The UUCW Message
February 10, 2015
In This Issue

Current News at UUCW

Religious Education

Ongoing Event News 


Office Hours

(Sept 2, 2014 - 

June 25, 2014):

Mon, Tues, Wed: 

9 am - 3 pm

Thursday 9 am - 2 pm

 

Notes & Flyers

 

Congregational Mission Statement

"The members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester covenant to be a congregation of love, hope and justice inspiring people to take on the challenges of a changing world."

  

 

Welcoming Church 

Mission Statement 

The LGBTQI and Allies of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester strives to further the affirmation and celebration of LGBTQI individuals in all aspects of the church community. We also seek to increase the visibility of UUCW as a Welcoming Congregation within the greater community.

 

 

UUCW Covenant

In consonance with the principles and purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association, we the members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester covenant to sustain and support a courageous and caring community by:

 

* Bringing our best selves to form a welcoming, loving, and inclusive community of faith;

 

* Creating an atmosphere of celebration and worship in a safe environment;

 

* Providing opportunities where diverse people and points of view are respected and where open-hearted and open-minded discussion of our differences is encouraged;

 

* Treating each other with kindness and respect;

 

* Approaching conflicts with a spirit of humility and with the respectful intent for peaceful resolution;

 

* Engaging in and encouraging spiritual and intellectual growth across the lifespan;

 

* Fostering social justice and positive transformation in our community and in the world at large;

 

* Growing and maintaining the resources necessary to support the missions and ministries of this congregation;

 

* Fostering fellowship and enjoying each other and the unique gifts that each person brings to our community.
Current News at UUCW
The Cool Beans Coffee House is Back! - February 13 at 7 pmCoolBeans

 

Looking for a warm spot to get in from the cold?  A place where you won't have to shovel, the company is great and the entertainment is terrific?  The "Cool Beans Coffee House" is back on Friday, Feb. 13th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  There are great acts in store for you:  The Hip Swayer's, The Wolcott's, The T-Square Rounders, poetry, Zumba, instrumentals and many more!  Young and somewhat older will show off their talent.  It's something for everyone.  

 

Tickets are available for $7.00 each with a family maximum of $20.00 by e-mailing Robin Caracciolo at robin.caracciolo@gmail.com by Wednesday, Feb. 11th.  Tickets at the door will be $10.00 each with a family maximum of $30.00.

 

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 (as above).

 

All proceeds benefit the IHN Family Shelter.  This is the 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 sueaneaz@townisp.com

 

We are looking forward to a great show!!!

 

The class will take a gentle and very accessible approach to exercises designed to help bring the body, mind and spirit into harmony. Please wear loose comfortable clothing. A free will offering will be accepted to help pay for the space. Any questions please call Joe Zawielski at 508 798 8638
 

OPEN STITCH DAY!

Church Fundraiser - Saturday March 7. 9-3 pm. Free Will Donation (suggested min. donation $10)

 

Please join in the fun, creativity, and fellowship.  Learn a quilt project with Robin Caracciolo or bring your own!

 

This time we will work on a table runner/wall hanging.  It will involve learning 3 blocks, and playing with color! Bring your machine and supplies.  There will be fabric kits available for sale (approx. $25).  

 

 

You can also bring your knitting/ crochet/ cross-stitch/ crewel to work on. There are sure to be folks here that can help you if you get stuck with your project.

 

 


 

Bring a lunch!! or...there will be soup and salad for sale ($6)!  

 

PLEASE RSVP HERE   BY March 1-  especially if you would like the quilt materials list for project, or a fabric kit to purchase.

 

Space is limited for  setting up machines...so sign up soon!!

 
**UUCW Women**
Save the Date!
Annual Runaway Weekend
in Rockport, MA
April 24-26, 2015

Every year a group of 25-30 UUCW women take the whole Linden Tree Inn in Rockport from Friday afternoon to Monday morning for a weekend of very fun female fellowship!

The Inn is in downtown Rockport, located a stone's throw from the beach as well as shopping area. Single and double rooms are available. Prices will be posted in the Message soon. Once prices are posted, spaces can be reserved by emailing Ruth Silver for payment details. For more information about the weekend feel free to email Claire Breyton at cbreyton@gmail.com.

Religious Education News

RE News for February 15RENews

 

Dear Families,

 

I am looking forward to seeing many of you on Friday night- Jan 13th  (7-9pm)t at our "COOL BEANS COFFEE HOUSE".  This is a family friendly event that helps other families at the IHN shelter. Come check out the 20+ fabulous acts from performers of all ages!  Can you bake for our snack bar??  Please contact Robin if you can.  robin.caracciolo@gmail.com


 

Sunday, February 15

 

We can't wait to worship together with your children as we have our annual "Children's Chapel" in Fellowship Hall .

 

 I know it is sometimes difficult for children to sit through full services. I also know, with exposure to the rituals and the sacredness of how worshipping together can feel, it can get easier and enjoyable. 

We  will practice with our very own Children's Chapel on Sunday. "Light a Chalice for Love"

 

Is your child interested in doing a reading or leading music or the collection?  Let me know!!  

 

Please have your child bring a food donation for their collection item at our children's chapel.

 

What is needed?  This month, let's try FROZEN VEGGIES OR FRUIT.

We will get them right into the freezer upon collection!  Thank you!

 

10 am -  All Children begin in the sanctuary and will be dismissed to fellowship hall following the children's  coin collection.

 

Note: Spirit Play Children , please line up at your class, you will be brought to children's chapel by special helpers.!

 

11:45-1:00  SPROUT meeting and child care-  Please RSVP asap to Bill Derr  williamderr@hotmail.com


 

COA: There will be NO COA today 

 

6:00-8:30:  Youth Group


 

Robin Caracciolo, 

Director of Religious Education 

 

Grades 5/6 OWL - LAST CALL! 

Class Starts Feb 22 at 11:45 am!KidsOWL


Facilitators Ana Bediako and Rachel Keyo will be running the 6 week session of grade 5 and 6 OWL this year.  We have had a parent info session already, but if you have a child in grades 5 or 6 and are interested in info on this faith-based human sexuality class for your child, this is the final call. We offer this class every 2 years, so we do not want your child to miss out.  Please contact me asap if you have missed the parent meeting, but are interested in enrolling your child.   

   

SPROUT Parent's Group - Sunday, February 15Sprout

 

The Sprout Group will meet after church on Sunday February 15 - 11:45-1:00.  

 

Please join other parents or caregivers  for interesting and meaningful discussions facilitated by Bill Derr.  Free childcare will be provided.  In order to provide childcare , we need RSVP's.  Please RSVP by Thursday , February 12 to:  williamderr@hotmail.com    Thank You!  

 

We need your feedback on how to make this group better accessible to all families . If you could take a minute to answer our survey, it would assist us! Please click HERE for short survey!

 

Mystery Pals - March 1...it's the Reveal Party!

MysteryPal

 

Due to snow and school vacation...we have bumped the party so that EVERYONE can partake in cake and activities!


Directly after the service, we will have special events set up for you with the big reveal!

 


wire-bound-pad.jpg

 

Adult Faith Development

Sunday, February 15, 3:30 pm
Wednesday, Feb 18, 7 pm

We continue our study of Islam with lectures, "Muhammad-Prophet and Statesman" and "God's Word-the Quranic Worldview", by John L. Esposito, Ph.D. Professor, Religion and International Affairs, Islamic Studies, Georgetown University.  This course continues to be open to anyone interested in the study of World Religions.  Please contact Aaron Payson (arpayson@charter.net) for more information.

 
Sunday News
Worship

 

salad2b.jpg Winter Salad Bowl Social - Sunday, February 15 at 11:45 amSaladSocial

 

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. 

 

International Women's Day - March 8 Worship Service & 50/50 CollectionWomensDay

 

Once again, we will honor women at our March 8th International Women's Day celebration. This year we will focus on Abby's House, the largest and most comprehensive agency for homeless and battered women and their children in central Massachusetts. This is the 39th year of Abby's House services, and recently they have hired a new executive director, Stephanie Page, who will speak to us about her vision for Abby's in the future. Her topic is "Passing the Torch: New Leadership at Abby's House". The founding mothers and guardians, Annette Rafferty, Tess Sneesby and Elaine Lamereaux are excited about this new direction for
Abby's and may join Stephanie and us at our March 8th service.

In addition, our 50/50 collection that day will go to the vital and ongoing work of Abby's House as it continues its almost 4 decades of work on behalf of their guests. They offer emergency services for battered and homeless women, short term and longer term housing and a day program. Their model is one of empowerment for women to build their lives stronger than before, and they have many successful graduates of the program. However, lack of affordable housing, diminished availability of good-paying jobs and wage discrimination against women persists, and complicates women's journey to get back on their feet again. I know that this congregation will be as generous as ever towards Abby's House as we take our 50/50 collection on March 8th.

HosT Coffee Hour News HosT

 

The HosT coffee hour team thank all the many church teams, groups, and committees who have signed up to HosT coffee hour this year!  

 

We are using Volunteer Spot to make it easier for people in your group to select a healthy food option to bring to coffee hour, and to sign up for the simple duties that are involved in running coffee hour.  

 

HosT (Hospitality Task Force) will provide the fair trade coffee, tea, water and juice.  (HosT depends on coffee hour donations to keep supplies in stock....your donations during any coffee hour are gladly accepted!)

 

Would you like to be involved with the HosT Team?  Let us know!!

 
 Groups on deck for HosT-ing:

February 15Buildings & Grounds and Tech Committees
February 22Toolbox of Faith Class
March 1SOUP Sunday
March 8
Futures Team
March 15Coming of Age Class
Ongoing Event News 

Men's Group Meeting - Friday, February 20MensGrp

 

The Men's Group meets monthly to share a meal and conversation. The group's members strive to build trust and close friendship with one another. We will meet in Fellowship Hall at 7 pm. All who consider themselves male are welcome.

 

 Food will be brought from a local restaurant and all those who wish to eat can split the cost of the meal. Please bring your favorite beverage to drink with dinner. Please R.S.V.P to willliamderr@hotmail.com or call the UUCW office at 508 853 1942. Please note whether or not you want food and any dietary restrictions.

 

Lunch With The Minister - Wednesday, March 4 at noon!LunchWMinister

 

We continue our monthly "Lunch with the Minister" on March 4 at Noon in the Lounge.  Everyone is invited to attend this informal time of refreshment and conversation. Participants bring a bag lunch and something to share (if desired).  We provide the coffee and the table settings.  Join us!

Readers Unite Afternoon Book Group - 

March 4 at 1:15 pm AftBookGrp

 

Greetings book lovers! 

 

On February 4 we had Our Readers Unite (UUCW Afternoon) Book Group with 12 people attending! We had read Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. A rousing discussion followed.

Our next meeting is March 4th at 1 pm:
Where'd you go, Bernadette? A Novel by Maria Semple
Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she's a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she's a disgrace; to design mavens, she's a revolutionary architect, and to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, simply, Mom.

Then Bernadette disappears. It began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette's intensifying allergy to Seattle--and people in general--has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic. To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, secret correspondence--creating a compulsively readable and touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter's role in an absurd world.

 

For our April 1st meeting:
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
The government has just declared a State of Emergency, in whose upheavals four strangers--a spirited widow, a young student uprooted from his idyllic hill station, and two tailors who have fled the caste violence of their native village--will be thrust together, forced to share one cramped apartment and an uncertain future. 
 

 

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.
Please notify the church office (office@uucworcester.org

/ 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! 

 

 

Greater Worcester Humanists - February 10, 7 pm - Linda Miller, Co-Chair, GWH Steering Committee

Please join Greater Worcester Humanists at our annual Darwin Day celebration on Tuesday evening, February 10th. in Fellowship Hall at 7:00.  We will be joined by Jonathan King who will give a talk entitled, "Darwin, Abolition, and Struggles for Human Equality."

 

Jonathan King is a Professor of Molecular Biology at MIT where he teaches biochemistry and directs biomedical research on protein misfolding and human disease.

 

Prof.King has been heavily involved in issues of science education.  Leading into the Bicentennial of Darwin's birth, Prof. King organized the Darwin Bicentennial Project which brought high school science teachers in New England together with university and medical school researchers to promote the importance of Darwin's contributions to science and human welfare.

 

A Darwin Day Birthday Cake will be served after the talk.  Whether you are a member or not, please consider a donation at the door or becoming a member.  Doors open for socializing at 6:30

 

Linda Miller

Co-Chair GWH Steering Committee.

 

 

 

 

 
Contact Information

Phone:

508-853-1942

Email:

office@uucworcester.org

 

 

Website:

www.uucworcester.org

 

Emergency Phone:

800-859-6404

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