The UUCW Nugget
December 9, 2015
 
Office Hours
(Sept 1, 2015 - 
June 30, 2016):
Mon, Tues, Wed: 
9 am - 3 pm
Thur. 9 am - 2 pm
(Closed 2nd Wed.
Oct - May)


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.
 
Season of Love
Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Education



The holiday season is upon us.  Here at UUCW, we are busily working on our annual vespers service where the children will participate in a pageant entitled "Season's Reasons"   During our time together over the past few Sundays, the children and I explored  what people celebrate around the world during the winter months and the many reasons for the celebrations this season.
During the "Blues-y Christmas" Soulful Sundown Service last Sunday evening, Aaron and Beau caught our attention with readings and song. They demonstrated how emotions may run from high to low and sometimes to very low during the holiday season.   The holidays can be difficult.  
 
As I see it there is so much in the world right now that can make it feel strange to want to celebrate.  It's hard to celebrate when you see people going without ; when you know there are refugees dying to find a safe  place to lay their head.  It's hard to "deck the hall", when you hear about another mass shooting, or know of a family struggling to put one gift under their tree.
 
I have recently become involved with a young family who are facing the ultimate struggle, watching their 5 year old girl, named Liberty, as she endures a devastating decline due to an inoperable brain stem tumor (DIPG).   A few days after her fifth birthday in August, Liberty became quite ill, and this family (mom, dad, and younger sister Verity ) were told of Liberty's fatal diagnosis.  With a potential that Liberty's life will only last 6 months, the family made a choice to live in the moment. Not only are they educating themselves and advocating about this underfunded and horrible disease, they are being purposeful in every hour.   They are taking opportunity for meaning making and finding joy where they can in small things . For Liberty and her sister, they have kept the excitement of living going.  From being able to experience a little bit of kindergarten,  music making , and watching a dance class, to putting feet in paint, and holding hands at the end of a girl scout meeting, school pictures , play dates,  and a swing set in the sun on a November day.  These things are happening for Liberty, although she is now confined to bed or a wheelchair.   This family is an inspiration for me - especially when trying to put the holiday blues into perspective. The courage they have to keep going, finding resources and experiences for their child , while they are actively grieving, is so hard to fathom.
 
I ask myself , can I celebrate who I've got  in front of me right now, and the great wealth  of things that I  do have?    Can I appreciate those things and pay attention to the simple details that can bring joy?   When I see sadness in the world, and feel frustrated that I can't fix it all, what can I do?  What can we all do? Perhaps reaching out where you can and standing up for the  things that you really want to draw attention to and advocate for can be so helpful and rewarding.   Advocate by calling attention to injustices, writing your political representatives, speaking your truths to your peers in love and kindness, sharing information, helping.. All of these things can allow you to let the holidays shine through you and give meaning to where you are.
 
I would like to thank the many people in my circle, who have helped Liberty's family with dinners these past 2 months:  The Youth Group, the Holt's, the Houghton's, the Hills, the Derrs, the Kapiloffs, and the Leshays.   As this young family celebrates Hanukkah and life, may they be warmed by enduring  light and hearts of many who hold them so closely in their thoughts and prayers.  May they experience a season of love.
 
I visualize peace for them and the families who are hurting around the world . I am finding some space to celebrate the season, the reason that it can be joyous for me is I am witnessing the multitude of ways that good people help.  Keep  the love flowing and happy holidays to you.
 
If you would like to help with meals and/or support for Liberty's family, please contact me.  If you would like to advocate for cancer research for DIPG, click HERE for more information. 
 
 And here are other ways to celebrate the season in love, taken from Aaron's message last week:

Opportunities for Outreach
  • Giving Tree - Please take an envelope off the tree if you are interested in filling it with a $10 grocery gift card. (card should be returned to gray box outside of the office by December 18th.) Also we decorate our tree  with hats, mitten and socks.  We will donate these items to folks who visit our Food Pantry for the Christmas distribution on Dec 19th.
  • Holiday Shoe Box Drive - This year, UUCW will be doing holiday shoe boxes for the refugee children of Africa who are in our midst. They are called the "ACE children" (African Community Education Program) who have an after-school program in the Fanning building in Worcester.  It is always an enjoyable event shopping for a child.  Please consider committing to filling a box and then wrapping it.  Choose a boy or girl, choose an age, and fill the shoe box with appropriate gifts, such a mittens, gloves, a gift card, small toys, etc.  Stay tuned for more announcements to come.
  • 50/50 Collection - On Sunday, December 13, our 50/50 Collection will contribute to the ongoing efforts and this congregation's commitment to the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Worcester.
 
With Love for the Season and All Days ,

Robin
 
Contact Information

Phone:

508-853-1942

Email:

office@uucworcester.org

Fax:

508-853-2065

Website:

www.uucworcester.org

 

 

 

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