This year's all- church read is :  Temple Grandin:  How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World.

 

We hope you can join in the read!  There will be opportunities for discussions scheduled for January.  On February 1, we will hold  a special multigenerational worship service  in which we will revisit the important themes explored in this highly recommended book.

 

Please look for the raffle box in fellowship hall and put your name in to win a copy of the book.  Again this year, Loree Griffin Burns has gracioulsy donated ten copies of these  books and we'll raffle two off each week.  

 

Have your library save you a copy! Copies will also be available for purchase during the Holiday Shop here on Dec 13 and 21.

 

 

Please note that we have begun our Annual Flu Prevention Program at UUCW.   The current precautions include: 

1. The availability of waterless hand sanitizer at each entrance to the church and in each religious education classroom.  We ask that all those entering and exiting our facility use this resource.
2. The posting of cautions for those experiencing flu-like symptoms.  The cautions currently ask that if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (a temperature above 99 degrees, and/or a persistent cough, headache, or intestinal discomfort) to please refrain from entering the church.

/ 508-853-1942) if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms so that we can help care for you personally.  If you are eligible for and it is recommended that you have an annual flu vaccine, we strongly encourage you to get one. Thank you for helping protect those most vulnerable among us! 

 

 

Upcoming book for UUCW Evening Book Group-- Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout.

 

The UUCW Book Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in the church lounge.  This month we will meet on December 10.

 

We continue our practice of alternating fiction and non-fiction reads, and our December fiction selection is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout.

 

We always welcome new readers-our discussions are interesting and lively. For more information, contact Deb Selkow.

 

 

Dear Fellow Members of the UUCW:

 

In an ongoing process to improve various technical challenges at the UUCW, I have made some improvements to our sound system in the Sanctuary. 

 

You may have observed a new microphone at the pulpit that provides a clearer sound.  This is a new condenser microphone; in addition a mixer is now in service. This mixer unit will enhance the sound on all devices in the Sanctuary.

 

Lastly I have painted a "White" dot on all the microphones so when speaking at any of the microphones.  For best results "TALK TO THE DOT" this will provide better sound to the folks with the listening devices. 

 

Also as a reminder I am posting the "Reflection" on our website at http://www.uucworcester.org/media/podcasts

 

Keeping in communications,

 

 

A few of us at UU have been contacted to help with a book drive.  Instead of our holiday shoe-box event, we will be donating books to kids, ages 3-15, in Liberia.  Because of political strife in that country beginning in 1980, schools, libraries, books and supplies were destroyed by fire.  Through education, we would like to help Liberians regain their equilibrium.  Math and science textbooks are greatly in need as well as encylopedias, dictionaries and reference books. Age-appropriate new and gently used books of all kinds are also welcome.  Obtaining a number of one kind of book would greatly benefit kids in the classroom. For those who do not have the time to find books, a shipping donation will be very much appreciated.  Each box of books costs $15.00 dollars.

 

As in the past, Robin and her RE will jump in head first to help with this event.

 

Please place your books in the box labeled "Books for Liberia" which will be either in Robin's office or in Fellowship Hall.

 

UPDATE: The deadline for dropping off gently-used and new books for Liberia is January 11.  We are now also accepting college books, especially but not exclusively math and science books.  

 

Merci!

 

Lounge

We continue our study of Christianity this week with lectures by Prof. Luke Timothy Johnson on "Moral Teaching" and "The Radical Edge".  This course continues to be open to anyone interested in the study of religions of the world.  For more information, please contact Rev. Payson.

 

Plan on enjoying the Annual Vespers Tea immediately after the beautiful Holiday Vespers Service (4 PM).   We will take out our silver coffee and tea service and our china to again celebrate the holiday season the way our congregation has done it for years. Come into Fellowship Hall still singing "Silent Night" and join us in fellowship and wonderful food, drink, and conversation.

 

Please bring either a savory (if your last name starts with A - P) or sweet dish (Q - Z) to share. Drop it off in Fellowship Hall before the service. Write a list of the ingredients on a file card and place it with your dish to provide information for people with allergies.

 

We will be setting up an hour prior to the start of service. Can you come early and set up tables and/or help with plating?   Are you available to help set out food after the service? Who wants to serve tea water, coffee, or festival punch? Lastly, we need all to help clean up so no one has to stay late. If you are willing to be part of any of these important groups, please CLICK HERE to sign up. Thank you for your time and consideration in helping us make this "The Best Vespers Ever!"

 

 

The room was suddenly rich and the great bay-window was

Spawning snow and pink roses against it

Soundlessly collateral and incompatible:

World is suddener than we fancy it.

 

World is crazier and more of it than we think,

Incorrigibly plural.  I peel and portion

A tangerine and spit the pips and feel

The drunkenness of things being various.

 

And the fire flames with a bubbling sound for world

Is more spiteful and gay than one supposes - 

On the tongue on the eyes on the ears in the palms of one's hands - 

There is more than glass between the snow and the huge roses. 

 - Louise MacNiece

 

 

Jan. 3  from 1:30 to 2:30. Please join me in this free one hour class of Shintaido. The class will take a gentle and very accessible approach to exercises designed to help bring the body, mind and spirit into harmony. Wear loose comfortable clothing. Any questions please call Joe Zawielski at 508 7988638 or ask him at church. A free will  offering will be accepted to pay the church for the space.