The UUCW Message
January 26, 2016
In This Issue


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
Evensong Lenten Reflection Series - 
Feb 3 - March 23, 7 - 9 pm 
LentenSeries

The Season of Lent is a time of introspection and atonement for many Christians as they prepare to celebrate the dawn of New Life with the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. Jews enter a time of self-examination and repentance in the Fall, during Yom Kippur, to prepare for the Jewish New Year at Rosh Hashanah. Pagans, who honor the natural rhythms of the Earth, enter a time of introspection and renewal during the dark days of winter just as seeds germinate beneath the snow in preparation for the emergence of new life with the dawn of Spring. As Unitarian Universalists we may value an opportunity to pause, reflect on the course of our lives, and reset our intention for the New Year to further align our actions with the values expressed by our Seven Principles.
 
Contemporary American theologian, James Fowler provides us with an opportunity to explore and rededicate ourselves through a series of 8 questions. Each designed to help us examine the structures of values, the patterns of love and action, the shapes of fear and dread, and the directions of hope and friendship in our lives. Each answer has the potential to raise our awareness and generate new direction toward more wholeness, contentment, and true happiness.
 
For the next 8 weeks we will have the opportunity to gather in the spirit of evensong to consider each one of Fowler's questions listed below: 
  • Feb   3rd - Question 1:  What do you spend? How are you spent?
  • Feb 10th - Question 2:  To what do you give your best time and best energy?
  • Feb 17th - Question 3:  For what causes, dreams, goals, or institutions do you pour out your life?
  • Feb 24th - Question 4:  What power or powers in your life do you fear or dread?
  • Mar  2nd - Question 5:  What power or powers in your life do you trust or rely upon?
  • Mar   9th - Question 6:  To what or whom are you committed in life? In death?
  • Mar 16th - Question 7:  With whom (individual or group) do you share your most sacred and private hopes for your life and for the lives of those you love?
  • Mar 23rd - Question 8:  What are the most sacred hopes, compelling goals, and purposes for your life?
Evensong is a contemplative opportunity to consider, that which is of greatest importance in our lives. Come, yet again, come... into the heart of the Beloved Community.

Men's Group 
Collection for Syrian Refugees 
SyriaCollection

 
The civil war in Syria has created one the most urgent ongoing humanitarian crises in recent memory. There is a growing population of displaced persons and refugees trying to make their way to safer European and North American destinations, but the majority of people in need-especially women and children-remain in Syria or the camps along the border in Turkey, Lebenon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt.

The UUCW Men's Group is organizing an effort to send aid to Syrian Refugees. Donations will be collected and brought to the Islamic Center of Worcester, which works with Nuday Syria to coordinate shipments to the areas in crisis. Here is a link to  Nuday Syria's website, which has a lot of detailed information about their projects.

The Men's Group will be accepting donations from Sunday, January 24 through Sunday February 7, after which they will be transported to the Islamic Center. You may drop off your donations in the Loaves & Fishes Box in Fellowship Hall. Please see below for a list of the most needed items.

Donations can also be made directly to Nuday Syria after February 7. The drop off site at the Worcester Islamic Center on East Mountain Street is in the basement alongside the cabinets. Please contact Jim McKeag for more information or to get in touch with the coordinator, Mohsina Alom, at the Islamic Center.

The camps are just now emerging the coldest period of the year, so clothing appropriate for spring and fall temperatures are needed. Please refer to the following list for items that are most needed.
  • Clothes (especially children's)
  • coats
  • shoes
  • boots
  • new underwear and socks
  • female hygiene products
  • towels
  • diapers
  • soap
  • powdered detergent 
  • sleeping bags
  • blankets
  • soccer balls
  • stuffed animals
  • non-battery operated toys
Food items needed include 
  • rice
  • flour
  • cooking oil
  • sugar
  • cans or bags of tuna
  • food high in protein such as peanut butter or nutella
  • energy bars
  • protein drinks
  • powdered milk and *always* infant milk in any form. 
 
All food items must be unexpired and in non-breakable packaging.
Thank you for your help!

Jim McKeag & The UUCW Men's Group 
Game Night is Back! 
GameNight



Friday  January 29th  6:30-8:30pm
 
We have 26 people signed on, what about you?? 
 
 Game night is this Friday.  PLEASE REGISTER !  So I can order the correct amount of pizza , I need you to  sign on by Thursday Jan 28th by  6pm .  
 
Come on your own, bring a friend, bring your family, and have a relaxed and stress-free time getting your game on!
 
This is for everyone!   A FUN , FREE  EVENING OUT!
 
 Bring a game to share!                Bring a potluck dish!   
Not interested in cooking?  Bring $5 each for pizza and drink.
 
So we know how many games, seats, pizzas needed...please click on the link below and fill out the google form.   This is very helpful for planning and much appreciated!
 
 
If you have any questions...contact Robin Mitzcavitch!
 
Linking Communities of Faith: Building Love and Compassion in an Age of Mistrust 
LinkingCommunities

A panel discussion featuring members of the New England Islamic community sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden Street in Worcester, MA.  The meeting will be in the church Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, February 16, from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
 
Asima Silva is an Indian American who graduated from Wachusett Regional High School. She obtained her undergrad and graduate degrees at WPI in Computer Science. She is a software engineer and Master Inventor for IBM and is the co-founder and Director of Outreach for EnjoinGood.org.

Ellyn Sayers is a very recent American convert.  She obtained an undergraduate degree in Microbiology from the University of New Hampshire and a graduate degree in Regulatory Affairs from Northeastern University.  She is a Quality Assurance Manager for Bristol-Myers Squibb, certified Spin instructor, marathoner and avid fitness enthusiast and proud mother of two children.

Ahmad Abojaradeh is a recent WPI grad and current Worcester resident who is the co-founder and Director of Mental Health for Muslim Community Link, A Global Compliance Engineer for Avery Dennison, a Peer Support Specialist and a Novelist.

Madeline Errishi, known by her nickname, Dina. She is an American convert and has been a Muslim for the last 23 years.  She was raised in upstate New York in a Roman Catholic family, but she has been living in Massachusetts since 1987.  She is married and has a daughter and two sons.

Imam Abdul Latif is the resident Imam at the Islamic Center of Rhode Island in Providence and also a Chaplain for the state of Massachusetts Department of Corrections. He accepted Islam about 20 years ago and traveled extensively in the Middle East to study Islam and the Arabic language.
 
For more Information contact:
Linda A Miller, 508-853-8964, canoteur725djm@gmail.com , or
Rev. Aaron Payson, 508-853-1942, arpayson@charter.net


The Cool Beans Coffee House - February 12 - 7 - 9:30 pm
Tickets on Sale NOW! $7! 
CoolBeansCoffeeHouse



Looking for a warm spot to get in from the cold?  Do you like a nice cup of java or tea while listening to a poem or a piece of music?  How about an evening with friends of the UUCW to help support the Interfaith Hospitality Network?  We have the evening for you!
 
SEE US IN FELLOWSHIP HALL OR 
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS!  

 Questions? Contact Robin Mitzcavitch or Dianne Mann!

Interfaith Hospitality Network Host Week
January 24 - 30, 2016 IHNNews
 
Please support the continued good work happening at the Interfaith Hospitality Network, 91 June Street, Worcester by volunteering to host an evening or overnight slot during the week of January 24-30 and/or make a contribution towards groceries for the week - typically $300.  The schedule is posted in Fellowship Hall and details are available.   You may also email me directly to sign up.  Please see me or Robin Mitzcavitch to volunteer/make a contribution or mail your check to me directly at 6 Browning Road, Shrewsbury 01545.
 
Thank you for your continued support.
 
Touchstone Monthly Theme - 
January Theme - Non-Violence
February Theme - Communion
January 26 - February 1 TchstnQuotes
 

Jan. 26:  "I believe that Gandhi's views were the most enlightened.... We should strive to do things in his spirit: not to use violence in fighting for our cause, but by non-participation in anything you believe is evil." ~  Albert Einstein
 
Jan. 27: "The first principal of non-violent action is that of non-cooperation with everything humiliating" ~  Mahatma Gandhi
 
Jan. 28: "When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system's game. ...The only thing they don't know how to handle is non-violence and humor." ~  John Lennon
 
Jan. 29: "The ultimate potent weapon-Non Violence!!!" ~  Mukesh Kwatra

Jan. 30: "Nonviolence became a cultural ideal ...for a civilization that ...suffered from chronic and terminal violence. ...Hindu sages dreamed of nonviolence." ~  Wendy Doniger

Jan. 31: "Non-violence is a good policy when conditions permit."   ~ Nelson Mandela

Feb. 1: "Home is not a house.... It is a state of mind. A place of communion and unconditional love." ~ Dennis Lehane
Religious Education News
RE News For January 31, 2016
RENews 

Dear Families,
 
We had a number of families involved in the One Church-One Book Read of the "One and Only Ivan" .  Children have a lot of great thoughts and strong feelings when it comes to talking about animals and how they should be treated. 
 
This coming Sunday, Jan 31st...kids will have regular classes, but will be wondering and discussing how animals are a part of their lives and others'.  Kids will have an opportunity to talk a lot about animals mean to our world.

And  SHHHHH!~   There will be some special visitors from Sunny Knoll Alpaca Farm  here during RE classes to teach about their special animals and how they are part of the interconnected web of existence of which we all are a part.    Each class will get to hear the education program that Sunny Knoll will be bring to us for a portion of their regular class.   Alpacas will be here! (but don't tell- let it be a surprise!!)
 
Sunday January 31-
 
10am-  All children begin in the sanctuary and will be dismissed to class following the Change for Change Collection..  Pick up for grades 0-2 will be in their regular classrooms,   For grades 3-7 in Fellowship Hall.
 
11:30-  Grade 1 and 2 OWL Parent Info Session in Lounge-  Childcare in classrooms 2 and 3.
 
6-8pm  Youth Group- "Spa Night"


  
Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Education
One Church, One Book - 
Our Annual All Church ReadOneChurchOneBook 

Thanks for coming to our discussion!
 
                                        
We had 23 people of all ages in attendance last Sunday to talk about our fabulous all church read:  The One and Only Ivan.  Thank you Loree for facilitation the discussion and to all who showed up to share!   What a rich experience!!
 
STAY TUNED!  On February 7th , the REC , Aaron and I have put together a wonderful service that focuses on the themes found in this fantastic novel.  See you then!
   

What is Mystery Pals?  Mystery Pals are pairs of pals made up of one young person and one adult or teen who do not know each other's identity. This is a multi-generational community-building project that has shown great success in many other UU communities,and this year, we have decided to run it again!  This project is closely managed by the Religious Education Committee.  Pals who sign up to participate are matched to each other by the committee.  Sign up now  through February 13th - CLICK HERE to download a form to print to bring to church this Sunday!
 
What do Mystery Pals do?  Mystery Pals communicate with each other through the exchange of notes, drawn pictures, cards, riddles, puzzles, baby pictures, hints about identity, and small trinkets.   The main thing is to stay in touch and remain a mystery! All communication is managed by the RE Committee.
 
How do Mystery Pals keep in touch?   Beginning on  February 14th come to Fellowship Hall with your first piece of mystery pal mail and put it in the giant mailbox.  The following week, not only will you mail something again, you will check in with the Mystery Pal Postmaster and collect the mail that your Mystery Pal has mailed to you!  The Religious Education Committee will ensure that everyone receives their communication weekly after the notes have been reviewed!
 
When do the Pals find out the identity of each other?  Identities will be revealed during our Mystery Pal Reveal Party on April 3rd directly after the service. FUN FUN FUN!  It's all about the connections we make in the world!!  Sign up right away!  And especially before February 13th.
 
We are excited for another fun run of The Mystery Pal event!!
   
Sunday News
     

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. 

HosT Coffee Hour NewsHosT
     
The HosT coffee hour team thank all the many church teams, groups, and committees who have signed up to HosT coffee hour this year!   
 
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:
January 31HosT w/Judy Savage, Greg Gustafson, Sue Hegedus
February 7Soup Sunday &
IHN Task Force
February 14Wonderful Welcome Class
February 21Buildings & Grounds and Technology Committees
February 28To Be Announced

Ongoing Meetings OngoingMtgs
Join us Wednesday, February 3 at Noon for Lunch with the Minister.  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. Click here for more...

 

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. Our next gathering will be in Fellowship Hall on Friday, 02/12/16 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 [...]Click here for more...

 

Our next book is Grandma Gatewood's Walk by Ben Mongomery. We will discuss the book on Feb 3rd at 1:15pm. Next month: Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand with discussion on March 2. Click here for more...

 

Join us on February 10 at 7 pm in the lounge for UUCW's Evening Book Club.  We will be reading Girl in Transition by Jean Kwok. Evening Book Club Reading List: February - Girl in Transition, by Jean Kwok (Nancy Hancock) March - Trapped Under the Sea, by Neil Swidey (Dianne Mann) April - In the Heart of the Canyon, by Elisabeth Hyde (Nancy Hancock) May - The Secret Daughter [...]Click here for more...

 

Beginning in February, this group will be meeting on alternating Mondays at noon (February 1, 15, and 29, March 14, 28, etc.)   in a classroom.  Bring your projects - knitting, crochet, cross stitch, quilting, to work on.  Or if you wish to do a prayer shawl or lap robe, we have yarn and patterns available. Want to learn a needlecraft?  We will be happy to teach you. Click here for more...

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.
 
Reminder about Fundraising! Fundraising 

Please keep in mind that one of our fundraising programs is the two bins across the street in our parking lot for books and clothing.  We actually make very good money from this endeavor!  So, as you're doing your fall cleaning or whatever, please take a minute to fill the bins as well as you can!

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.
 


Request for Donations - Teresa Wolcott teresa.wolcott@gmail.com
Hello Everyone,

I just started a new teaching position in the Fitchburg Public School system, the part time elementary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) coach.  My job involves pulling small groups of students from class to teach additional classes.  My training as an informal educator, writing and teaching integrated hands-on inquiry based lessons has been really challenged by the common problem so many teachers face: working in a new position with no budget for buying science supplies or any other supplies.  I wanted to reach out to the community in hopes that some of you may have or know about supplies that might be donated or available at bargain prices. Basically, any lab equipment you might have I can probably use.  I am also planning to involve the students in Cornell Lab of ornithology's Celebrating Urban Birds Project.  Please feel free to call or email me and I will come and get it.  Some specific things I really would love to have:

Bird baths and heaters, for winter water
Bird feeders
Bird seed
Binoculars
Bird ID books
Soil thermometers, sunlight meters, soil moisture and compaction meters
Seeds, and in spring perennials (especially natives, for bird and pollinator garden)
Potting soil and pots
A 55 gallon aquarium, filter and compressor (chiller) for next year, teaching with Trout program, smaller aquariums for viewing
Minnow traps
Plankton tow
White bottomed bowls (for plankton)
Microscope, suitable for seeing microorganisms with a camera that can be attached to a projector'
Digital cameras
Zoomy or camera microscope
Light meters (antique or analog would be great!!)
Infrared thermometers
Pipettes
Disposable or plastic plates
Washers, nuts and bolts for building
Arduinos
Robotics suitable for teaching with and components
Soldering and electronic components
Other engineering or building tools
Art supplies
Glow sticks
Minerals/rocks for geology
Fossils and reproductions
Anything else you think might be used for hands on activities

This is my dream list-I know the likelihood of getting all this stuff is low, but you never know what people may have around!!

Much Thanks,
Teresa Wolcott

 



Contact Information

Phone:

508-853-1942

Email:

office@uucworcester.org

Fax:

508-853-2065 

Website:

www.uucworcester.org

 

Emergency Phone:

508-853-1942 

ext. 108

UUCW Facebook

UUCW Twitter