With the severe snowstorm expected Tuesday into Wednesday, staff has made the decision to close the church Tuesday January 27 (and the state has just declared a travel ban for Tuesday as well), and we will decide about Wednesday and beyond when it gets here based on road conditions. Please watch the Church Facebook for messages regarding cancellations, which will also be put on the church voicemail at menu item #8.  Please stay home, safe and warm everyone!
 

In case of severe weather on Sunday morning, please remember the following:

There are 3 possible levels of closing:

1. NO SUNDAY SCHOOL but REGULAR WORSHIP
2. NO SUNDAY SCHOOL and INFORMAL WORSHIP (Minister will be on site to meet with those who attend - no music)
3. ALL PROGRAMS CANCELLED (including evening programs)

In the event of severe weather, the decision to cancel will be made by 7 AM and will:

• be placed on the church answering machine which can be accessed by dialing (508) 853-1942 and selecting 8 from the menu
• be sent out to the RE family email list
• be placed on TV channel 5  
• be placed online at www.thebostonchannel.com.
• People may sign up at http://www.wcvb.com/connect/email to have closing information (and other weather alerts) delivered to them by either email or a cell phone text message. 
• Office closings due to bad weather through the week will also be put on the answering machine at menu item 8. Jen will, barring internet/power outages, be able to check email and messages.

Tickets On Sale Now - !  $7 / $20 family max.  $10 at door.  Get your tickets now in Fellowship Hall!!

Looking for a warm spot to get in from the cold?  Tired of hearing about deflated footballs?  How about a place to share a cup of java or tea with your fellow Church friends?  The "Cool Beans Coffee House" is back on Friday, February 13th, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

 There are great acts in store for you:  The Hip Swayers, the Wolcott's, several poetry readings, vocal pieces, instrumentals, Zumba and many more. Young and somewhat older will show off their talent!  It is something for everyone!  Tickets are on sale now during Coffee Hour and will be available at the door.  Advance ticket price is $7.00 each/ $20 family max.  Tickets are $10 at the door/ $30 family max.  We hope you can pre-purchase your tickets in the upcoming week in fellowship hall.  Thank You! We are looking forward to a terrific show!  

Our Youth Group will serve as our emcees and our baristas for the evening. Come purchase a goody at the snack bar!  Coffee and tea are free! If you can help provide snacks or beverages...contact Robin Caracciolo  robin.caracciolo@gmail.com.  

 100% proceeds benefit IHN Family Shelter

Imagine, if you can, having a family and no place to call home  It is nearly impossible to imagine or put into words. We are pleased to announce that all proceeds go toward our pledge to support the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  This is the homeless shelter that our Church supports both financially and in many other ways - including a presence at the shelter during several weeks of the year. If you are interested in volunteering, contact:  Sue Neaz at sueneaz@townisp.com.

 

As we plan to get our shovels out yet again, we are also planning for a most wonderful service for all ages this Sunday Feb 1st.  This will be time to forget about deflated footballs for a moment and really think about:

•  our differences in passion and learning .
•  how everybody has a gift to share with the world.
• how labels hurt.
• how love and understanding can  encourage great success.

 

 

 

Sunday, February 1

 

All families and friends, please join together for our One Church- One Book Service entitled  "Different, Not Less".  The Rev Aaron and the REC have put this service together using themes from the book "Temple Grandin - How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World."  We thank Loree Griffin Burns for introducing us to this special book, full of wonderful messages of hope and encouragement for people of all ages.

 

This will be a  multi-generational, child friendly, interactive service.  All children are encouraged to sit up front for a better view and easier interaction.  We will reserve the front pews for families if you choose!  Thank you!

 

Nursery will be available as well.

 

***DON''T FORGET... This Sunday is the last MYSTERY PAL DAY before the BIG REVEAL!!  Get your letters in!!

The Big Reveal Party is February 8 during coffee hour!

 

COA- Please attend the service.  no class after.  Come back if you can at 5 pm!  Rev. Aaron and  I are looking for people to speak about how SPORTS has changed your life - during the Soulful Sundown Service (5-6 pm).  Are sports a spiritual practice for you? COA is invited to attend the Superbowl party after the Soulful Sundown Service held in the lounge.

 

YG- Friday 1/30 6 pm- Lock-In at First Unitarian.  PLEASE RSVP!!

 

Sunday Feb 1-   5-8 pm There will be a Soulful Sundown 5-6.  Rev. Aaron and  I are looking for people to speak about how SPORTS has changed your life - during the Soulful Sundown Service (5-6 pm).  Are sports a spiritual practice for you?  You are invited to join in the Superbowl Party afterwards held in the lounge.  There will be board games in fellowship hall until 8 for those who do not wish to watch the game.

 

Robin Caracciolo, 

Director of Religious Education 

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.

Come gather with friends to watch our own New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks battle it out for the Superbowl.  We'll meet in the lounge, watch the game on a big screen tv in surround sound and eat our way through 4 quarters!  Bring a dish to share if you desire and we'll enjoy the game together. 

On Sunday February 8th we will share our morning offering as part of the 50/50 Offering program of our church with Safe Homes of Worcester.

Safe Homes is dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth who need a safe and welcoming place.  They are Safe Homes, a program supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people, and their straight allies, between the ages of 14 and 23. The group is led by youth peer leaders, professional staff, and volunteers who offer support, resources, and opportunities for socialization in a safe and nurturing environment.  In 2014 they served 456 youth. 

The Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey reports that LGBT youth are 4 times as likely to have attempted suicide, and 4 times likely to have skipped school because of feeling unsafe and are nearly 3 times to have been threatened or injured by a weapon at school. 

Young people come to Safe Homes from Worcester and surrounding towns. Some are in high school or college, and some have jobs or attend work-training programs. Though they all come from different experiences and backgrounds, they are united in our support of one another. Safe Homes is the only program in the area which provides specialized services to LGBTQ youth.

Laura Farnsworth, Safe Homes Director will join us for our service and will be available to discuss her program during our coffee hour!

 Please visit the Safe Homes website at http://www.safehomesma.org/ for more information. 

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. 

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!