May 31st, we will have the talents of the Folk Song Society with us. They will be doing the prelude, offertory and meditation while Guy plays the hymns on piano.
Both the children and youth choirs will sing on Youth Sunday, June 14th. The children will be singing some multicultural songs and the youth will be doing something to surprise you.
Julie Searles and Matthew Allen, a voice/guitar duo, will sing Brazilian jazz for us at the Flower service, June 21st. They may include their two daughters as well!
The First Parish Choir is planning some community service in June. We will sing at Brigham House and possibly something by the river in early June. Our last time to sing at a church service will be June 7th.
Lastly, if you are planning to host a summer service, please let me help you plan the music. I can help you get connected to the music you need to further your message.
Enjoy spring, and I look forward to seeing you in church.
Green Up Your Electricity!
Electricity seems clean in your house, but in reality it is quite dirty to produce. Most of the electricity in Massachusetts comes from burning coal, oil, and natural gas. These all pollute the air, water and land and are major contributors to global warming. In addition, coal burning is the main contributor to toxic levels of mercury in many fish.
As some of you may know we have solar panels on our home’s roof that generate about half of our electricity. For many people (most?) this is not practical due to financial constraints, limitations of the site such as shading from trees, or other reasons such as people renting rather than owning a house. You care about the environment and are concerned about where your electricity comes from – what are you to do?
Now you have a choice! NSTAR is offering NSTAR Green to customers in Watertown. NSTAR Green is electric power generated from wind turbines at Maple Ridge Wind Farm in upstate New York, which then flows into the New England power grid. It only costs a little bit extra to get this clean green electricity. An average customer with a monthly bill of $100 a month would see their bill increase about $7 per month to get 100% wind energy.
To enroll in NSTAR Green or get more info go to:
http://www.nstar.com/residential/customer_information/nstar_green/nstar_green.asp
NSTAR Green has been certified by Green-e Energy, a respected independent certifier of green energy so you can feel confident that it is for real (for those who don’t trust utilities).
National Grid electric customers have similar choices. Visit National Grid’s website or www.massenergy.com for more info. Mass Energy also has an option for towns like Belmont that have municipal electric utilities. This is the same product that Watertown residents purchased to get solar panels for the High School.
We are using NSTAR Green for the electricity that doesn’t come from our solar panels and love knowing that all our electricity comes from clean green sources. First Parish is also in the process of signing up for NSTAR Green so you can feel good about the electricity used to light our services.
So what are you waiting for? Do something today! It only takes a minute to enroll.
Brian Hebeisen
Newsletter by Email
Do you have email? Do you get the newsletter in snail mail?
Save a tree!
Save a stamp or two! (rates are about to go up again!)
Get your newsletter faster!
Email fpwatertown@comcast.net if you could start getting your newsletter on email rather than paper.
Walking Dish Towels
I know that when I do the laundry, one sock gets lost and sometimes reappears some time later. A similar phenomenon is happening with the dishtowels at FPW, except that they never seem to reappear!! Where do they go?? If anyone has our towels, marked with a large FPW, please return them to the social hour cabinet in the kitchen.
That being said, if anyone can donate some towels marked with FPW- 4 of 5 new ones disappeared within a month- we would appreciate it as it is another way to increase our “green-ness” and not use disposable towels.
Many thanks from all who use the kitchen and from the Fellowship Committee in particular.
Summer Services
GREETINGS ALL. It’s that time of year again to consider leading one of our Lay-led Summer Services.
As many of you already know, UUs kind of take the summer “off” from regular services – but, as many of you also know, we UUs are a rebellious sort, and so we at First Parish decided a few years ago to use SIX weeks of the summer for Lay-led (“Lay” meaning congregants as opposed to clergy) services. These services can look similar to a regular service, with hymns and a talk and joys and sorrows, etc, OR (more often than not) it can take a different form – group singing, a circle meditating on nature images, a meditation - whatever you think as the leader might be inspiring, connecting, fun or a potentially meaningful shared experience.
Here are a few of the past titles, just to give you an idea, (but not to limit your thinking!):
“Favorite Sources” – Roberta Altamari
“Slowing Down” – Kyle Hart
“Nature’s Restorative Powers: A
Participatory Service - Carole Berney
“On Prayer” – Jeanne Cleary
“Theme and Variation” – Charlyn Bethel
“Messages from Thoreau” – Wendell Refior
“Pilgrimage” – Chris Johnson
A Worship Committee member will be present for each service to assist with set up. We have a handy dandy guide sheet with tips for making it all work smoothly including info on help with arranging music. And it’s fun, it’s easy and you are among beloved friends, so please consider signing up for this wonderful opportunity to lead a summer service!
Here are the dates:
June 28
July 5
July 12
July 19
July 26
Aug 2
Summer services begin at 9:30 (to beat the heat of the day).
If you are interested, please email Jeanne Cleary (jecleary@comcast.net) with any questions or with your preferred date and topic.
Spring Work Day
Saturday, May 9 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Bring a rake or pruners. We'll clean and groom the grounds, do some planting, possibly some carpentry. Coffee and bagels provided. No need to spend 4 hours; just the amount of time that works for you. Please send an e-mail to Nick Haddad (nickhaddad1@gmail.com) if you can join us, and indicate the time frame you have available.
We will work in sun, cloudy weather, or in a light rain. If it's pouring, we may reschedule for the following Saturday.
Thanks,
Buildings and Grounds Committee
Finance Committee News
Thanks to all who attended the April 26 Annual Meeting, asked great questions and voted. The support of the congregation is particularly gratifying to the Finance Committee as we head into the most economically challenging time any of us has ever experienced. It is a testimony to the dedication of everyone in the First Parish community to the church and one another that members and friends have pledged all they can financially to maintain the church and its programs despite the difficult economic times. And that, of course, is in addition to all the personal time and effort everyone contributes to the church.
This dedication to our community was particularly evident in this year’s canvass, starting with the unprecedented turnout at the canvass suppers, continuing with a pledge drive that despite the economic hard times has resulted in 63 pledges totaling more than $106,000, and culminating in a tasty and talent laden Annual Dinner masterfully MC’d by Jill and Barbara. While this year’s canvass did not raise quite as much as last year’s, it was nonetheless the second most successful canvass in church history.
Because pledging was as strong as it was, and because we have a $10,000 surplus to carry over from last year’s budget, we were able to develop a budget for 2009-2010 that enables us to maintain our staff and offer them a 3% salary increase, bring on a new student minister, continue to offer a vibrant RE program and maintain our buildings without making significant reductions in program spending. Our major budget reduction was in the Building Fund, which we funded with $5,000 based on Building & Grounds’ request for capital projects next year. The Building Fund is normally budgeted for $12,000, but we decided to fund it at this lower level because there is already $15,000 accumulated in the fund from prior years.
While we know that this coming year will be challenging, if everyone continues to show the same dedication to keeping First Parish the vibrant, supportive and welcoming community we all want it to be, we will succeed.
Rummage Sale Saturday, May 2: Remember to drop off your donations to the Rummage Sale Friday evening, May 1 from 6 – 9 p.m., or Saturday morning May 2 from 8 – 10 a.m. If you can help with the sale, see Jane Knuttunen or Sue Kuder. And, be sure to stop by on Saturday for some outstanding bargains!
Benefit Concert a Huge Success: The Benefit Concert on Saturday, April 18 with Jacqueline Schwab on piano and Reinmar Seidler on cello, was a great success! The music, featuring neo-traditional tunes and tales from Scotland and the Shetland Islands, was lively, melodic and heartfelt! Between the concert and the raffle, we made over $1800 for the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Treatment Support Project in rural China. That will support two children for a year. Thank you to all who helped with the concert. A special thanks to Barbara Farrell and Jill Shaw for their tireless work on coordinating and running the raffle.
Social Action Planning Meeting: All are invited and encouraged to attend a meeting after church on Sunday, May 31 to plan social action activities for next year. We will be discussing recipients of the Giving Boxes and the monthly Charitable offerings as well as other activities we could participate in. Look for a survey that will help identify those organizations which you might want the church to support. The results of the survey will be available at the May 31 meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!
May Giving Box
School supplies are needed at The Matenwa Community Learning Center in Haiti. One of our FPW members, Holly Cachimuel, is associated with this facility and she will be telling us more about the school and its students during the month of May.
The May Giving Box will turn our efforts to helping this learning center with supplies. Their wish list is certainly " do-able" and given the outpouring of your support of the monthly Giving Boxes, we have no doubt that this collection can be accomplished. So--please—
"Think September" as you shop in May and remember to bring in some of the following: pencils, colored pencils, hand-held "metal" pencil sharpeners, (plastic ones break easily and are hard to recycle) pencil sharpeners with a handle that bolts into a bookcase (STAPLES--about $16---perhaps 2 families could combine their resources here!)
"Think Spring" and bring in SEEDS for community garden: carrot, tomato, onion, eggplant, cabbage, spinach and lettuce.
"Think Shirts" and select button-down white shirts for boys for school (sizes xs-med/lrg)--preferably short sleeve but long sleeve accepted, too.
Several people may want to combine donations and purchase : Rosetta Stone English Computer Program AND Rosetta Stone Spanish Computer Program (for high school foreign language requirement).
Eliza Petrow took us to China in April and now Holly Cachimuel is taking us to Haiti in May!!
“It made me gladsome to be getting some education, it being like a big window opening...”
Mary Webb, 1924
As always, we thank you for your continued generous support of The Giving Box efforts. **On to Haiti**!!!
Jill Shaw and Barbara Farrell
Annual Dinner and Talent Show
A Big Success!
On Saturday evening, April 4th we celebrated the successful conclusion of our annual canvass with a family potluck dinner and talent show. FPW cooks and bakers provided a delicious variety of culinary choices. Who would have guessed that we would be entertained by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by the “Outsiders”, a six piece band, plus vocalist, and by many other talented members of FPW that evening? Emcees Barbara Farrell and Jill Shaw provided many laughs, and kept the show rolling along. Special thanks to Izzy and Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees for organizing the show, and to the Fellowship Committee for providing setup and cleanup for the dinner. Special recognition also goes to our master sound technician, Michael McCarthy, and his crew, Michael Collins and Michael Altamari. A good time was had by all.
Vacation in Maine this Summer
Mark and Andrea STILL have several weeks available for anyone interested in renting their 3 bedroom seaside cottage in Owls Head Maine. Contact Andrea at themanse@comcast.net for more info.
Two July Weeks Available in Wellfleet
If you haven’t made your summer plans, consider renting a week on the cape in Wellfleet. We have a fully equipped 3 bedroom house that overlooks a salt marsh. Pictures are available online. The weeks are July 4-11 and July 18-25. Fall weekends are also available. Contact Nancy Dutton at njdutton@comcast.net. or 617-926-9254.
Spring Into Your Career Choice
Wednesday Evenings in May; May 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2009 , Time 7-9pm at First Parish
Four 2 hour career focus sessions to help you understand yourself and target your next job. Each session will focus on a specific topics and include assessments, handouts, group exercises, and feedback. We will begin with "Understanding Yourself", and move to "Marketing Materials", "Job Search" and finish with "Interviewing Techniques". 12 slots available @ $10 a session or $35 for all 4 sessions. Fee includes cost of handout materials, and assessments. This program is offered by Anna Whitcomb, a member of the First Parish, with 20 years of experience in career counseling and coaching.
www.YourCareerChoices.com Please sign up by calling 617-489-6609 or e-mail awcareer@ix.netcom.com
“Freedom to Marry” Ice Cream Social
Sunday, May 17th from 4- 6 p.m.
On the fifth anniversary of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, the community invites you to join together for free ice cream served up by Brigham's, wedding cakes, and music by local musicians. Nima Eshghi, a member of Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD)’s legal staff, will speak. At Wellington Station Town Green next to The First Church in Belmont Unitarian-Universalists at 404 Concord Ave. Belmont, MA . (In case of rain, event will be held at the church in the Parish Hall.)
Co-sponsored by Belmont Gay Straight Alliance Committee, Belmont High School Gay Straight Alliance, Human Rights Commission, and The First Church in Belmont UU. For more information, call 617-372-2789. All are welcome!
Creating Partnerships to Improve and Enhance Women’s Lives
Start Date: May 9, 2009
End Date: May 9, 2009
Location: First Parish in Waltham
A Conference for Unitarian Universalist Women
8:45 AM to 3:30 PM. Registration including lunch is $25, with discounts for ministerial students and multiple participants from a congregation or organization.
The program features reflections and inspirations from the International Convocation of U*U Women, held recently in Houston, presentations from New England women about area projects that respond to the major initiatives that emerged from ICUUW—education, ending violence against women, and health care, and an appearance by EMMA’S REVOLUTION!
Come and share worship, singing, laughing, eating, and networking. Consider forming a new network of New England UU Women (Ballou Channing, Northern New England, Clara Barton, and Mass Bay Districts).
To register: contact Pat Manley (patmanley@verizon.net, 508-429-4117)
Arbella
May 2009
For calendar of events please go to our member page.
Sermons and Topics
Sunday, May 3, 2009 11:00 a.m
“Walking Together”
Rev. Andrea Greenwood
This is the title of a book about how our congregations are organized, and it came to mind when I heard from Marianne Collins about the friends with whom she literally walks. We say that you don't have to think alike to love alike, but what happens when your beliefs really do conflict with those whom you care about? This is an auction sermon.
Andrea Greenwood is a former minister and DRE of First Parish.
Music: First Parish Choir is singing.
Social Hour: Roger & Judy Kamm
Greeters: Lee Pierce and Dede Dussault
Sunday, May 10, 2009 11:00 a.m.
"Unexpected Blessings"
Rev. Susan Criscione
Renewal House, a program of the UU Urban Ministry, is a domestic violence shelter in Roxbury that primarily serves women fleeing violent living situations. In the past year our staff went through extensive training so that our shelter would become GLBT inclusive. This process has taught all of our staff about the unexpected blessings of truly serving all people. And in the midst of this we have been aware of the limitless bounds of transformative love and healing - in a context of care and respect. As we celebrate Mother's Day - let us remember and honor those women who have gone before us and continue to walk beside us even today - to show us the possibility of true grace, true humility, true power.
Susan Criscione is the director of Renewal House.
Social Hour: Lani Gerson and Chris Kjellson
Greeters: Charlyn Bethell, Guy and Martha Urban
Sunday, May 17, 2009 11:00 a.m.
"Manifesting Our Heart's Desire"
Rev. Rali Weaver
Many of the new wave belief systems talk about the abundance of the universe and manifesting our heart's desire. Rev. Weaver will explore abundance theologies from Norman Vincent Peale to "The Secret" and try to find out what if any insight they might offer us.
The Rev. Rali M. Weaver is the Parish Minister at the First Church and Parish in Dedham.
Social Hour: Jeanne Cleary & Barry Greess
Greeters: Carole Katz and Sachie Karmacharya
Sunday, May 24, 2009 11:00 a.m.
“Come Sing a Song with Me”
Charlyn Bethell
This service will be a “hymn-along”, a service to sing some of your favorite hymns. I will be asking you to tell me some of your favorite ones, along with some protest-era songs that you might enjoy singing. Then along with Guy, me, and some of my favorite folk band musicians, we will play traditional and creative accompaniments. This should be a blast!
Charlyn Bethell is Music Director of First Parish of Watertown.
Social Hour: TBA
Greeters: Julie Miller & Paul Dansereau
Sunday, May 31, 2009 11:00 a.m.
“Vision” Christopher Johnson
What are the various elements to seeing? How do we view our world, others, and ourselves. When we don't like what we see, is it what we're looking at, or how we're looking at it?
Christopher Johnson is a member of First Parish. Chris currently works at Brandeis University at its International Business School.
Music: Folk Song Society
Social Hour: Susan Lind-Sinanian and Anne Harrington
Greeters: Judy & Roger Kamm
Captains Log
by Andrea Greenwood
This year I have had an opportunity to visit more UU churches on Sunday mornings than is usually the case. I have been a modern day circuit rider, preaching in local congregations; and also was in Atlanta one weekend. My normal life is fairly circumscribed -- though I prefer to think of it as environmentally friendly: I walk to church, and the library, and the post office; I see the same people and live locally. I bloom where I am planted; all that. And I am a closet writer, literally. When I work, I go into my closet, where there is a computer, a space heater, a clay mask of the Greenwoman I made one summer at Ferry Beach (a UU camp), and a carved wooden plate which was given to me at my installation here in Watertown back in 1992. So it has been interesting to be out and about, on the road, and out of the closet. There has been a reclaiming of my identity, which I imagine happens to many women of a certain age who have shifted professional gears in response to family situations, health concerns, and other pressing needs. It has been nice to have a chance to dabble in preaching again; and in some cases to see former members of this congregation now chairing committees in suburban churches.
At church in Atlanta, though, I was jealous. It was such a vibrant organization: walking in there were greeters, staffed tables, printed literature, directions for R.E. families, photographs of recent activities, multiple social action and social service opportunities, and classes, retreats, workshops being offered. There were two different musical groups assisting with the service, and lots of hi-tech devices which let different leaders participate easily from various spots in the room. Lights dimmed during meditation time, and came up during the sermon -- all by magic. I felt bad; reminded of how nice it would be to have the kind of space and energy and funding that was present in their congregation; to feel carried by something so active. And it did not have any negative “big church” feel: people were friendly and warm, the service had all the components of lay participation and collaboration throughout. Of course I counted, and there were 270 people there; the second service on a very stormy Sunday. But 270 people in that space (UUCA, a concrete building with a sanctuary built as an ampitheatre, with the pulpit down in the pit area, and circular seating rising up in about 30 tiers) felt about the same as 65 in ours -- comfortably attended, but not full.
As the service went on, my jealousy receded. They seemed just like us. Instead of noticing what they did better or had more of, I noticed how they had some of the same problems. Announcements. Parts of the service that went on too long. References to things a new person might not know about. Not everyone knowing the hymns. It felt like home! I had gone to church wanting to experience this congregation, and I hadn’t realized that I would immediately compare it to my own. That just happened, spontaneously, and I felt inadequate, jealous and frustrated; wanting some of what they had for myself. But as I sat through it, I felt that really, they were not any better; that we are the same in many ways, and that in fact Watertown does some things exceptionally well.
It is good to bloom where we are planted; to be happy and engaged in the places where we live. But it is also wonderful to get out and have a chance to see how others do it; to learn and think about new possibilities -- not because we believe that someone else has a better thing going on, but because we are all the same. As I have been working on this book that Mark and I are writing, introducing Unitarian and Universalist traditions, our identity as religious liberals is very much on my mind. Articulating what makes us who we are; how pulpit centered white steepled churches with organs in New England embrace the same values as poured concrete kivas with no pulpit and music by electric guitars (seriously, the offertory was Bruce Springsteen! -- or, rather, someone playing Bruce Springsteen) -- this is an opportunity to think more deeply; and richly; about who we are as a people, and why; what we hold dear.
And it is also an opportunity to change; to bring the things we learn back home; to keep improving upon what we do here. Getting out can challenge our assumptions, and free us in new ways. It wasn’t true that the systematic organization of so many activities made the Atlanta church better than this one; within 20 minutes, they felt pretty similar. And it isn’t true that a big church feels less intimate or more formal. About 600 people attended services that morning, and it felt about the same as it does here. Who we are is not about numbers in this way; it is about how we live in this world. And I would like to see a whole lot more of us. Maybe we can think about our space, our seating, our parking, the timing of our services, how we balance the need for talk among us with formal readings, etc. -- these little details -- and look at how they impact who we are, and what we really want to define us. I think we are more than we know we are.
See you in church!
Andrea, filling in for Mark
Religious Education
Planting seeds…
May-may be my favorite time of year, filled with growth and unfolding beauty. I especially love the unexpected small wonders that burst forth from the earth at this time of year, bulbs and seeds long forgotten under the winter snows are shouting out for joy and reminding me to smile. They also remind me that we are all given the opportunity to share in the wonders of the Earth and to honor the Earth through our stewardship of the environment. There are these moments in each day, moments in which we each can express our love of the Earth and of each other by planting small seeds of kindness -a smile, a touch, a moment of connection, these are the seeds we plant. We plant seeds and wait. We all have the opportunity plant the seeds of our Unitarian Universalist faith and of our caring community in our children and youth whenever we are with them. Our actions and words are the seeds we plant-seeds that may remain hidden for a long time and burst forth in joy in the most unexpected moments. We plant seeds and wait.
We will be planting many seeds during this month of May. During the early weeks of May the children and youth in our Religious Education programs are learning about the Earth and Indigenous cultures, while at the same time exploring old and new ways to conserve, sustain and protect the Earth. One way in which we will honor the Earth is to dig in and plant seeds for the future, literally. We are planting radishes, pumpkins, sunflowers and nasturtiums. We hope to harvest our radishes by June, watch for sunflowers and nasturtiums through the summer and return to the possibility of pumpkins in the fall.
The Religious Education Committee has been hard at work this spring discussing next year and the programs we will offer. We have determined that we are ready for some more change! This fall we will begin our new church year as a co-operative program. On May 24th during social hour we will begin 2009-2010 registration for returning families in the RE program. We will continue to register families through the end of the church year in June. On the registration forms please note the section where you may choose your preference of volunteer position. Each family with a child(ren) registered in the RE program is asked to volunteer during the year. There are twenty-nine “teaching” Sundays during the year, each Sunday there are four classrooms in which we need two adult teacher/volunteers. In addition there are 5 Sundays in which all the children/youth are together in activity groups. There are also teaching opportunities in programs that require additional teacher training such as Our Whole Lives. There are opportunities to volunteer as “on call” substitute teachers, pageant assistants, and one-time special event volunteers. To distribute the responsibility equally among the registered families each family should plan to sign up for a minimum of eight teaching/volunteer slots during the year. Please
take some time to consider where your talents might best be shared as you complete your registration information. Once we have received the registration forms the RE committee and myself will try our best to honor requests and assign individuals to classroom groups. The individuals in each classroom group will work together to determine when they are available to teach and rotate in the classroom(s) through the year. You may choose to divide your volunteer time in more than one classroom. We will try to honor these requests as well.
The Religious Education Committee has also determined that we will offer the 4-5 grade Our Whole Lives program for our youth this fall from September through December. The 8th grade Our Whole Lives program will be offered beginning in March 2010 in collaboration with First Parish Needham. Families with youth who may participate in these programs will be receiving letters with additional information later this spring. Based upon projected numbers of youth in this age group the RE committee has decided that the Coming of Age program will not be offered during the 2009-2010 year.
As we move quickly toward the end of our church year there is still much work to be done. We will complete our Green web/Indigenous cultures mini term and plan for our Youth Sunday worship service honoring many of our children and youth. The RE committee and I will be reviewing curricula and planning for next year, planting the seeds for our coming year together. I hope that you too will plant some seeds this spring!
I wish you all the warmth of the sun and bursts of unexpected joy!
Namaste,
Debra Zagaeski (Director of Religious Education)
Musically Speaking
by Charlyn Bethell
It is surprising to me that we only have eight more services until summer comes! Let me give you a heads-up on some of the music that is to come in those weeks.
As we embark on the month of May, get ready for the First Parish Choir singing two songs of the season on May 3rd. One is by Thomas Morley, a fine Renaissance composer from England; this light-hearted piece is called "Now is the Month of Maying". The second piece has us look ahead a bit to Memorial Day with a piece called Flanders Fields. This uses the moving, poetic text of Dr. John McCrae, as he remembered World War I soldiers.
Later in the month, on May 24th to be exact, will be a service that I am calling a "Hymn-along". We will be singing some of our favorite songs, either hymns from our hymnals or some of our favorite protest-era songs. I have asked some people from the Talent Show band to join us for some special accompaniments. Please jot down your favorite hymns and/or songs so I can plan this service. I can't do this without your help!!! I promise it will be lively. Since it is Memorial Day weekend, many people will be away, so if you are in town, be sure to come to church to help us fill out the songs.
On May 31st, we will have the talents of the Folk Song Society with us. They will be doing the prelude, offertory and meditation while Guy plays the hymns on piano.
Both the children and youth choirs will sing on Youth Sunday, June 14th. The children will be singing some multicultural songs and the youth will be doing something to surprise you.
Julie Searles and Matthew Allen, a voice/guitar duo, will sing Brazilian jazz for us at the Flower service, June 21st. They may include their two daughters as well!
The First Parish Choir is planning some community service in June. We will sing at Brigham House and possibly something by the river in early June. Our last time to sing at a church service will be June 7th.
Lastly, if you are planning to host a summer service, please let me help you plan the music. I can help you get connected to the music you need to further your message.
Enjoy spring, and I look forward to seeing you in church.
Green Up Your Electricity!
Electricity seems clean in your house, but in reality it is quite dirty to produce. Most of the electricity in Massachusetts comes from burning coal, oil, and natural gas. These all pollute the air, water and land and are major contributors to global warming. In addition, coal burning is the main contributor to toxic levels of mercury in many fish.
As some of you may know we have solar panels on our home’s roof that generate about half of our electricity. For many people (most?) this is not practical due to financial constraints, limitations of the site such as shading from trees, or other reasons such as people renting rather than owning a house. You care about the environment and are concerned about where your electricity comes from – what are you to do?
Now you have a choice! NSTAR is offering NSTAR Green to customers in Watertown. NSTAR Green is electric power generated from wind turbines at Maple Ridge Wind Farm in upstate New York, which then flows into the New England power grid. It only costs a little bit extra to get this clean green electricity. An average customer with a monthly bill of $100 a month would see their bill increase about $7 per month to get 100% wind energy.
To enroll in NSTAR Green or get more info go to:
http://www.nstar.com/residential/customer_information/nstar_green/nstar_green.asp
NSTAR Green has been certified by Green-e Energy, a respected independent certifier of green energy so you can feel confident that it is for real (for those who don’t trust utilities).
National Grid electric customers have similar choices. Visit National Grid’s website or www.massenergy.com for more info. Mass Energy also has an option for towns like Belmont that have municipal electric utilities. This is the same product that Watertown residents purchased to get solar panels for the High School.
We are using NSTAR Green for the electricity that doesn’t come from our solar panels and love knowing that all our electricity comes from clean green sources. First Parish is also in the process of signing up for NSTAR Green so you can feel good about the electricity used to light our services.
So what are you waiting for? Do something today! It only takes a minute to enroll.
Brian Hebeisen
Newsletter by Email
Do you have email? Do you get the newsletter in snail mail?
Save a tree!
Save a stamp or two! (rates are about to go up again!)
Get your newsletter faster!
Email fpwatertown@comcast.net if you could start getting your newsletter on email rather than paper.
Walking Dish Towels
I know that when I do the laundry, one sock gets lost and sometimes reappears some time later. A similar phenomenon is happening with the dishtowels at FPW, except that they never seem to reappear!! Where do they go?? If anyone has our towels, marked with a large FPW, please return them to the social hour cabinet in the kitchen.
That being said, if anyone can donate some towels marked with FPW- 4 of 5 new ones disappeared within a month- we would appreciate it as it is another way to increase our “green-ness” and not use disposable towels.
Many thanks from all who use the kitchen and from the Fellowship Committee in particular.
Summer Services
GREETINGS ALL. It’s that time of year again to consider leading one of our Lay-led Summer Services.
As many of you already know, UUs kind of take the summer “off” from regular services – but, as many of you also know, we UUs are a rebellious sort, and so we at First Parish decided a few years ago to use SIX weeks of the summer for Lay-led (“Lay” meaning congregants as opposed to clergy) services. These services can look similar to a regular service, with hymns and a talk and joys and sorrows, etc, OR (more often than not) it can take a different form – group singing, a circle meditating on nature images, a meditation - whatever you think as the leader might be inspiring, connecting, fun or a potentially meaningful shared experience.
Here are a few of the past titles, just to give you an idea, (but not to limit your thinking!):
“Favorite Sources” – Roberta Altamari
“Slowing Down” – Kyle Hart
“Nature’s Restorative Powers: A
Participatory Service - Carole Berney
“On Prayer” – Jeanne Cleary
“Theme and Variation” – Charlyn Bethel
“Messages from Thoreau” – Wendell Refior
“Pilgrimage” – Chris Johnson
A Worship Committee member will be present for each service to assist with set up. We have a handy dandy guide sheet with tips for making it all work smoothly including info on help with arranging music. And it’s fun, it’s easy and you are among beloved friends, so please consider signing up for this wonderful opportunity to lead a summer service!
Here are the dates:
June 28
July 5
July 12
July 19
July 26
Aug 2
Summer services begin at 9:30 (to beat the heat of the day).
If you are interested, please email Jeanne Cleary (jecleary@comcast.net) with any questions or with your preferred date and topic.
Spring Work Day
Saturday, May 9 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Bring a rake or pruners. We'll clean and groom the grounds, do some planting, possibly some carpentry. Coffee and bagels provided. No need to spend 4 hours; just the amount of time that works for you. Please send an e-mail to Nick Haddad (nickhaddad1@gmail.com) if you can join us, and indicate the time frame you have available.
We will work in sun, cloudy weather, or in a light rain. If it's pouring, we may reschedule for the following Saturday.
Thanks,
Buildings and Grounds Committee
Finance Committee News
Thanks to all who attended the April 26 Annual Meeting, asked great questions and voted. The support of the congregation is particularly gratifying to the Finance Committee as we head into the most economically challenging time any of us has ever experienced. It is a testimony to the dedication of everyone in the First Parish community to the church and one another that members and friends have pledged all they can financially to maintain the church and its programs despite the difficult economic times. And that, of course, is in addition to all the personal time and effort everyone contributes to the church.
This dedication to our community was particularly evident in this year’s canvass, starting with the unprecedented turnout at the canvass suppers, continuing with a pledge drive that despite the economic hard times has resulted in 63 pledges totaling more than $106,000, and culminating in a tasty and talent laden Annual Dinner masterfully MC’d by Jill and Barbara. While this year’s canvass did not raise quite as much as last year’s, it was nonetheless the second most successful canvass in church history.
Because pledging was as strong as it was, and because we have a $10,000 surplus to carry over from last year’s budget, we were able to develop a budget for 2009-2010 that enables us to maintain our staff and offer them a 3% salary increase, bring on a new student minister, continue to offer a vibrant RE program and maintain our buildings without making significant reductions in program spending. Our major budget reduction was in the Building Fund, which we funded with $5,000 based on Building & Grounds’ request for capital projects next year. The Building Fund is normally budgeted for $12,000, but we decided to fund it at this lower level because there is already $15,000 accumulated in the fund from prior years.
While we know that this coming year will be challenging, if everyone continues to show the same dedication to keeping First Parish the vibrant, supportive and welcoming community we all want it to be, we will succeed.
Rummage Sale Saturday, May 2: Remember to drop off your donations to the Rummage Sale Friday evening, May 1 from 6 – 9 p.m., or Saturday morning May 2 from 8 – 10 a.m. If you can help with the sale, see Jane Knuttunen or Sue Kuder. And, be sure to stop by on Saturday for some outstanding bargains!
Benefit Concert a Huge Success: The Benefit Concert on Saturday, April 18 with Jacqueline Schwab on piano and Reinmar Seidler on cello, was a great success! The music, featuring neo-traditional tunes and tales from Scotland and the Shetland Islands, was lively, melodic and heartfelt! Between the concert and the raffle, we made over $1800 for the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Treatment Support Project in rural China. That will support two children for a year. Thank you to all who helped with the concert. A special thanks to Barbara Farrell and Jill Shaw for their tireless work on coordinating and running the raffle.
Social Action Planning Meeting: All are invited and encouraged to attend a meeting after church on Sunday, May 31 to plan social action activities for next year. We will be discussing recipients of the Giving Boxes and the monthly Charitable offerings as well as other activities we could participate in. Look for a survey that will help identify those organizations which you might want the church to support. The results of the survey will be available at the May 31 meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!
May Giving Box
School supplies are needed at The Matenwa Community Learning Center in Haiti. One of our FPW members, Holly Cachimuel, is associated with this facility and she will be telling us more about the school and its students during the month of May.
The May Giving Box will turn our efforts to helping this learning center with supplies. Their wish list is certainly " do-able" and given the outpouring of your support of the monthly Giving Boxes, we have no doubt that this collection can be accomplished. So--please—
"Think September" as you shop in May and remember to bring in some of the following: pencils, colored pencils, hand-held "metal" pencil sharpeners, (plastic ones break easily and are hard to recycle) pencil sharpeners with a handle that bolts into a bookcase (STAPLES--about $16---perhaps 2 families could combine their resources here!)
"Think Spring" and bring in SEEDS for community garden: carrot, tomato, onion, eggplant, cabbage, spinach and lettuce.
"Think Shirts" and select button-down white shirts for boys for school (sizes xs-med/lrg)--preferably short sleeve but long sleeve accepted, too.
Several people may want to combine donations and purchase : Rosetta Stone English Computer Program AND Rosetta Stone Spanish Computer Program (for high school foreign language requirement).
Eliza Petrow took us to China in April and now Holly Cachimuel is taking us to Haiti in May!!
“It made me gladsome to be getting some education, it being like a big window opening...”
Mary Webb, 1924
As always, we thank you for your continued generous support of The Giving Box efforts. **On to Haiti**!!!
Jill Shaw and Barbara Farrell
Annual Dinner and Talent Show
A Big Success!
On Saturday evening, April 4th we celebrated the successful conclusion of our annual canvass with a family potluck dinner and talent show. FPW cooks and bakers provided a delicious variety of culinary choices. Who would have guessed that we would be entertained by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by the “Outsiders”, a six piece band, plus vocalist, and by many other talented members of FPW that evening? Emcees Barbara Farrell and Jill Shaw provided many laughs, and kept the show rolling along. Special thanks to Izzy and Elizabeth Tappan-deFrees for organizing the show, and to the Fellowship Committee for providing setup and cleanup for the dinner. Special recognition also goes to our master sound technician, Michael McCarthy, and his crew, Michael Collins and Michael Altamari. A good time was had by all.
Vacation in Maine this Summer
Mark and Andrea STILL have several weeks available for anyone interested in renting their 3 bedroom seaside cottage in Owls Head Maine. Contact Andrea at themanse@comcast.net for more info.
Two July Weeks Available in Wellfleet
If you haven’t made your summer plans, consider renting a week on the cape in Wellfleet. We have a fully equipped 3 bedroom house that overlooks a salt marsh. Pictures are available online. The weeks are July 4-11 and July 18-25. Fall weekends are also available. Contact Nancy Dutton at njdutton@comcast.net. or 617-926-9254.
Spring Into Your Career Choice
Wednesday Evenings in May; May 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2009 , Time 7-9pm at First Parish
Four 2 hour career focus sessions to help you understand yourself and target your next job. Each session will focus on a specific topics and include assessments, handouts, group exercises, and feedback. We will begin with "Understanding Yourself", and move to "Marketing Materials", "Job Search" and finish with "Interviewing Techniques". 12 slots available @ $10 a session or $35 for all 4 sessions. Fee includes cost of handout materials, and assessments. This program is offered by Anna Whitcomb, a member of the First Parish, with 20 years of experience in career counseling and coaching.
www.YourCareerChoices.com Please sign up by calling 617-489-6609 or e-mail awcareer@ix.netcom.com
“Freedom to Marry” Ice Cream Social
Sunday, May 17th from 4- 6 p.m.
On the fifth anniversary of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, the community invites you to join together for free ice cream served up by Brigham's, wedding cakes, and music by local musicians. Nima Eshghi, a member of Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD)’s legal staff, will speak. At Wellington Station Town Green next to The First Church in Belmont Unitarian-Universalists at 404 Concord Ave. Belmont, MA . (In case of rain, event will be held at the church in the Parish Hall.)
Co-sponsored by Belmont Gay Straight Alliance Committee, Belmont High School Gay Straight Alliance, Human Rights Commission, and The First Church in Belmont UU. For more information, call 617-372-2789. All are welcome!
Creating Partnerships to Improve and Enhance Women’s Lives
Start Date: May 9, 2009
End Date: May 9, 2009
Location: First Parish in Waltham
A Conference for Unitarian Universalist Women
8:45 AM to 3:30 PM. Registration including lunch is $25, with discounts for ministerial students and multiple participants from a congregation or organization.
The program features reflections and inspirations from the International Convocation of U*U Women, held recently in Houston, presentations from New England women about area projects that respond to the major initiatives that emerged from ICUUW—education, ending violence against women, and health care, and an appearance by EMMA’S REVOLUTION!
Come and share worship, singing, laughing, eating, and networking. Consider forming a new network of New England UU Women (Ballou Channing, Northern New England, Clara Barton, and Mass Bay Districts).
To register: contact Pat Manley (patmanley@verizon.net, 508-429-4117)
Arbella - April 2009 Newsletter
First Parish of Watertown
Arbella
April 2009
for calendar of events please go the member page for the calendar
Sermons and Topics
Sunday, April 5, 2009 11:00 a.m.
“Empathy for the “Other”...Even the Other In Uniform” Raz Mason
Through our long tradition of social justice, UU’s have a dignified history of welcoming the “other.” But how can and ought we relate to the “other” serving in the US military? This sermon will highlight some principles underlying possible congregational responses to veterans, service members, and their families. We will also touch on the ministry of UU military chaplains and progressive military initiatives.
Raz Mason is a third-year M.Div. student at Harvard Divinity School.
Social Hour: Charlyn Bethell, Guy Urban and Martha Urban
Greeters: Holly Cachimuel and family
Sunday, April 12, 2009 11:00 a.m
“Moving Stones” Andrea Greenwood
As a holiday which is the hallmark of Christian faith, Easter can be a challenge for UUs. I am interested in exploring the story of the stone
being moved from the mouth of Jesus's burial tomb, and what that might mean to us. Many parts of the service will be from Unitarians (e e cummings, Beatrix Potter) who show us a faith that makes sense, and includes us all. Nature and reason can illuminate and open us to life’s mysteries. Perhaps we can even experience the resurrection in our own hearts....
Andrea Greenwood is a former minister and DRE of this congregation!
Social Hour: Judy and Roger Kamm
Greeters: Meredith Montague and John Portz
Sunday, April 19 2009 11:00 a.m.
Earth Day Celebration - Intergenerational
led by Debra Zagaeski, DRE
If you close your eyes and pause for a moment I believe that each of us can elicit an image of a place, a place which represents a personal connection to the sacred "Blue Boat Home" which we call the Earth. We will honor and celebrate our Earth through communion and pledges on Earth Day Sunday. Please bring a small object which represents your special place on Earth. We will share our Earth icons and images during this worship. We will also consider our stewardship of the Earth and write a personal pledge in support of the Earth and it's environment.
Social Hour: Jill Shaw and Barbara Farrell
Greeters: Fatima Hussein and Habis Obyat
Sunday, April 26, 2009 11:00 a.m.
"How Much Do We Deserve? - A Sermon on Economic Justice" John A. Buehrens
In the midst of a crisis brought on by greed and excessive inequality, the question, for each of us, is "What now?"
John Buehrens is Minister of First Parish in Needham. He was UUA President, 1993-2001.
Social Hour: Gretchen Brown and Johanna Erickson
Greeters: Djalai Babazadeh and Steve Gustin
Captain’s Log
Well, it seems strange not to write up a list of sermons for the month, but my sabbatical has arrived. I expect this column will be filled by Andrea in May. I think I am ready. First, let me tell you how grateful I am to receive this special time for study and writing. Andrea and I are working on a book called An Introduction to the Unitarian and Universalist Traditions with Cambridge University Press. We have three months this year and three months next year to finish the project, and if we can each write a chapter a month, we can almost finish on time. Stay tuned! So we have no elaborate trips planned either year. We will be in residence in Watertown. I expect to see you at some major events like Annual Dinner and Annual Meeting. I will also be around church some, too. For example, I am teaching the Coming of Age class on April 5. Please let me know if you need anything. I will miss seeing you each week, but please know that your lives and concerns always hold an important place in my heart.
What will the next three months be like? We have planned all of the worship services. I think you will be pleased with the mixture of visiting guests and special services. I trust you will hear some good preaching, and the continuing great music with Charlyn and Guy. Wasn’t that youth choir amazing? I encourage you to attend church this spring. In addition to enjoying the services, I would also like you to have your antennae out. I have become concerned about the length of our services. While we may not tinker with the various elements until fall, I am hoping we can cut down on the number of verbal announcements, joys and sorrows that sound like announcements, readings, and even the length of sermons. This joys and sorrows issue was voiced to me, but compared to other congregations, I think we are pretty good about staying with personal issues. It is good that we have such a community building mechanism in the service, but I do worry about length. Space is also an issue, and I think we need to think about how often the children are in the sanctuary, and even if we might have some kind of service at a different time so that young families are more comfortable. Please reflect on this in the coming months, and let me know if you agree that the worship service feels a little unwieldy at times.
This has been a difficult year on most financial fronts, and we do not know the results of our canvass yet. Still you have been enormously generous time and time again. I especially see this with the monthly charitable offerings, which always seem to have a wonderful total. You have a remarkable ability to help others that is reflected in your financial generosity and personal caring. This month we have the benefit concert and the raffle to support PATS. We have had more social action projects this year than we have ever had. It has been fun working with FPW members, not only on the usual projects, but the volunteering at the Food Bank in the Fall, and the Friday Supper Program in the winter. I especially appreciate what Jill Shaw, Barbara Farrell and Sue Kuder have done this year. Also, on the financial front, don’t forget our chair project. See the website for details. We have surged beyond fifty chairs and are closing in on sixty!
Looking ahead to the rest of the church year, there are some wonderful activities. We have volunteers working hard on all our major projects. We will have a second annual Easter Pancake Breakfast, the Benefit Concert, and the Rummage Sale. Please help out where you can. We will have a large number of people who will be welcomed on May 3 as new members. If you are new to the church and would consider joining, please fill out a yellow card. Finally, if you would like more information about the sabbatical, there will be a sabbatical brochure on the information table in the lobby. Thanks again for making it possible. I expect to come back with an ever-increasing understanding of our Unitarian Universalist tradition, and hopefully I can share some of that with you. Until next time . . . May you have a warm, healthy, enjoyable spring, and even a little economic renewal!
Faithfully,
Mark
Among Us
A Memorial Service for Helen Wait was held on February 28, 2009 in the sanctuary. Helen was a long time member of the church, and had been on the search committee that chose Patty Devore to be music director in the 1970’s.
Mark conducted a funeral service for Janice Wilson on March 11. Janice was a UU from Arlington, the mother of Heather Hoiseth,who attended FPW some years ago.
New Members:
Welcome to Morgan McLean and Seth Carrier, two Andover Newton students who joined recently
A warm welcome to Josephine Dion Thompson, or Josie, daughter of Melissa and Brooks Thompson. Josie was dedicated on March 15 in a ceremony in church.
Thank You
Thanks to those who helped serve dinner at Arlington Street Church on Friday, February 27. We had 12 adults and four coming of age youth – Thalia Cachimuel, Emily Cudhea-Pierce, Yami Dussault, and Levi Harris. We had sixteen people altogether - Others were: Will and Sue Twombly, David Morrison and Martha Scott, Jill Shaw and Barbara Farrell, Sue Kuder, Debra Zagaeski, Mark Harris, Bobbie Brown, Carole Katz, and Anna Knight.
Thanks to those who made refreshments for the benefit concert: Bobbie Brown, Nancy Dutton, Sue Kuder. David Morrison, Martha Scott and Ginger Burns. Brett Hinkel, the music director at the UU Church in Andover put together a nice show, but attendance was a little low. We split the profit with the Andover church, and netted $345.00 for our chair fund.
Religious Education
Re-cycle, Re-pair, Re-joice!”
My Special Place: “As the sun hits the sea my place comes alive. I begin to imagine that the world won’t survive. Wars, pollution, the amount of trees dying, the suffering of animals leaves me crying. How can I sit here not helping at all, when the world is sending an SOS call? I leap to my feet.. I must act fast. If I don’t act now, my place will not last. I can pick up litter and plant native trees, be kind to others, and love them with ease. If I lead by example for others to follow, the world will have a better tomorrow.” - This poem was written by, Noelle S. (11 years of age) from Australia.
A poignant plea! - A passionate response! It is this spirit of awareness, insight and activism that we seek to teach and support in our children and youth here at First Parish. It is spring! The earth is budding once again, new life and new growth are appearing all around us, no wonder our ancestors sang, Alleluia! Alleluia! In this time of renewal, and possibility we are reminded of the awesome power of spirit. We too can exhibit our awesome power of our spirit by directing our energies to the stewardship of our “Blue Boat Home”- the Earth.
Beginning on Sunday, April 26th the children and youth in the First Parish religious education program will begin a four -week workshop intensive (Green Web). We will invite them to learn and to grow in their awareness of the Earth and it’s environment. We will explore some of the current information regarding the state of our planet, (global warming, de-forestation, loss of species…). While some of this information may feel a bit intense and even overwhelming, it is important to have all of our children and youth increase their awareness of the issues currently facing our world. We will strive to balance awareness with action; we can show our children and youth that their actions do make a difference. We need ambassadors of every age to work toward the solutions for healing our Earth. In Judaism there is an expression for the work of “repairing the world” It is called “Tikkun Olam”. “Tikkun Olam” helps to connect us to the divine spark in each individual through the practice of doing good work, and making it the spiritual task of each person to help to repair and protect the world. One person can make a difference! “You are not required to complete the work, yet you are not allowed to desist from it. –“ Pirkei Avot, 2:21
We need many individuals to help us teach during these workshop weeks. Please look at the bulletin board during fellowship hour and sign up to help!
During April and May the eleven year old youth of First Parish will be asking individuals if they are willing to serve as their mentors for the First Mentor rite of passage. Please consider stepping up to help in this meaningful and important First Parish tradition.
The religious education program will be working closely with the First Parish Green Sanctuary Committee during the next several weeks to co-ordinate some “green” projects around our church community. I would love to start a compost project and a small drought resistant garden with the children and youth of First Parish during the spring and early summer.
I am pleased to announce that First Parish has been approved as a collection site for Nike Corporation athletic shoe re-cycling campaign. For the four weeks of our “green web” workshops we will collect worn-out athletic shoes to be recycled into playground surfaces for needy communities. (Additional information will be posted at church.)
On Sunday, April 26th join our “swop meet” (bring one item- take one item)- please plan to bring an item (any item: household, clothing, toy, whatever…but it must be in good condition) we will then trade in the wonderful albeit unwanted item and choose a new item. This is the ultimate in re-cycle, re-use, re-purpose, re-new!
The religious education program will participate in the charitable donation for the month of April (Pediatric AIDS support in China) by collecting pennies. We tend to discard or ignore our pennies. We want these pennies! Look for the “Pennies with Purpose” jar in the fellowship hall. I hereby charge you all to hunt for pennies: -on sidewalks, under rugs, in chairs, behind the couch, in your backpack, pennies everywhere! Prepare to discover the power of pennies! One penny can make a difference! Bring in your pennies and add them to the “Pennies with Purpose” Jar. We will collect pennies until we fill the jar and send them on to help the children in China.
There will be many additional activities associated with our “green web” curriculum. I will post and announce more information in the coming weeks. I look forward to our work together as we re-cycle, and re-joice in our beautiful “Blue Boat Home.
Blessed be the Earth!, Namaste
Debra Zagaeski (Director of Religious Education)
Notes From A Reluctant Teacher
by Beth Tappan-deFrees
Many years ago when RE students, who are now working, studying, or graduated from college, were very young… maybe 9 years old, I was asked by the DRE, Dan Harper, to teach with Michael Collins. I had no children, didn’t know Michael, and stubbornly liked services. After all, that’s why I had joined the church, right?: to find an in/outlet for my spirituality? Isn’t that what I got to do after arduous weeks at work, “rest for an hour”? Why couldn’t someone else do it? Weren’t there other volunteers in church? And besides, the curriculum was one on spirituality that Dan had written! Wasn’t that awkward? Wouldn’t he have too high expectations of what we could do? I wasn’t a teacher! And I certainly knew nothing about pre-teens…
Fast forward 12 or so years… Today, 3/29, found me in my son’s RE class, teaching with my wife about Children’s Day in Japan… relating it back to the importance of peace, an end to sex-role stereotyping, and a high-level conversation about imperialism with seven 9 year-olds. OK. So, I am changed.
What began as a small step into my “yikes” zone, has been a fantastically fulfilling relationship with the RE program at FPW. I do not feel confident that I could create a curriculum on my own, but I have taught some excellent ones (created, borrowed, copied, owned). They are fairly easy to follow. I choose to always team teach and I have worked with people I might not have gotten to know so well – Michael Collins, David Benson, Adam Jonath, Darrick Jackson – and some, like Isabel, whom I know very well; it adds a new dimension to our life together. I taught for years before having my own child; I don’t always choose to teach Elijah’s class. I have taught Spirituality, Holidays and Holy Days, Our Whole Lives, Neighboring Faiths and assorted other classes – sometimes for an extended time, sometimes for a few clustered weeks. With the exception of OWL, none of them required a moment of specialized training. ALL of them deepened my spirituality, my connectedness to the First Parish community and my understanding of the ministry we provide one another. I have learned much from the children in our church – lessons in directness and teamwork and fun that could not ever be learned from a standard church service. As an offshoot of my RE involvement, I have been graced with being trusted to mentor students (Kate Bahn, Charlotte Fitts-Sprague, Doug Leon) at different times as they advance their own journey to the world of being UU. And, yes, sometimes it is difficult to miss services.
What am I saying? Our church is a growing and changing church, not just FPW, but the religion as a whole. The adults who have chosen to be here come for the community ministry, find it, and stay. For the words of our affirmation and doxology to be realized, all our talents are needed as we work together. Next time you say “… to help one another…”, listen to your heart: could you enter your “yikes” zone to find some Sundays to work with our RE classes? I have been here with 7 DREs. None of them can magically make teachers appear out of thin air. Nor are all parents the best classroom teachers. The RE program gives you a lot of curriculum guidance. Many of us who have taught will offer support and ideas if asked. Try it! It’s really fun. You may, like me, be able to look back and say you were reluctant, but now you feel eager for the next RE challenge!
Musically Speaking
by Charlyn Bethell
It is time for me to write the Music Director’s summary of the year for the Annual Report. This gives me a chance to look back over the year and reflect on what has been accomplished and what is still in process. It has been a year of self-discovery and growth for me. It has been a year of transition for our church.
Sometimes when we begin something new in our lives, we look to our past as a model. But as I do that, I note that the only church I have ever meaningfully been part of with a music program is First Parish in Watertown. While growing up, my family occasionally attended Air Force base chapels with chaplains of varied Protestant denominations. The only thing I remember about those church services is the hymn singing, and at First Parish, we sing none of those old Christian hymns. This makes being the Music Director at First Parish an adventure. I applaud the efforts of our previous music director, as she fulfilled the vision of music at our church as she saw it. I feel fortunate to be working closely with Guy Urban as accompanist because he is one of the best and most complete musicians I have ever known. I am also lucky to be working with Mark Harris. He is enthusiastic in general and he is open-minded about trying new things at church. He has a way of treating me as an equal colleague in spite of my limited experience as a Music Director. I find his attitude encouraging and accepting and I feel lucky to be here.
From my experiences this year, I have learned that the Music Director’s job is to direct and oversee all the music at First Parish. This includes directing the Children’s, Youth, and Adult choirs. I also assist with hymns and songs for church services. I select soloists for services and try to find as much variety as possible. I am working on having a website for music so that we all know what to expect musically at church. The Music Director needs to be aware of goals of the church and find ways for music to support those goals. For example, recently, the RE program focused on the Heifer Project and the children’s choir sang songs about animals.
I am working on the goals I have set up for 2008--2009:
Communicating with church community about the musical life of the church.
Finding a variety of music styles in choosing soloists for services.
Organizing existing choral music into a new space.
Connecting with a larger UU community of musicians as a resource (Unitarian Universalist Muscians’ Network, a national professional organization of UU music directors).
Integrating music with worship services around church goals (ie: green sanctuary) and sermon topics with the minister.
Beginning to plan a concert series for Benefit concerts.
Involving the congregation in music during services for more active hymn singing.
I want to learn more about being a Music Director. Early in March, I attended a one-day conference done by the UU Musicians’ Network (UUMN) in Attleboro. It was wonderful to spend a day with area music directors. Now I am excited about plans to attend a 5-day national UUMN conference this summer in Portland, Oregon.
While I am still working on my goals, I am finding that that being the Music Director at First Parish is manageable, enjoyable, and a source of growth for me. The best part of this is building community around music. I love creating a circle of people that love to work with music. I can only imagine the wonders that I will be writing about this time next year.
Easter Pancake Breakfast
Everyone is invited to a pancake feast on Easter Sunday Morning. The breakfast begins at 9:00 a.m., and includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee (maybe even a few waffles, too). Jeanne Cleary and David Morrison are working on organizing volunteers to help cook, set-up and clean up. If you would like to volunteer, please speak to one of them, or contact the church office. No RSVP required, and cost is your donation! Come greet the Easter bunny!
The Annual Meeting is coming!
On Sunday April 26th around 12:45, we will have our Annual Meeting. You will get a warrant in the mail or in your email. Social Hour will be a little more substantial to hold you over until 2pm when the meeting is over!
All members and friends are invited, but only members are able to vote. The basic agenda is to approve the annual budget and review other business as comes before the congregation at the time. This is a really cool part of what we get to do as part of this church! Run our own show! But it takes a critical mass of us to review the financial needs and plans for church to make it work. We need to have a quorum so please plan on attending if you can.
Thank you! Parish Committee and Finance Committee
Easter Offering
Twice a year, we request Special Offerings from the First Parish community that are in addition to pledges. In 2009, the Easter offering begins our fiscal year (which runs April to March). Through the next couple of weeks, you will find envelopes in your Orders of Service. If you choose to make an extra contribution to the church in this time of the awakening earth, please enclose it in the envelope and put it in the offertory box or on the office door. Thank you!
Canvass
THANK YOU one and all for all your fantastic food and feedback during the “Yes! We Can!” Canvass Suppers in March. While the suppers are over, the pledges are not all in. If you have not yet turned in your pledge form for 2009 – 2010, please drop it off at the church office or email John Portz (jportz@rcn.com). Budget planning for 2009 – 2010 happens at the Finance Committee meeting before Easter. Pledges comprise ~ 40% of the church’s income and it would be great to have 100% pledging! Remember these are full-year pledges: consider how you can help sustain the life and programs of the church and know that you have a full year to help. If you have questions about your pledge, please contact John as well.
Sunday Morning Hymn Sings
Charlyn and Guy have been helping us practice for the hymns that will be sung during the service at 10 minutes to 11 a.m. If you want to be familiar with the hymns before we sing during the service (even try-out a new harmony!) grab a hymnal and come up to the piano before the service begins!
All-Church Potluck Dinner and Talent / Art Show!
Coming Saturday, April 4th at 5:30! (Talent Show starts at 7) Special appearance by Guest MCs: PB & J!
Come one, come all! This is an all-church event to show your talent, be it cooking, quilting, photographing, eating, singing, instrument-playing, acting, reading, appreciating… It’s a big party!!! Please bring a main dish, salad, dessert, bread etc. Beverages will be provided by the Fellowship Committee. If you have any questions, want to volunteer, or want to display, please email Beth Tappan-deFrees (edefrees@aol.com).
Need a Vacation?
Paradise available July 5-12, July 12-19, July 19-26 and August 23-30. Mark and Andrea's place on the ocean in Owls Head, Maine is proven to restore your soul.(Well, it works for them; we assume it will for you, too.) Details, etc. from Andrea (themanse@comcast.net) or
617-923-3922.
Spring Into Your Career Choice
Wednesday Evenings in May; May 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2009 , Time 7-9pm at First Parish
Four 2 hour career focus sessions to help you understand yourself and target your next job. Each session will focus on a specific topics and include assessments, handouts, group exercises, and feedback. We will begin with "Understanding Yourself", and move to "Marketing Materials", "Job Search" and finish with "Interviewing Techniques". 12 slots available @ $10 a session or $35 for all 4 sessions. Fee includes cost of handout materials, and assessments. This program is offered by Anna Whitcomb, a member of the First Parish, with 20 years of experience in career counseling and coaching.
www.YourCareerChoices.com Please sign up by calling 617-489-6609 or e-mail awcareer@ix.netcom.com
Rummage Sale - May 2
The Annual First Parish Rummage Sale will be Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We are once again looking for quality donations! We like books, records, audio and video tapes, DVD’s, children’s clothes, linens and white goods, kitchen and household items, small electronics and appliances (in working order), arts and crafts, bric-a-brac, sporting goods, toys and games, small furniture, etc. etc. We don’t accept adult clothing, and we can’t take computers, electronic components or TV’s because of disposal problems. Otherwise, whatever you want to recycle that you think someone else would like is what we want! Drop off times are at the church Friday evening, May 1 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday morning, May 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. We will need lots of help setting up Friday night and Saturday morning, selling on Saturday and cleaning up Saturday afternoon. Please see Jane Knuttunen (617 923-0243) or knuttun@rcn.com) or Sue Kuder (617 926-7814) or skuder@cmlaw.net) if you can help, or with questions.
(N.B. Each year we worry about disposing of items that do not sell. Last year several people took home 2 – 3 large garbage bags of “leftovers” for the Vietnam Vets to pick up. That was successful, so we are looking for volunteers this year to do the same thing. Again, please let Jane or Sue know if you could help out in this way.)
April Giving Box and Benefit Concert
The April Giving Box will remain empty, BUT we will be filling envelopes with money to support PATS ---The Pediatric Aids/HIV Treatment Support Project (PATS) started by and directed by Eliza Petrow--former FPW church school student and daughter of our FPW member Beth Parsons. Please go to the PATS website for more information
SO... April's Giving Box is going GREEN!!!! Green as in “Greenbacks. ” We will NOT be collecting 'items' for our church Giving Boxes in the vestibules. Rather we'll be having a RAFFLE with a series of 'prizes' generously donated by our Asian community businesses and other businesses, which were impressed with the PATS mission in China. To date the Raffle items include several 5 Restaurant Gift Certificates: Asian Fusion, Watertown, MA, $25// Mifune, Arlington, MA. $25// Shanghai Village, Arlington,MA, $25// Sichuan's Gardens, Waltham,MA, (Dinner Buffet for 2)// AND the ChangoSho, Cambridge,MA. $100// In addition the DAHN Yoga Studio in Arlington,MA has donated 5 classes. There will also be museum tickets donated by Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA)--2 Admissions per drawing (2 drawings) which includes general admission AND admission to the Chinese House Exhibit (from the same province as Eliza's Project!!!) The chances will sell for : 1 chance:$5 and 3 chances: $10. We'll need your help to buy and sell the Raffle tickets--so we can color the Giving Boxes---GREEN.
Please be sure and see the poster explanation atop both Giving Boxes...upstairs and downstairs in the church vestibules. As always--we thank you for your support of the Giving Box efforts.and we ask you to do what you can in the next 3 weeks to help make this effort successful. (Prize drawings will be held the evening of April 18th during the intermission of the Benefit Concert--winners need not be present)
Helen Keller wrote: Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. By our sponsoring a benefit concert and running a raffle both which will direct all proceeds to a pediatric aids project in rural China, FPW is part of that overcoming suffering Thank you again for extending some New England springtime expansive spirit to Eliza's project in China.
Barbara Farrell and Jill Shaw
**Raffle tickets will be available at the April 4th Talent Show evening and after the church services of April 5th and April 12th AND on the evening of the April 18th Benefit Concert. **
PATS is also the recipient of our proceeds from this year’s benefit concert. This year the annual concert will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at church. We are delighted that pianist Jacqueline Schwab is returning, with Reinmar Seidler on cello: New Rigged Ship—Neo-traditional Scottish and Shetland tunes and tales. (See the flyer in this newsletter) Tickets are $20, and can be bought ahead of time from David Morrison during social hour, or by calling the church office. We also need donations of refreshments, so if you can contribute baked goods for sale at intermission, please see Barbara Farrell, Jill Shaw or Sue Kuder. Please support PATS with our exciting raffle, and by attending the concert. Spread the word, and hope to see you there!
Thank you for your generous donations of toiletries to Renewal House in March (and the last minute $50 towards a vacuum). Our charitable offering in March generated a collection of $513. 00 for Renewal House
Green Sanctuary Corner
My Personal Green Experience
Saving the planet and missing the bus.
I have been changing the light bulbs to more efficient cfl' bulbs for years. First at my old apartment shared with others on Belmont Street. CFL Bulbs and dimmer switches I was noted for. I did, however, hesitate for six months before suggesting new bulbs at Green Street that Martha and I now call home. In a new relationship I did not want my head handed to me for being too forward.Well, Martha let me change the bulbs...most all of them.At first there was the question of waiting until the old ones burned out. Later, we agreed that the old ones were too expensive to burn. They used four times the amount of electricity as the new cfl ones. Then we discovered LED nightlights! But, while I continued to think of bulbs Martha had our two old oil tanks, boilers and hot water heaters replaced with a single high rated gas boiler and indirect hot water heater. I put a yellow bug light on the outside back stairs and Martha had most all of the worn out windows replaced with double paned ones that open easily and most have argon gas in the middle. We are taking a breather for the moment.
Next on my list are the refrigerators upstairs and down, a front loading washer if I can prove it will save enough water to be worth the extra cost and is reliable enough and not flood our basement, and a gas dryer to replace the electric one. Martha wants a outside clothesline and to support a community garden.
So whats the problem?
I save everything. My dresser drawers are full of pens out of ink, flashlights that no longer work, magnifiers that once did work except for this one thing...and pieces of whatnots waiting for the next coming to be fulfilled again. Boxes of momentos clog our basement.Paper is my real downfall. I have difficulty reading it and even more trouble filing it so I can find it again.
So when I talk green I try to be a little humble becauseI know I have a long way to go. By the way have you tried Martha's home baked bread or our push handmower?
Living a simple life.
What is your story?
David Morrison
FPW, Green Sanctuary Committee
Green Service April 19
On Sunday, April 19, we will be having an Earth Day Intergenerational Green Service and we ask that all of the congregation consider walking, biking, or carpooling to church that day.
Mass Bay District Annual Meeting and Spring Conference
Call to the Mass Bay District Annual Meeting.
The Mass Bay District Board invites you to participate in our Annual Meeting from 8:30 to 10:00 AM immediately prior to our Spring Conference on April 25, 2009 at the Bentley Conference Center
We ask each member congregation of the Mass Bay District to identify three delegates - lay members and/or settled ministers - who can join us in conversation about the purpose of the District, receive the reports about
District activities, learn about the use of your District dues, and elect District leadership. Ideally your delegates would include people who are active leaders in your congregation interested in the broader impact of
Unitarian Universalism in our area. You may access the Delegate Registration form at www.mbduua.org. Would you like to join Kyle Hart as a FPW delegate?
Please fill it out and return it to us at the address on the form. We are pleased to offer delegates breakfast at this event and encourage them to stay for the remainder of the day for our Spring Conference on the theme
"Seeking Wholeness in a Fragmented World."
Individuals who are not delegates may attend the Annual Meeting, though they
will not be permitted to vote on district business.
Please call the MBD office at 617-393-4216 or email us at mbd@mbduua.org
with any questions you may have.
We look forward to meeting with your delegates!
CONFERENCE THEME: Seeking Wholeness in a Fragmented World
Cost: $50
April 25, 2009 - 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
So much that we have grown to depend upon in our world seems to be crumbling, or at least realigning. We may be asking ourselves how we can respond as religious people. What can we do as individuals to help sustain ourselves spiritually? What can we do as committed Unitarian Universalists to help sustain our spiritual communities?
Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, our District Executive, will lead us in a day-long interactive process of exploring key elements in our spiritual lives as
individuals, as communities, and as people concerned about our wider world.
Mass Bay District's Annual Meeting immediately preceeds the Spring Conference. Consider attending this breakfast meeting as your congregational delegate to hear and act on matters affecting the 55 congregations within
your district of the UUA.
Spring Conference 2009 will be held at the Bentley College Conference Center, Waltham, MA.
“Responding to Hurtful Speech” Forum to be Held at the Library
“I can’t believe you just said that..,” Responding to Hurtful Speech is the title of a public forum to be held on Thursday, April 16, at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main Street, 6:30 PM-9:00 PM. The forum is free and open to the public. It is designed for adults, middle school, and high school students.
Hurtful remarks may be intentional or unintentional. They can be about race, gender, ethnic background, age, ability, or almost anything else that makes each one of us unique. Very often they leave scars that may be slow to heal.
Have you ever been the recipient of a hurtful remark or overheard a comment about someone else at work, in school, or even at home? If you weren’t sure how to respond, come to this forum and learn how to speak up for yourself and for others, and by doing so, create a more respectful and inclusive community.
The forum will be facilitated by Paula Parnagian, President of Worldview Services and a diversity and conflict specialist. It will include a dramatic presentation by the Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders, with time for audience participation and discussion. Refreshments will be served.
This program is sponsored by the World in Watertown, Watertown Youth Coalition, Wayside Multi-Service Center, and Watertown Police Department. For more information, contact: Will Twombly (617) 926-8130 or email: wtsd@rcn.com or
becket_rhodes@waysideyouth.org.
Charles River Clean Up
The Annual Charles River Earth Day cleanup sponsored by the Charles River Watershed Association is schedulked for Satruday, April 25, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteerrs are invited to pick up trash along the river.
All volunteers will be provided with supplies and instructions, and are also invited to attend a post-cleanup thank you picnic. If you would like to sign up to organize a group of volunteers, volunteer yourself, or get more information, please contact the regional coordinator - 781-788-0007 x303 or charles@crwa.org. Sign up is required to take part in the Cleanup (except drop-in sites) and many areas fill up fast, so contact them soon!
Project Bread’s Annual Walk for Hunger, Sunday, May 3
Starts on the Boston Common, 7:00 – 9:00am
With poverty and unemployment rising at unprecedented rates and 522,000 people across the state struggling to put food on the table, this year’s Walk for Hunger is more important than ever. Since 1969, The Walk for Hunger has relied on support from religious organizations. Over the years, that support has grown from one to more than 1,000 religious and community organizations that come out to protest the social injustice of hunger in our midst. Now is the time to step up and join us for Project Bread’s Annual Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 3.
Celebrate the spirit of giving along with over 40,000 other concerned citizens by participating in this Massachusetts family tradition. For more information, visit www.projectbread.org/walk or call 617-723-5000. We have brochures in the pamphlet rack.
Massachusetts Bay District of UU Congregations @ Work
Congregational What?
by Rev. Sue Phillips, Director of Program Development
Most of us sitting in the pews on Sunday morning take pride in the autonomy of our Unitarian Universalist congregation, which calls its own minister, creates its own annual budget, and decides which symbols adorn its sanctuary. All those important decisions are ours and ours alone.
This same sense of congregational independence was equally prized by our Puritan forebears – indeed they were its authors. But those wise people also knew that unchecked autonomy is no healthier for individual churches than it is for individual people. They knew that autonomous congregations – like people – are stronger when they band together. And so the churches joined in a covenant, promising each other “care, consultation, admonition, participation, recommendation and relief.” This is congregational polity.
And this is why the Massachusetts Bay District of UU Congregations and the Unitarian Universalist Association exist: to help congregations help each other. The 55 UU congregations in the Mass Bay District band together to offer one another leadership development, technical training on everything from worship to stewardship, assistance during the search for professional leadership, grant funds for growth projects, and District staff to turn to when they need support.
Sometimes people use the principle of congregational polity to focus on the autonomy of individual congregations. We might recognize this focus in a mild distrust of the UUA or a reluctance to pay District dues. And yet congregational polity is so much more than a justification for independence. It is the vehicle of interdependence.
Ours is a living theological tradition, but our polity has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. In a religious movement without a shared theological center, our polity is what holds us together – it’s the covenant out of which our connective web is woven.
Niagra Falls
Join UUs from around the country in Niagara Falls, July 19-22, 2009. Come experience the wonder of Niagara Falls including some great educational opportunities while being taken care of like royalty. The UU Church of Niagara is conducting a four day UU Niagara Experience which is a lifetime opportunity to encounter the Falls up close from every perspective. Spend four days with us exploring the rich history and natural beauty around the Falls. For information visit our web site : http://www.uunex.net/
Strengths and Talents Survey – What Talent / Gift would you like to share at FPW?
If you haven't done so please fill out this survey and return to the church office. There are also copies available at church!
Dear friends,
This year in anticipation of soliciting help with our Committee work at First Parish for next year and beyond, we are trying to establish a “Talent Bank.” This bank will help our church leadership determine what personal contribution of skill or talent you would like to make to the church to make church life more meaningful for you and others. Please check off those areas that appeal to you. We will use this information to let you know about volunteer opportunities at First Parish. This does not commit you to being a member of any committee.
Using Talents on Your Own: Doing Specific Tasks
___Hands On - I like working with tools and fixing things. I like to maintain buildings
___Public Relations - I like to write press releases, and facilitate communication
___Tech Support - I know computers, and people ask me for help with them
___Graphic Arts - I am good at computer software to create graphics or posters
___Finance – I am good with numbers, and understand money
___Cooking - I like cooking for a church function or for someone in need
___Appreciation – I am good at writing thank you notes
Using Talents With Others / People Skills
___Advocacy – Advocating and organizing justice issues
___Coordination – I like organizing people to get a job done
___Recruitment - I like to find out people’s talents and passions
___Vision - I am comfortable with change, and enjoy taking on new challenges
___Hospitality – I like meeting new people and talking to them or making phone calls
___Compassion - I am interested in reaching out to others who need a friend or support
___Direct Service - I like working with people behind the scenes. Call on me to help out
Using Talents in Public:
___Teaching - I like working with others, especially children, either developing
materials or finding resources, and presenting them
___Musician - I have musical abilities and like to perform and / or teach others
___Visual Arts - I have skills in visual arts – sculpture, photography, drawing, or
special building projects
___Public speaking - I am a good speaker and like reading in public
___Worship - I want to lead meditations, etc.
Name /Email or Phone:_______________
Arbella
April 2009
for calendar of events please go the member page for the calendar
Sermons and Topics
Sunday, April 5, 2009 11:00 a.m.
“Empathy for the “Other”...Even the Other In Uniform” Raz Mason
Through our long tradition of social justice, UU’s have a dignified history of welcoming the “other.” But how can and ought we relate to the “other” serving in the US military? This sermon will highlight some principles underlying possible congregational responses to veterans, service members, and their families. We will also touch on the ministry of UU military chaplains and progressive military initiatives.
Raz Mason is a third-year M.Div. student at Harvard Divinity School.
Social Hour: Charlyn Bethell, Guy Urban and Martha Urban
Greeters: Holly Cachimuel and family
Sunday, April 12, 2009 11:00 a.m
“Moving Stones” Andrea Greenwood
As a holiday which is the hallmark of Christian faith, Easter can be a challenge for UUs. I am interested in exploring the story of the stone
being moved from the mouth of Jesus's burial tomb, and what that might mean to us. Many parts of the service will be from Unitarians (e e cummings, Beatrix Potter) who show us a faith that makes sense, and includes us all. Nature and reason can illuminate and open us to life’s mysteries. Perhaps we can even experience the resurrection in our own hearts....
Andrea Greenwood is a former minister and DRE of this congregation!
Social Hour: Judy and Roger Kamm
Greeters: Meredith Montague and John Portz
Sunday, April 19 2009 11:00 a.m.
Earth Day Celebration - Intergenerational
led by Debra Zagaeski, DRE
If you close your eyes and pause for a moment I believe that each of us can elicit an image of a place, a place which represents a personal connection to the sacred "Blue Boat Home" which we call the Earth. We will honor and celebrate our Earth through communion and pledges on Earth Day Sunday. Please bring a small object which represents your special place on Earth. We will share our Earth icons and images during this worship. We will also consider our stewardship of the Earth and write a personal pledge in support of the Earth and it's environment.
Social Hour: Jill Shaw and Barbara Farrell
Greeters: Fatima Hussein and Habis Obyat
Sunday, April 26, 2009 11:00 a.m.
"How Much Do We Deserve? - A Sermon on Economic Justice" John A. Buehrens
In the midst of a crisis brought on by greed and excessive inequality, the question, for each of us, is "What now?"
John Buehrens is Minister of First Parish in Needham. He was UUA President, 1993-2001.
Social Hour: Gretchen Brown and Johanna Erickson
Greeters: Djalai Babazadeh and Steve Gustin
Captain’s Log
Well, it seems strange not to write up a list of sermons for the month, but my sabbatical has arrived. I expect this column will be filled by Andrea in May. I think I am ready. First, let me tell you how grateful I am to receive this special time for study and writing. Andrea and I are working on a book called An Introduction to the Unitarian and Universalist Traditions with Cambridge University Press. We have three months this year and three months next year to finish the project, and if we can each write a chapter a month, we can almost finish on time. Stay tuned! So we have no elaborate trips planned either year. We will be in residence in Watertown. I expect to see you at some major events like Annual Dinner and Annual Meeting. I will also be around church some, too. For example, I am teaching the Coming of Age class on April 5. Please let me know if you need anything. I will miss seeing you each week, but please know that your lives and concerns always hold an important place in my heart.
What will the next three months be like? We have planned all of the worship services. I think you will be pleased with the mixture of visiting guests and special services. I trust you will hear some good preaching, and the continuing great music with Charlyn and Guy. Wasn’t that youth choir amazing? I encourage you to attend church this spring. In addition to enjoying the services, I would also like you to have your antennae out. I have become concerned about the length of our services. While we may not tinker with the various elements until fall, I am hoping we can cut down on the number of verbal announcements, joys and sorrows that sound like announcements, readings, and even the length of sermons. This joys and sorrows issue was voiced to me, but compared to other congregations, I think we are pretty good about staying with personal issues. It is good that we have such a community building mechanism in the service, but I do worry about length. Space is also an issue, and I think we need to think about how often the children are in the sanctuary, and even if we might have some kind of service at a different time so that young families are more comfortable. Please reflect on this in the coming months, and let me know if you agree that the worship service feels a little unwieldy at times.
This has been a difficult year on most financial fronts, and we do not know the results of our canvass yet. Still you have been enormously generous time and time again. I especially see this with the monthly charitable offerings, which always seem to have a wonderful total. You have a remarkable ability to help others that is reflected in your financial generosity and personal caring. This month we have the benefit concert and the raffle to support PATS. We have had more social action projects this year than we have ever had. It has been fun working with FPW members, not only on the usual projects, but the volunteering at the Food Bank in the Fall, and the Friday Supper Program in the winter. I especially appreciate what Jill Shaw, Barbara Farrell and Sue Kuder have done this year. Also, on the financial front, don’t forget our chair project. See the website for details. We have surged beyond fifty chairs and are closing in on sixty!
Looking ahead to the rest of the church year, there are some wonderful activities. We have volunteers working hard on all our major projects. We will have a second annual Easter Pancake Breakfast, the Benefit Concert, and the Rummage Sale. Please help out where you can. We will have a large number of people who will be welcomed on May 3 as new members. If you are new to the church and would consider joining, please fill out a yellow card. Finally, if you would like more information about the sabbatical, there will be a sabbatical brochure on the information table in the lobby. Thanks again for making it possible. I expect to come back with an ever-increasing understanding of our Unitarian Universalist tradition, and hopefully I can share some of that with you. Until next time . . . May you have a warm, healthy, enjoyable spring, and even a little economic renewal!
Faithfully,
Mark
Among Us
A Memorial Service for Helen Wait was held on February 28, 2009 in the sanctuary. Helen was a long time member of the church, and had been on the search committee that chose Patty Devore to be music director in the 1970’s.
Mark conducted a funeral service for Janice Wilson on March 11. Janice was a UU from Arlington, the mother of Heather Hoiseth,who attended FPW some years ago.
New Members:
Welcome to Morgan McLean and Seth Carrier, two Andover Newton students who joined recently
A warm welcome to Josephine Dion Thompson, or Josie, daughter of Melissa and Brooks Thompson. Josie was dedicated on March 15 in a ceremony in church.
Thank You
Thanks to those who helped serve dinner at Arlington Street Church on Friday, February 27. We had 12 adults and four coming of age youth – Thalia Cachimuel, Emily Cudhea-Pierce, Yami Dussault, and Levi Harris. We had sixteen people altogether - Others were: Will and Sue Twombly, David Morrison and Martha Scott, Jill Shaw and Barbara Farrell, Sue Kuder, Debra Zagaeski, Mark Harris, Bobbie Brown, Carole Katz, and Anna Knight.
Thanks to those who made refreshments for the benefit concert: Bobbie Brown, Nancy Dutton, Sue Kuder. David Morrison, Martha Scott and Ginger Burns. Brett Hinkel, the music director at the UU Church in Andover put together a nice show, but attendance was a little low. We split the profit with the Andover church, and netted $345.00 for our chair fund.
Religious Education
Re-cycle, Re-pair, Re-joice!”
My Special Place: “As the sun hits the sea my place comes alive. I begin to imagine that the world won’t survive. Wars, pollution, the amount of trees dying, the suffering of animals leaves me crying. How can I sit here not helping at all, when the world is sending an SOS call? I leap to my feet.. I must act fast. If I don’t act now, my place will not last. I can pick up litter and plant native trees, be kind to others, and love them with ease. If I lead by example for others to follow, the world will have a better tomorrow.” - This poem was written by, Noelle S. (11 years of age) from Australia.
A poignant plea! - A passionate response! It is this spirit of awareness, insight and activism that we seek to teach and support in our children and youth here at First Parish. It is spring! The earth is budding once again, new life and new growth are appearing all around us, no wonder our ancestors sang, Alleluia! Alleluia! In this time of renewal, and possibility we are reminded of the awesome power of spirit. We too can exhibit our awesome power of our spirit by directing our energies to the stewardship of our “Blue Boat Home”- the Earth.
Beginning on Sunday, April 26th the children and youth in the First Parish religious education program will begin a four -week workshop intensive (Green Web). We will invite them to learn and to grow in their awareness of the Earth and it’s environment. We will explore some of the current information regarding the state of our planet, (global warming, de-forestation, loss of species…). While some of this information may feel a bit intense and even overwhelming, it is important to have all of our children and youth increase their awareness of the issues currently facing our world. We will strive to balance awareness with action; we can show our children and youth that their actions do make a difference. We need ambassadors of every age to work toward the solutions for healing our Earth. In Judaism there is an expression for the work of “repairing the world” It is called “Tikkun Olam”. “Tikkun Olam” helps to connect us to the divine spark in each individual through the practice of doing good work, and making it the spiritual task of each person to help to repair and protect the world. One person can make a difference! “You are not required to complete the work, yet you are not allowed to desist from it. –“ Pirkei Avot, 2:21
We need many individuals to help us teach during these workshop weeks. Please look at the bulletin board during fellowship hour and sign up to help!
During April and May the eleven year old youth of First Parish will be asking individuals if they are willing to serve as their mentors for the First Mentor rite of passage. Please consider stepping up to help in this meaningful and important First Parish tradition.
The religious education program will be working closely with the First Parish Green Sanctuary Committee during the next several weeks to co-ordinate some “green” projects around our church community. I would love to start a compost project and a small drought resistant garden with the children and youth of First Parish during the spring and early summer.
I am pleased to announce that First Parish has been approved as a collection site for Nike Corporation athletic shoe re-cycling campaign. For the four weeks of our “green web” workshops we will collect worn-out athletic shoes to be recycled into playground surfaces for needy communities. (Additional information will be posted at church.)
On Sunday, April 26th join our “swop meet” (bring one item- take one item)- please plan to bring an item (any item: household, clothing, toy, whatever…but it must be in good condition) we will then trade in the wonderful albeit unwanted item and choose a new item. This is the ultimate in re-cycle, re-use, re-purpose, re-new!
The religious education program will participate in the charitable donation for the month of April (Pediatric AIDS support in China) by collecting pennies. We tend to discard or ignore our pennies. We want these pennies! Look for the “Pennies with Purpose” jar in the fellowship hall. I hereby charge you all to hunt for pennies: -on sidewalks, under rugs, in chairs, behind the couch, in your backpack, pennies everywhere! Prepare to discover the power of pennies! One penny can make a difference! Bring in your pennies and add them to the “Pennies with Purpose” Jar. We will collect pennies until we fill the jar and send them on to help the children in China.
There will be many additional activities associated with our “green web” curriculum. I will post and announce more information in the coming weeks. I look forward to our work together as we re-cycle, and re-joice in our beautiful “Blue Boat Home.
Blessed be the Earth!, Namaste
Debra Zagaeski (Director of Religious Education)
Notes From A Reluctant Teacher
by Beth Tappan-deFrees
Many years ago when RE students, who are now working, studying, or graduated from college, were very young… maybe 9 years old, I was asked by the DRE, Dan Harper, to teach with Michael Collins. I had no children, didn’t know Michael, and stubbornly liked services. After all, that’s why I had joined the church, right?: to find an in/outlet for my spirituality? Isn’t that what I got to do after arduous weeks at work, “rest for an hour”? Why couldn’t someone else do it? Weren’t there other volunteers in church? And besides, the curriculum was one on spirituality that Dan had written! Wasn’t that awkward? Wouldn’t he have too high expectations of what we could do? I wasn’t a teacher! And I certainly knew nothing about pre-teens…
Fast forward 12 or so years… Today, 3/29, found me in my son’s RE class, teaching with my wife about Children’s Day in Japan… relating it back to the importance of peace, an end to sex-role stereotyping, and a high-level conversation about imperialism with seven 9 year-olds. OK. So, I am changed.
What began as a small step into my “yikes” zone, has been a fantastically fulfilling relationship with the RE program at FPW. I do not feel confident that I could create a curriculum on my own, but I have taught some excellent ones (created, borrowed, copied, owned). They are fairly easy to follow. I choose to always team teach and I have worked with people I might not have gotten to know so well – Michael Collins, David Benson, Adam Jonath, Darrick Jackson – and some, like Isabel, whom I know very well; it adds a new dimension to our life together. I taught for years before having my own child; I don’t always choose to teach Elijah’s class. I have taught Spirituality, Holidays and Holy Days, Our Whole Lives, Neighboring Faiths and assorted other classes – sometimes for an extended time, sometimes for a few clustered weeks. With the exception of OWL, none of them required a moment of specialized training. ALL of them deepened my spirituality, my connectedness to the First Parish community and my understanding of the ministry we provide one another. I have learned much from the children in our church – lessons in directness and teamwork and fun that could not ever be learned from a standard church service. As an offshoot of my RE involvement, I have been graced with being trusted to mentor students (Kate Bahn, Charlotte Fitts-Sprague, Doug Leon) at different times as they advance their own journey to the world of being UU. And, yes, sometimes it is difficult to miss services.
What am I saying? Our church is a growing and changing church, not just FPW, but the religion as a whole. The adults who have chosen to be here come for the community ministry, find it, and stay. For the words of our affirmation and doxology to be realized, all our talents are needed as we work together. Next time you say “… to help one another…”, listen to your heart: could you enter your “yikes” zone to find some Sundays to work with our RE classes? I have been here with 7 DREs. None of them can magically make teachers appear out of thin air. Nor are all parents the best classroom teachers. The RE program gives you a lot of curriculum guidance. Many of us who have taught will offer support and ideas if asked. Try it! It’s really fun. You may, like me, be able to look back and say you were reluctant, but now you feel eager for the next RE challenge!
Musically Speaking
by Charlyn Bethell
It is time for me to write the Music Director’s summary of the year for the Annual Report. This gives me a chance to look back over the year and reflect on what has been accomplished and what is still in process. It has been a year of self-discovery and growth for me. It has been a year of transition for our church.
Sometimes when we begin something new in our lives, we look to our past as a model. But as I do that, I note that the only church I have ever meaningfully been part of with a music program is First Parish in Watertown. While growing up, my family occasionally attended Air Force base chapels with chaplains of varied Protestant denominations. The only thing I remember about those church services is the hymn singing, and at First Parish, we sing none of those old Christian hymns. This makes being the Music Director at First Parish an adventure. I applaud the efforts of our previous music director, as she fulfilled the vision of music at our church as she saw it. I feel fortunate to be working closely with Guy Urban as accompanist because he is one of the best and most complete musicians I have ever known. I am also lucky to be working with Mark Harris. He is enthusiastic in general and he is open-minded about trying new things at church. He has a way of treating me as an equal colleague in spite of my limited experience as a Music Director. I find his attitude encouraging and accepting and I feel lucky to be here.
From my experiences this year, I have learned that the Music Director’s job is to direct and oversee all the music at First Parish. This includes directing the Children’s, Youth, and Adult choirs. I also assist with hymns and songs for church services. I select soloists for services and try to find as much variety as possible. I am working on having a website for music so that we all know what to expect musically at church. The Music Director needs to be aware of goals of the church and find ways for music to support those goals. For example, recently, the RE program focused on the Heifer Project and the children’s choir sang songs about animals.
I am working on the goals I have set up for 2008--2009:
Communicating with church community about the musical life of the church.
Finding a variety of music styles in choosing soloists for services.
Organizing existing choral music into a new space.
Connecting with a larger UU community of musicians as a resource (Unitarian Universalist Muscians’ Network, a national professional organization of UU music directors).
Integrating music with worship services around church goals (ie: green sanctuary) and sermon topics with the minister.
Beginning to plan a concert series for Benefit concerts.
Involving the congregation in music during services for more active hymn singing.
I want to learn more about being a Music Director. Early in March, I attended a one-day conference done by the UU Musicians’ Network (UUMN) in Attleboro. It was wonderful to spend a day with area music directors. Now I am excited about plans to attend a 5-day national UUMN conference this summer in Portland, Oregon.
While I am still working on my goals, I am finding that that being the Music Director at First Parish is manageable, enjoyable, and a source of growth for me. The best part of this is building community around music. I love creating a circle of people that love to work with music. I can only imagine the wonders that I will be writing about this time next year.
Easter Pancake Breakfast
Everyone is invited to a pancake feast on Easter Sunday Morning. The breakfast begins at 9:00 a.m., and includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee (maybe even a few waffles, too). Jeanne Cleary and David Morrison are working on organizing volunteers to help cook, set-up and clean up. If you would like to volunteer, please speak to one of them, or contact the church office. No RSVP required, and cost is your donation! Come greet the Easter bunny!
The Annual Meeting is coming!
On Sunday April 26th around 12:45, we will have our Annual Meeting. You will get a warrant in the mail or in your email. Social Hour will be a little more substantial to hold you over until 2pm when the meeting is over!
All members and friends are invited, but only members are able to vote. The basic agenda is to approve the annual budget and review other business as comes before the congregation at the time. This is a really cool part of what we get to do as part of this church! Run our own show! But it takes a critical mass of us to review the financial needs and plans for church to make it work. We need to have a quorum so please plan on attending if you can.
Thank you! Parish Committee and Finance Committee
Easter Offering
Twice a year, we request Special Offerings from the First Parish community that are in addition to pledges. In 2009, the Easter offering begins our fiscal year (which runs April to March). Through the next couple of weeks, you will find envelopes in your Orders of Service. If you choose to make an extra contribution to the church in this time of the awakening earth, please enclose it in the envelope and put it in the offertory box or on the office door. Thank you!
Canvass
THANK YOU one and all for all your fantastic food and feedback during the “Yes! We Can!” Canvass Suppers in March. While the suppers are over, the pledges are not all in. If you have not yet turned in your pledge form for 2009 – 2010, please drop it off at the church office or email John Portz (jportz@rcn.com). Budget planning for 2009 – 2010 happens at the Finance Committee meeting before Easter. Pledges comprise ~ 40% of the church’s income and it would be great to have 100% pledging! Remember these are full-year pledges: consider how you can help sustain the life and programs of the church and know that you have a full year to help. If you have questions about your pledge, please contact John as well.
Sunday Morning Hymn Sings
Charlyn and Guy have been helping us practice for the hymns that will be sung during the service at 10 minutes to 11 a.m. If you want to be familiar with the hymns before we sing during the service (even try-out a new harmony!) grab a hymnal and come up to the piano before the service begins!
All-Church Potluck Dinner and Talent / Art Show!
Coming Saturday, April 4th at 5:30! (Talent Show starts at 7) Special appearance by Guest MCs: PB & J!
Come one, come all! This is an all-church event to show your talent, be it cooking, quilting, photographing, eating, singing, instrument-playing, acting, reading, appreciating… It’s a big party!!! Please bring a main dish, salad, dessert, bread etc. Beverages will be provided by the Fellowship Committee. If you have any questions, want to volunteer, or want to display, please email Beth Tappan-deFrees (edefrees@aol.com).
Need a Vacation?
Paradise available July 5-12, July 12-19, July 19-26 and August 23-30. Mark and Andrea's place on the ocean in Owls Head, Maine is proven to restore your soul.(Well, it works for them; we assume it will for you, too.) Details, etc. from Andrea (themanse@comcast.net) or
617-923-3922.
Spring Into Your Career Choice
Wednesday Evenings in May; May 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2009 , Time 7-9pm at First Parish
Four 2 hour career focus sessions to help you understand yourself and target your next job. Each session will focus on a specific topics and include assessments, handouts, group exercises, and feedback. We will begin with "Understanding Yourself", and move to "Marketing Materials", "Job Search" and finish with "Interviewing Techniques". 12 slots available @ $10 a session or $35 for all 4 sessions. Fee includes cost of handout materials, and assessments. This program is offered by Anna Whitcomb, a member of the First Parish, with 20 years of experience in career counseling and coaching.
www.YourCareerChoices.com Please sign up by calling 617-489-6609 or e-mail awcareer@ix.netcom.com
Rummage Sale - May 2
The Annual First Parish Rummage Sale will be Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We are once again looking for quality donations! We like books, records, audio and video tapes, DVD’s, children’s clothes, linens and white goods, kitchen and household items, small electronics and appliances (in working order), arts and crafts, bric-a-brac, sporting goods, toys and games, small furniture, etc. etc. We don’t accept adult clothing, and we can’t take computers, electronic components or TV’s because of disposal problems. Otherwise, whatever you want to recycle that you think someone else would like is what we want! Drop off times are at the church Friday evening, May 1 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday morning, May 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. We will need lots of help setting up Friday night and Saturday morning, selling on Saturday and cleaning up Saturday afternoon. Please see Jane Knuttunen (617 923-0243) or knuttun@rcn.com) or Sue Kuder (617 926-7814) or skuder@cmlaw.net) if you can help, or with questions.
(N.B. Each year we worry about disposing of items that do not sell. Last year several people took home 2 – 3 large garbage bags of “leftovers” for the Vietnam Vets to pick up. That was successful, so we are looking for volunteers this year to do the same thing. Again, please let Jane or Sue know if you could help out in this way.)
April Giving Box and Benefit Concert
The April Giving Box will remain empty, BUT we will be filling envelopes with money to support PATS ---The Pediatric Aids/HIV Treatment Support Project (PATS) started by and directed by Eliza Petrow--former FPW church school student and daughter of our FPW member Beth Parsons. Please go to the PATS website for more information
SO... April's Giving Box is going GREEN!!!! Green as in “Greenbacks. ” We will NOT be collecting 'items' for our church Giving Boxes in the vestibules. Rather we'll be having a RAFFLE with a series of 'prizes' generously donated by our Asian community businesses and other businesses, which were impressed with the PATS mission in China. To date the Raffle items include several 5 Restaurant Gift Certificates: Asian Fusion, Watertown, MA, $25// Mifune, Arlington, MA. $25// Shanghai Village, Arlington,MA, $25// Sichuan's Gardens, Waltham,MA, (Dinner Buffet for 2)// AND the ChangoSho, Cambridge,MA. $100// In addition the DAHN Yoga Studio in Arlington,MA has donated 5 classes. There will also be museum tickets donated by Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA)--2 Admissions per drawing (2 drawings) which includes general admission AND admission to the Chinese House Exhibit (from the same province as Eliza's Project!!!) The chances will sell for : 1 chance:$5 and 3 chances: $10. We'll need your help to buy and sell the Raffle tickets--so we can color the Giving Boxes---GREEN.
Please be sure and see the poster explanation atop both Giving Boxes...upstairs and downstairs in the church vestibules. As always--we thank you for your support of the Giving Box efforts.and we ask you to do what you can in the next 3 weeks to help make this effort successful. (Prize drawings will be held the evening of April 18th during the intermission of the Benefit Concert--winners need not be present)
Helen Keller wrote: Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. By our sponsoring a benefit concert and running a raffle both which will direct all proceeds to a pediatric aids project in rural China, FPW is part of that overcoming suffering Thank you again for extending some New England springtime expansive spirit to Eliza's project in China.
Barbara Farrell and Jill Shaw
**Raffle tickets will be available at the April 4th Talent Show evening and after the church services of April 5th and April 12th AND on the evening of the April 18th Benefit Concert. **
PATS is also the recipient of our proceeds from this year’s benefit concert. This year the annual concert will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at church. We are delighted that pianist Jacqueline Schwab is returning, with Reinmar Seidler on cello: New Rigged Ship—Neo-traditional Scottish and Shetland tunes and tales. (See the flyer in this newsletter) Tickets are $20, and can be bought ahead of time from David Morrison during social hour, or by calling the church office. We also need donations of refreshments, so if you can contribute baked goods for sale at intermission, please see Barbara Farrell, Jill Shaw or Sue Kuder. Please support PATS with our exciting raffle, and by attending the concert. Spread the word, and hope to see you there!
Thank you for your generous donations of toiletries to Renewal House in March (and the last minute $50 towards a vacuum). Our charitable offering in March generated a collection of $513. 00 for Renewal House
Green Sanctuary Corner
My Personal Green Experience
Saving the planet and missing the bus.
I have been changing the light bulbs to more efficient cfl' bulbs for years. First at my old apartment shared with others on Belmont Street. CFL Bulbs and dimmer switches I was noted for. I did, however, hesitate for six months before suggesting new bulbs at Green Street that Martha and I now call home. In a new relationship I did not want my head handed to me for being too forward.Well, Martha let me change the bulbs...most all of them.At first there was the question of waiting until the old ones burned out. Later, we agreed that the old ones were too expensive to burn. They used four times the amount of electricity as the new cfl ones. Then we discovered LED nightlights! But, while I continued to think of bulbs Martha had our two old oil tanks, boilers and hot water heaters replaced with a single high rated gas boiler and indirect hot water heater. I put a yellow bug light on the outside back stairs and Martha had most all of the worn out windows replaced with double paned ones that open easily and most have argon gas in the middle. We are taking a breather for the moment.
Next on my list are the refrigerators upstairs and down, a front loading washer if I can prove it will save enough water to be worth the extra cost and is reliable enough and not flood our basement, and a gas dryer to replace the electric one. Martha wants a outside clothesline and to support a community garden.
So whats the problem?
I save everything. My dresser drawers are full of pens out of ink, flashlights that no longer work, magnifiers that once did work except for this one thing...and pieces of whatnots waiting for the next coming to be fulfilled again. Boxes of momentos clog our basement.Paper is my real downfall. I have difficulty reading it and even more trouble filing it so I can find it again.
So when I talk green I try to be a little humble becauseI know I have a long way to go. By the way have you tried Martha's home baked bread or our push handmower?
Living a simple life.
What is your story?
David Morrison
FPW, Green Sanctuary Committee
Green Service April 19
On Sunday, April 19, we will be having an Earth Day Intergenerational Green Service and we ask that all of the congregation consider walking, biking, or carpooling to church that day.
Mass Bay District Annual Meeting and Spring Conference
Call to the Mass Bay District Annual Meeting.
The Mass Bay District Board invites you to participate in our Annual Meeting from 8:30 to 10:00 AM immediately prior to our Spring Conference on April 25, 2009 at the Bentley Conference Center
We ask each member congregation of the Mass Bay District to identify three delegates - lay members and/or settled ministers - who can join us in conversation about the purpose of the District, receive the reports about
District activities, learn about the use of your District dues, and elect District leadership. Ideally your delegates would include people who are active leaders in your congregation interested in the broader impact of
Unitarian Universalism in our area. You may access the Delegate Registration form at www.mbduua.org. Would you like to join Kyle Hart as a FPW delegate?
Please fill it out and return it to us at the address on the form. We are pleased to offer delegates breakfast at this event and encourage them to stay for the remainder of the day for our Spring Conference on the theme
"Seeking Wholeness in a Fragmented World."
Individuals who are not delegates may attend the Annual Meeting, though they
will not be permitted to vote on district business.
Please call the MBD office at 617-393-4216 or email us at mbd@mbduua.org
with any questions you may have.
We look forward to meeting with your delegates!
CONFERENCE THEME: Seeking Wholeness in a Fragmented World
Cost: $50
April 25, 2009 - 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
So much that we have grown to depend upon in our world seems to be crumbling, or at least realigning. We may be asking ourselves how we can respond as religious people. What can we do as individuals to help sustain ourselves spiritually? What can we do as committed Unitarian Universalists to help sustain our spiritual communities?
Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, our District Executive, will lead us in a day-long interactive process of exploring key elements in our spiritual lives as
individuals, as communities, and as people concerned about our wider world.
Mass Bay District's Annual Meeting immediately preceeds the Spring Conference. Consider attending this breakfast meeting as your congregational delegate to hear and act on matters affecting the 55 congregations within
your district of the UUA.
Spring Conference 2009 will be held at the Bentley College Conference Center, Waltham, MA.
“Responding to Hurtful Speech” Forum to be Held at the Library
“I can’t believe you just said that..,” Responding to Hurtful Speech is the title of a public forum to be held on Thursday, April 16, at the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main Street, 6:30 PM-9:00 PM. The forum is free and open to the public. It is designed for adults, middle school, and high school students.
Hurtful remarks may be intentional or unintentional. They can be about race, gender, ethnic background, age, ability, or almost anything else that makes each one of us unique. Very often they leave scars that may be slow to heal.
Have you ever been the recipient of a hurtful remark or overheard a comment about someone else at work, in school, or even at home? If you weren’t sure how to respond, come to this forum and learn how to speak up for yourself and for others, and by doing so, create a more respectful and inclusive community.
The forum will be facilitated by Paula Parnagian, President of Worldview Services and a diversity and conflict specialist. It will include a dramatic presentation by the Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders, with time for audience participation and discussion. Refreshments will be served.
This program is sponsored by the World in Watertown, Watertown Youth Coalition, Wayside Multi-Service Center, and Watertown Police Department. For more information, contact: Will Twombly (617) 926-8130 or email: wtsd@rcn.com or
becket_rhodes@waysideyouth.org.
Charles River Clean Up
The Annual Charles River Earth Day cleanup sponsored by the Charles River Watershed Association is schedulked for Satruday, April 25, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteerrs are invited to pick up trash along the river.
All volunteers will be provided with supplies and instructions, and are also invited to attend a post-cleanup thank you picnic. If you would like to sign up to organize a group of volunteers, volunteer yourself, or get more information, please contact the regional coordinator - 781-788-0007 x303 or charles@crwa.org. Sign up is required to take part in the Cleanup (except drop-in sites) and many areas fill up fast, so contact them soon!
Project Bread’s Annual Walk for Hunger, Sunday, May 3
Starts on the Boston Common, 7:00 – 9:00am
With poverty and unemployment rising at unprecedented rates and 522,000 people across the state struggling to put food on the table, this year’s Walk for Hunger is more important than ever. Since 1969, The Walk for Hunger has relied on support from religious organizations. Over the years, that support has grown from one to more than 1,000 religious and community organizations that come out to protest the social injustice of hunger in our midst. Now is the time to step up and join us for Project Bread’s Annual Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 3.
Celebrate the spirit of giving along with over 40,000 other concerned citizens by participating in this Massachusetts family tradition. For more information, visit www.projectbread.org/walk or call 617-723-5000. We have brochures in the pamphlet rack.
Massachusetts Bay District of UU Congregations @ Work
Congregational What?
by Rev. Sue Phillips, Director of Program Development
Most of us sitting in the pews on Sunday morning take pride in the autonomy of our Unitarian Universalist congregation, which calls its own minister, creates its own annual budget, and decides which symbols adorn its sanctuary. All those important decisions are ours and ours alone.
This same sense of congregational independence was equally prized by our Puritan forebears – indeed they were its authors. But those wise people also knew that unchecked autonomy is no healthier for individual churches than it is for individual people. They knew that autonomous congregations – like people – are stronger when they band together. And so the churches joined in a covenant, promising each other “care, consultation, admonition, participation, recommendation and relief.” This is congregational polity.
And this is why the Massachusetts Bay District of UU Congregations and the Unitarian Universalist Association exist: to help congregations help each other. The 55 UU congregations in the Mass Bay District band together to offer one another leadership development, technical training on everything from worship to stewardship, assistance during the search for professional leadership, grant funds for growth projects, and District staff to turn to when they need support.
Sometimes people use the principle of congregational polity to focus on the autonomy of individual congregations. We might recognize this focus in a mild distrust of the UUA or a reluctance to pay District dues. And yet congregational polity is so much more than a justification for independence. It is the vehicle of interdependence.
Ours is a living theological tradition, but our polity has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. In a religious movement without a shared theological center, our polity is what holds us together – it’s the covenant out of which our connective web is woven.
Niagra Falls
Join UUs from around the country in Niagara Falls, July 19-22, 2009. Come experience the wonder of Niagara Falls including some great educational opportunities while being taken care of like royalty. The UU Church of Niagara is conducting a four day UU Niagara Experience which is a lifetime opportunity to encounter the Falls up close from every perspective. Spend four days with us exploring the rich history and natural beauty around the Falls. For information visit our web site : http://www.uunex.net/
Strengths and Talents Survey – What Talent / Gift would you like to share at FPW?
If you haven't done so please fill out this survey and return to the church office. There are also copies available at church!
Dear friends,
This year in anticipation of soliciting help with our Committee work at First Parish for next year and beyond, we are trying to establish a “Talent Bank.” This bank will help our church leadership determine what personal contribution of skill or talent you would like to make to the church to make church life more meaningful for you and others. Please check off those areas that appeal to you. We will use this information to let you know about volunteer opportunities at First Parish. This does not commit you to being a member of any committee.
Using Talents on Your Own: Doing Specific Tasks
___Hands On - I like working with tools and fixing things. I like to maintain buildings
___Public Relations - I like to write press releases, and facilitate communication
___Tech Support - I know computers, and people ask me for help with them
___Graphic Arts - I am good at computer software to create graphics or posters
___Finance – I am good with numbers, and understand money
___Cooking - I like cooking for a church function or for someone in need
___Appreciation – I am good at writing thank you notes
Using Talents With Others / People Skills
___Advocacy – Advocating and organizing justice issues
___Coordination – I like organizing people to get a job done
___Recruitment - I like to find out people’s talents and passions
___Vision - I am comfortable with change, and enjoy taking on new challenges
___Hospitality – I like meeting new people and talking to them or making phone calls
___Compassion - I am interested in reaching out to others who need a friend or support
___Direct Service - I like working with people behind the scenes. Call on me to help out
Using Talents in Public:
___Teaching - I like working with others, especially children, either developing
materials or finding resources, and presenting them
___Musician - I have musical abilities and like to perform and / or teach others
___Visual Arts - I have skills in visual arts – sculpture, photography, drawing, or
special building projects
___Public speaking - I am a good speaker and like reading in public
___Worship - I want to lead meditations, etc.
Name /Email or Phone:_______________