The UUCW Message
September 8, 2015
In This Issue

Current News at UUCW 

Office Notes and Flyers



Office Hours
(Sept 1, 2015 - 
June 30, 2016):
Mon, Tues, Wed: 
9 am - 3 pm
Thursday 9 am - 2 pm
(Closed 2nd Wednesday
Oct - May)

Gmail Users - Please note that if you stop receiving the Message, Nugget, and Weekend Reminder, check your Promotions tab in Gmail. Often, you will find that church emails are in there! Please click  HERE for more information. Please share this information with your fellow congregants if they mention they aren't getting the Message!

PLEASE NOTE: Our trash and recycling is generally picked up once a month. Please be sure to break down all cardboard boxes before putting them in the recycling dumpster so it doesn't fill up too fast!

 

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

Once again we have had a banner series of Summer Worship experiences here at UUCW.  Thanks to the following presenters, Joan Webster, Judy Savage, Chuck Innis, Joan McGinn, Dianne Mann, and Tom Pierce for their preparations and presentations.  Many lively discussions were reported from these experiences.  Also, many thanks to Steve McNally and Dianne Mann for their assistance in opening the building and setting up the space.  We could not have done it without you!!!
 
Joys and SorrowsJoysSorrows 

We were saddened to learn of the death of former member of our congregation, Betty Hoskins, who died at home on June 20, 2015.  A memorial service in her honor is planned for Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 10:00 am at First Unitarian Church, 90 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.  A more complete obituary will be published in the Telegram and Gazette in the coming weeks. More information is available on First Unitarian's Facebook page, please click here.

 

One of the exciting parts of the new Touchstones Ministry Themes program is the launching of Touchstones Small Group Ministry Groups.  These groups will meet regularly throughout the year to discuss the monthly themes published in the Touchstones Journal.  If you are interested in being part of a Touchstones Group, and/or becoming a leader/co-leader of one of our groups, please take a moment to fill out our short survey HERE.  We'll collect responses for the next month and hope to launch these groups in October 2015.
 
Touchstone Monthly Theme - Reverence
Daily Quotes for Sept 8 -13 TchstnQuotes
Day 8: "When we approach with reverence, great things decide to approach us. Our real life comes to the surface and its light awakens the concealed beauty in things." John O'Donohue
 
Day 9: "Love, Hope, and Reverence are realities of a different order from the senses, but they are positive and constant facts, always active, always working out mighty changes in human life." Elizabeth Blackwell
 
Day 10: "There is only one valid way to partake of the universe.... That way is characterized by reverence - a reverence born of a felt sense of participation in the universe, a kinship with all and with all matter." Larry Dossey
 
Day 11: "We may be divided from one another by our beliefs, but never by reverence." Paul Woodruff
 
Day 12: "Reverence is a deep sense of respect for marvels that surround us and that brought us into existence. It is an awareness of ourselves ...in an order beyond the grasp of any single human mind." Wisdom Commons
 
Day 13: "Without reverence, there is no sense of presence or wonder."
John O'Donohue
 
News From The Loaves & Fishes Food PantryLFFP 

The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry has been busy all summer.  If you are new to our Church, this is a social justice program of which we are especially proud!  The Pantry provides food to approximately 60 families per month.
However, during holiday months that can increase to over 100 families.
Hunger is estimated at 1 in 5 people in the City of Worcester.  We are doing our part to help ease that in our area.
 
Just like you, our clients need to know how to maximize the money they have for food.  They are curious about how to cook certain items, how to prepare certain vegetables and how to eat more nutritiously.  Partnering with Share our Strength, an organization based in Boston, we have been hosting Cooking Classes for clients of the Pantry.  These classes have cooking demonstrations where our clients prepare food, learn about nutrition and share the food together!  They get a chance to know each other.  The class is great and the food is even better.  Special thanks goes to Loree Griffin Burns who brought in three baskets of organic vegetables for our participants last week! This program was funded by a grant from UMASS and we are so pleased.
 
The United Way has granted us $900.00 to purchase eggs for our clients this year.  And, we are hoping we can increase our efforts to advocate for our folks as well. 
 
If you are interested in volunteering at the Pantry, please give me a call at (508) 963-0183 or contact:  Dianne Mann - djmann@charter.net
 
Save The Date! Crop Walk 2015!CropWalk 

Save the date for this year's CROP Walk!  Sunday, October 18, 2015
 
Once again, the UUCW will be putting on our walking shoes to join other congregations in the fight against hunger in our communities and the world.  Our own Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry along with the Wachusett Food Pantry will be the benefactors of 25% of the funds raised from the Walk.  Last year, Loaves & Fishes received $1,900!  The best year yet!
 
To start off the fundraising, Papa Gino's, 797 Main St., Holden will donate 20% of the sales on September 16, 2015 from 4-9 pm when you bring in the flyer provided with this message.  Take a break from making dinner and come support the Holden CROP Hunger Walk.
 
Beginning September 13, there will be information and sign ups in fellowship hall after church.  You may also pick up a Papa Gino's flyer.
 
Introducing SimpleGive!SimpleGive 

UUCW's New Online / Digital Giving Platform
 
For those of you who do your bill paying and giving online, now you can add UUCW to your list of online donations!
 
SimpleGive is an online giving platform that gives donors a variety of options to financially support the church.  Give one time or schedule giving throughout the year.  Become a registered user or give a quick donation without registering.
 
Now you can give right from your smartphone (iPhone click HERE, Android click HERE) or computer.
 
To reach the UUCW SimpleGive page click HERE.
 
Religious Education News
RE News For Early September 2015RENews 

The Religious Education Committee and I are very excited to see you all for the September 13th Homecoming Sunday's Water Ceremony which is a multigenerational worship service.  Come share the water you've collected from your summer experiences, reconnect with your community and even make some new connections!

 
The following Sunday, September 20th will be another multigenerational worship service and also many of us will be at Ferry Beach . 
 
Our Rally Day and Start of Religious Education Classes is on September 27th.

Please CLICK HERE to download and view the 2015-2016 Religious Education Prospectus.
  • Nursery care for children 0-3 will be available beginning Sept 13th.  Your children can be dropped off anytime after 9:45am to Kris Johnson and her assistant. Please pick up children directly following the service.
  • All families begin in the sanctuary most Sunday mornings at 10am.  The children will be dismissed to their classes following the "Change for Change" children's coin collection.  All children can have a turn participating in the collection.  Please see an usher if your child would like to be a collector.  It's fun and easy!
  • If you have not yet registered for the RE Program, please see Robin , get a form at the RE Office or CLICK HERE to Register Online
Who , What, Where for  Children's RE Classes:  Starting September 27, 2015

Grade/AgeName of ClassLocation/Time
Age 0 - 3NurseryBack of Fellowship Hall
9:45 - 11:15 am
Pre-K, KSpirit PlayClassroom 1 (Closest to Sanctuary, 10:15 - 11:15 am
Grade 1 and 2Wonderful WelcomeClassroom 2 (middle classroom- enter through classroom 3)  10:15-11:15 am
Grades 3,4,5ConnectionsClassroom 3-( room closest to fellowship hall) 10:15-11:15 am
Grades 6 and 7Popcorn TheologyFellowship Hall 10:15-11:15 am
Grades 8 and 9In Service*, and OWLService 10 am, OWL in Fellowship Hall 3-6 pm through Jan 31st**
Grades 9-12In Service* and Youth GroupService 10 am, Youth Group in Fellowship Hall 6-8 pm

* If there is interest, we may have a "Breakfast Club" gathering during service for grades 8 and up** You must pre-register to participate in OWL.  Please contact Robin if you want more information.

If you have any questions regarding the program, would like info sent to you or a new family that you are referring to the church...please let Robin know.
 
Robin can be reached at Robinmitz2015@gmail.com,   church : 508-853-1942  cell: 508-868-7088.
 
Robin is usually at church all day/evening Sundays, on Mondays all day, and Tuesday-Friday from 3-6pm.  Evening appointments available upon request.

 See you soon!
  
Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Education
Sunday News
Homecoming Sunday, 
September 13 - Water CeremonySept13Worship 
     
We begin another fall season returning to our sanctuary from our summer sojourns, bringing with us water from places near and far.  Once again we will "re-member" our summer together by mingling water (carried from our summer travels or symbolic of them) and beginning again a year of celebration, contemplation and service.  Join us for this multigenerational worship experience.  Bring your water or just yourselves.  Its looks to be a great year!
Sign Up To Be Part of a Sunday Morning Worship TeamSMWT
     
Worship at UUCW is the product of many voices, hands and hearts.  Each Sunday we look forward to hearing from each other about the important happenings in our lives and the world, and our worship experience is made rich and meaningful because of the variety of voices included in it.
 
We are looking for people to become part of one of our Sunday Morning Worship Teams as a Worship Associate (WA), Worship Reader (WR) or Chalice Lighter (CL) .  WAs work with the Worship Leader to help setting up the sanctuary prior to the service. WR work with the worship leader to  read the welcome, presenting the opening words, and sometimes introduce the offertory or assist with a ritual.  CL's work with the worship leader to provide the chalice lighting for the service. You do not have to have any previous training, we'll work with anyone willing to lend their presence to this program.
 
Congregation Leaders!  Do you have a special church program, project or group that you are promoting?  Becoming part of a Worship Team on the Sunday(s) before your activity gives you a moment to introduce the congregation to your activity.  
 
New to the congregation?  This is a wonderful way to become known and to have an opportunity to introduce yourself.
 
Willing to give it a try?!  Then please visit HERE to sign up on any upcoming Sunday morning.
 
Want more information or have questions? Please do not hesitate to contact our Minister. 

Ongoing Event News 
Lunch With The Minister - 
Wednesday, September 9 at noon!  LunchwMinister

Join us this Wednesday, September 9 at Noon for our first Lunch with the Minister of the Fall.  Bring a bag lunch and something to share if you desire. We'll have coffee and a place set for you in the lounge.  Come join the conversation and camaraderie!  No reservation necessary.


Readers Unite Afternoon Book Club - September 9!  AftBookClub

NOTE: This is the second Wednesday of the month and follows the
lunch with the minister. October and all following months will meet on the first Wednesday of the month.

We last discussed THE BOOK THIEF in May. Our last book was THE LAST RUNAWAY by Tracy Chevalier in June. I have a list of possible books for the new year from Audrey to share, but please suggest any books you read over the summer and think we would enjoy.  See you soon!
 
Happy Reading,


UUCW Evening Book Club Meets September 9 at 7 pm EveBookGrp
 
Join us this September 9th at 7:00 in the Lounge for UUCW's Evening Book Club.

Praise for Abraham Verghese's My Own Country: A Doctor's Story:
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, the town of Johnson City had always seemed exempt from the anxieties of modern American life. But when the local hospital treated its first AIDS patient, a crisis that had once seemed an "urban problem" had arrived in the town to stay.
   
Working in Johnson City was Abraham Verghese, a young Indian doctor specializing in infectious diseases. Dr. Verghese became by necessity the local AIDS expert, soon besieged by a shocking number of male and female patients whose stories came to occupy his mind, and even take over his life. Verghese brought a singular perspective to Johnson City: as a doctor unique in his abilities; as an outsider who could talk to people suspicious of local practitioners; above all, as a writer of grace and compassion who saw that what was happening in this conservative community was both a medical and a spiritual emergency.
   
Out of his experience comes a startling but ultimately uplifting portrait of the American heartland as it confronts-and surmounts-its deepest prejudices and fears.

Evening Book Club Reading List:
My Own Country, by Abraham Verghese (Sue Crossley)
Gardenias, by Faith Sullivan (Nancy Hancock)
The Lady in Gold, by Anne Marie O'Connor (Judith)
Broken For You, by Stephanie Kallos (Cristina Heffernan)
The Innovators, by Walter Isaacson (Cristina Heffernan)
Girl in Transition, by Jean Kwok (Nancy Hancock)
Trapped Under the Sea, by Neil Swidey (Dianne Mann)
In the Heart of the Canyon, by Elisabeth Hyde (Nancy Hancock)
The Secret Daughter by Shilpi Gowda (Nancy Hancock)

Community News and Classifieds CommNews

Greater Worcester Humanists - Linda Miller, Co-Chair, GWH Steering Committee
Greater Worcester Humanists will begin its 11th year on Tuesday evening, September 8th at 7:00. Due to the State Primary taking place in Fellowship Hall, we will meet in the Sanctuary of the church. We will have Round Table Discussions in the classrooms on the following topics.
 
1.What makes life worthwhile for non-believers?
 
2.What can non-believers say about immortality?
 
3.Funerals and non-believers
 
This is a great introduction to Humanism for some and a great way to reaffirm the role it plays in our lives.  You are welcome to arrive and mingle at 6:30.

Apartment For Rent - Rachel Keyo
A two bedroom unit, with 1 bathroom on the 2nd floor of a well maintained 1914 Colonial Revival triple decker. The unit comes with a refrigerator, five burner stove/oven, washer and dryer hookup, an eat-in-kitchen, a butler's pantry, a parlor and living room, separated by french doors. There is yellow birch hardwood floors throughout the unit, with matchboard panelling and walnut woodwork. This unit also comes with a lockable storage room on the same floor. The dramatic hillside location provides excellent city views. Easy access to 290, 146 and MA-90. On the WRTA bus route, close to Central Hub and Union Station. Please see HERE for apartment listing.
Contact Information

Phone:

508-853-1942

Email:

office@uucworcester.org

 

 

Website:

www.uucworcester.org

 

Emergency Phone:

800-859-6404

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