For a larger copy of this graphic  CLICK HERE.

For a copy of this week's Order of Service  CLICK HERE.

Sunday, June 7, 2015, 11:30 am in the Sanctuary

Notice Pursuant to the by-laws of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, the Annual Meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester (UUCW) will take place at 11:30 am, Sunday, June 7, 2015 in the church sanctuary.

The meeting is open to all, however, voting is restricted to members of record of the UUCW. This is an important event in the ongoing business and life of our congregation and reflects the principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.

During this meeting we will vote on minutes of past congregational meetings, the slate of church leaders to be elected, the FY 2016 budget and other items that will be posted in the Annual Report.

For a copy of the proposed budget, click HERE.

For a copy of the annual meeting reports, click HERE.

The Accessibilities and Inclusion Working Group asks your support and affirmative vote for two amendments that are being proposed at the Annual Meeting.

Bylaw Article XII. Section 6, on the Minister currently reads, "... shall not be restricted on the behalf of age, national origin, race, color, gender, sexual or affectional orientation, or physical challenge."

Article 4, Section 2 of the Constitution, referring to membership reads, "No test of creed, of faith, of national origin, of race or color, or of gender, or sexual or affectional orientation or physical challenge or similar test shall be imposed as a condition of membership."

We believe the language "physical challenge" in these non-discrimination statements, while the preferred phrasing at a previous time, is now seen as both incomplete and inaccurate. It suggests, for instance, that if only the wheelchair user would try harder, s/he could meet the challenge and walk. It also does not cover discrimination against those with psychological or emotional disabilities in calling a minister or setting conditions for membership. We suggest the simple "disability" be substituted. It would be both inclusive and accurate.

The Bylaw article would then read, "... shall not be restricted on the behalf of age, national origin, race, color, gender, sexual or affectional orientation, or disability."

The Constitution article would read, "No test of creed, of faith, of national origin, of race or color, or of gender, or sexual or affectional orientation or disability or similar test shall be imposed as a condition of membership."

The two amendments will need to be voted separately because a three-quarters approval is required to amend the Constitution and a two-thirds vote to amend the Bylaws.