For January UUCW Evening Book Group Will Read The Lifespan of a Fact AND Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World 

I hope you will find time to read once your holiday festivities end because we have TWO books on our agenda for January.

We will discuss The Lifespan of a Fact by John D'Agata and Jim Fingal at our usual second Wednesday night meeting. This month we will meet on January 14 in the lounge at 7 pm.

In addition, we have agreed to participate in the One Church-One Book Discussion and read Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery and Temple Grandin. Please read and be ready to discuss this book following the Sunday morning service on January 18.

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

Looking for a warm spot to get in from the cold?  How about a place to share a cup of java or tea with your Church friends and enjoy the talent of our fellow members and friends?  You are cordially invited to attend this year's "Cool Beans Coffee House" on Friday, February 13th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Tickets are $7.00 each and we are sure you will enjoy it!  We will start to sell tickets in Fellowship Hall in a few weeks.

What would a Coffee House be without great talent?  We have a powerhouse of talented people here in our midst.  If you, a friend, a group of friends, an orchestra, a group of yodelers, or you can sing while standing on your head while balancing plates and glasses filled with water, etc. are willing to perform please contact me as soon as possible - that's Dianne Mann at djmann@charter.net.  I'll need to know the name of the piece you'll be performing and any audio/technical requirements.  That way I can put together a smashing show for all of you.  (Please keep all acts under 5 minutes.)

Proceeds from the Coffee House benefit the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  This is the homeless shelter with which our Church is affiliated.  Each year we pledge an amount to the Shelter and this year we have pledged $1,000.00.  Help us reach that goal!  IHN is a family shelter located on June St. in Worcester.  Our Church is sponsoring a week at the shelter the end of January.  During this week, we ask members of the Congregation to help in the evening at the Shelter by sharing a meal, helping with homework for children, being a presence at the Shelter and a friendly face for those staying there.  We are also looking for people willing to cover night shifts.  People who volunteer for the night shift sleep at the Shelter and assist clients with any needs.  Many Church members have taken a turn volunteering at the Shelter and continue to do so.  Contact Sue Neaz, at sueneaz@townisp.com for more information concerning assisting at the Shelter.

Our Youth Group will serve as our baristas for the evening and our talented emcees! We are so pleased that they are willing to host this event again!

And, our Director of Religious Education, Robin Caracciolo, is so proud of our efforts to support the homeless families of Worcester.  Let her know if you have any questions or are willing to help with the IHN program in any way - or the Coffee House in particular.  She is looking for folks to donate cookies and other snacks for their snack bar.  Contact Robin  at robin.caracciolo@gmail.com.  

Following coffee hour, Janet Stone and Michele Milliard are hosting a Sunday Social featuring deluxe winter salads. This Sunday Social offers a chance to enjoy good company and partake of special winter salads packed with vitamins to help you stay healthy during the cold days. On the menu are:

• mixed greens with beets, goat cheese, and pecans
• roasted carrots with quinoa and lemon
• brussel sprouts with bacon and dried cranberries
• roasted squash, kale, and wheatberries salad with pomegranate

During the meal, Susan Gale, a former member of our church, will give tarot card readings or spiritual consultations.

Cost is just $10 for salads. Readings cost $10 for 10 minutes.

Please email Janet Stone at mstone12242@charter.net to help us determine how much salad to prepare. 

Multi-Gen Discussion Group and Coffee Hour This Sunday! Jan 18th 11:30-12:30- Lounge.

 Have you started the book?  Have you finished it?  Are you thinking about it?  Wherever you are., come be with us this Sunday following the service.  

Loree Griffin Burns will hold a multigenerational discussion in the  lounge   There will be coffee, tea, juice and goodies. 

 Come join the discussion!  Tell us what touched you, hear what others thought and the different points of view from your community of all ages.  

Dear Families and Friends of UUCW:   

Please spread the word and pass the flyer  to your friends and families about Imagination Station:  REC's February Vacation Childcare Program.  It is so reasonably priced ($225)  for full time care, and the daily -themed programs will be value-based and super fun! If this week fills successfully, we will be prepared to also run it during April vacation week.

Please spread the word and registration link. This is a church fundraiser that could proved to be very beneficial to all parties!!

Looking for volunteers:

Let us know  if you would be interested in volunteering your time and talent to any part of this exciting church fundraiser.  We need artists, scientists, musicians, storytellers, teen helpers,teachers of movement , games facilitators and more.  Ana Bediako and Jenny DelGizzi will be Co-Directing the week.   

See our ad in Baystate Parent!

Using values, communication skills, and spirituality as starting points, this program explores sexuality issues for adults of all ages! OWL builds understanding ofhealthy relationships, affirms diversity, and helps participants accept and affirm their own sexuality and gender.

Classes Begins on February 4th, 2015 at UUCW.  6:30-8:30pm  each Wed night for 12 sessions.

$60 - To register for the course please contact Robin.

Wednesday, January 14, 7:00 PM

This session on Jan 14 concludes the lectures on Christianity with "Christianity & Culture" and "Tensions & Possibilities." This course continues to be open to anyone interested in the study of the world religions.  For more information please contact Rev. Aaron Payson.

"The mission of the African Community Education Program (ACE) is to assist our students in realizing their educational, cultural, and social goals while guiding them in becoming competent, responsible and productive citizens in the Worcester, Massachusetts area as well as the greater society.

ACE aims to achieve this mission by providing academic and nonacademic programming during after-school and out-of-school time. Our approach is to provide comprehensive services that meet their educational and psychosocial needs while using culturally competent models and addressing common barriers to participation. Our experienced teachers and enthusiastic volunteers are dedicated to supporting our students' needs as they move towards high school graduation and post-secondary success. ACE works closely with the Worcester Public Schools to ensure that our programs complement and enhance the education our students receive in school.

Students are provided with opportunities to build strong relationships with their teachers, mentors, peers, and other members of the community. In addition to our educational programs, we offer extra-curricular activities, such as dance, sports and the arts, in order to stimulate student creativity while at the same time providing outlets for personal expression and opportunities to interact with peers in a fun, healthy, and enriching environment."

Jars of springwater are not enough anymore.

Take us down to the river.

The face of peace, the sun itself.

No more the slippery, cloudlike moon.

Give us one clear morning after another,

and the one whose work remains unfinished,

who is our work as we diminish,

idle, though occupied, empty, and open.

 - Rumi

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!