The UUCW Message
April 12, 2016
In This Issue

Current News at UUCW
BSA Meeting Results

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
Follow-Up From Congregational Discussion on BSA Troop 54 Request for CharteringBoyScouts

Last Sunday's meeting to discuss the request from BSA Troop 54 to become their chartering organization again was well attended.  Many perspectives were presented as well as questions about the request from the Troop.  At present the Board is taking suggestions made at the meeting about continuing process under advisement and will be discussing this at their meeting next Monday and will report back to the congregation promptly.  As was previously made available and as promised at the meeting, HERE is the link to information about the history of UUCW's relationship with the troop and other related information.  Those in attendance at last week's meeting, as well as all members and friends of the congregation are encouraged to continue talking with each other and sharing their perspectives within the context of our shared covenant that says in part we will "provid[e] opportunities where diverse people and points of view are respected and where open-hearted and open-minded discussion of our differences is encouraged; treat each other with kindness and respect; and approach conflicts with a spirit of humility and with the respectful intent for peaceful resolution."

Rev. Aaron Payson
William Derr, President, Board of Management
 
Women's 
Runaway Weekend - Last Minute Offer!!
Linden Tree Inn, Rockport MA, April 15 - 18 
WomensWeekend

There are still some rooms available for this weekend!   Very reasonable nightly rates are available for single rooms, double, and quads.  Home -cooked breakfast and other meals included!
 
Contact Ruth Silver rsilver71@gmail.com if you need a getaway :  Available for Friday April 15, Saturday April 16, Sunday April 17th!  One , two or all! 


Cosmology
Please CLICK HERE to download and print this flyer
Annual Passover Seder - April 23, 6 pm
Seder
Save the Date for our Annual Passover Seder - more details coming soon!
 
News from the Interfaith Hospitality NetworkIHNNews

The UUCW's next hosting week is May 29 through June 4.  Thank you for your support in the past by hosting and/or contributing to groceries.  Sign up this Sunday!  Look for the easel with the volunteer schedule in fellowship hall to sign up for a slot to be a dinner or overnight host. 

 If you've never volunteered before or are still new at it, please see me or Robin and we'll be sure a veteran volunteer joins you to show you the ropes. 
 
Also part of our commitment, is providing $300 for the week's groceries.  You may make a contribution to me or Robin in person or you may click this link  to make a contribution through Simplegive

 Other fundraising projects UUCW is involved with for IHN include:

I. Shoe Drive: 

For the past couple of years, we have been collecting used shoes during the month of May.  This year gently used, clean shoes are requested for donation.  The shoes will be used to resell in third world micro-enterprises.  IHN benefits from $25 per bag of 25 pairs of shoes.

II. Walk for Homeless- May 15th:

We're looking to form a UUWC group to walk.  Sponsor/donation packets will be available in fellowship hall after church.

III. Capital Campaign:  Come to the Brunch to Support  It!

So far, $135,000 in pledges have been raised through congregations, foundations, and individuals.  This has allowed the pay down of the house mortgage and a refinance reducing the mortgage payment to ½ their previous payment.  We are still looking to fill tables for the Capital Campaign Brunch this Sunday $40 pp  Blessed Sacrament Church on Pleasant St. in Worcester- Phaelan Center.  Please join us for this catered brunch at 12:30.  on Sunday, April 17th.  Want to go, but can't afford a seat?  UUCW has some seats purchased for this purpose. , Please contact Sue Neaz or Robin Mitzcavitch-  we need to hear from you by Wednesday  April 13th!!
 
Look for more IHN news in the coming Messages.  For further information, contact sueneaz@townisp.com or 508-769-6150.
 
Thank you!
Sue

Sue Neaz 
 
2016 Annual UUCW Yard Sale - June 11! YardSale 

The date for this year's Yard Sale has been chosen - it will be on Saturday, June 11.  If you are interested in working either on set up or on that day, please let me know.  And, for all, please start setting aside all your goodies that you would like to give away this year - my goal is to make even more than the $7000 we pulled in last year.  More to follow...

Visit Our New Improved Website! NewWebsite

If you haven't seen it already, please visit www.uucworcester.org to view the new and improved UUCW website.  Thanks to a host of volunteer website junkies (Rachel Peckar, Cris Heffernan, Vickie Cox Lanyon, Betty Jenewin, Anna Bediako) working with our Office Administrator, Jennifer Landry and Aaron, we have launched and continue to develop our new website as a core component in our evolving strategic communications plan.  Forthcoming upgrades will include a members-only section, interactive adult faith development opportunities, and weekly communications that are more integrated with web content.  We welcome your feedback, which can be submitted through the "contact us" link on homepage.

Touchstone Monthly Theme - 
 
 
April Theme - Mindfulness
April 12 - 18 TchstnQuotes
 


April 12: "Like a child standing in a beautiful park with his eyes shut tight, there's no need to imagine trees, flowers, deer, birds, and sky; we merely need to open our eyes and realize what is already here, who we already are-as soon as we stop pretending we're small or unholy."   Bo Lozoff
 
April 13: "Eventually it will become quiet enough so that you can simply watch the heart begin to react, and let go before the mind starts. At some point in the journey it all becomes heart, not mind."   Michael Singer
 
April 14: "Mindfulness meditation doesn't change life. Life remains as fragile and unpredictable as ever. Meditation changes the heart's capacity to accept life as it is. It teaches the heart to be more accommodating, not by beating it into submission, but by making it clear that accommodation is a gratifying choice."   Sylvia Boorstein
 
April 15: "Compassion is not complete if it does not include oneself."   Allan Lokos
 
April 16: "...it is often more difficult to remember to be mindful than to be mindful itself."   Donald Rothberg
 
April 17: "Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet."   Thích Nhất Hạnh
 
April 18: "No ideals. No illusions. Just reality-but more perfect than you've ever imagined. That's what being mindful and living in the present means."   Lidiya K.

Religious Education News
RE News For April 17, 2016
RENews 

Dear Families,

In honor of this month's church theme of mindfulness , we will have a rotation classroom experience called " Experiencing Mindfulness". We are lucky to have two facilitators who will be teaching mindfulness through movement:  Nina Cerviatti teaching Qui Gong, and Debra Zawielski teaching Shintaido .  We also have one facilitator, Laura Secor, teaching mindfulness through art with Zentangle.  You can pick up your child in fellowship hall following the service!

 
Sunday April 17
10 am   All children begin in the sanctuary and will be dismissed to class following the Change for Change collection..  Please pick up your child in Fellowship Hall.

Youth Group - 2:15 pm.  Meet at Blessed Sacrament Church , Pleasant Street, Worcester-  Outreach , then Elm Park and Blue Jeans Pizza.


  
Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Education
Sunday News
 
HosT Coffee Hour NewsHosT
     
The Hospitality Team (HosT) thanks all of the members of the congregation who have provided food, labor and cash donations that have made our coffee hours so incredible.

At coffee hour we extend the hospitality we proclaim! Many people judge a congregation by its coffee hour hospitality - especially newcomers .  Please make it a point to speak to someone you don't know!

 
 
DateGroup on deck for hostingHospitality Team Contact
April 17PotluckNancy Hancock
April 24Stewardship CommitteeRuth Silver
May 1Religious Education CommitteeRobin Mitzcavitch


Note our next potluck coffee hour is April 17. On that date please bring in prepared fruit or vegetables or a savory or sweet item (no nuts, please) to share. The Hospitality Team will provide the Fair Trade coffee, tea, water, juice and dairy. It would be appreciated if you could also assist with set-up or clean-up.  A member of the Hospitality Team is always present to answer questions or to help in any way.


Ongoing Meetings OngoingMtgs
Please join the Evening Book Club on Wednesday, April 13th at 7:00 in the Lounge to discuss Elisabeth Hyde's (2010) book, In the Heart of the Canyon. Book Description From the author of The Abortionist's Daughter, a gripping new novel about a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon that changes the lives of everyone on board. Meet Peter, twenty-seven, single, and looking for a quick hookup; Evelyn, a fifty-year-old Harvard...Click to read more

Join us Wednesday, May 4 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! 

Please join us after Lunch With The Minister on on the first Wednesdays in May, June, and September. Our next book selections are: Digging to America by Anne Tyler, with discussion on May 4. Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos with discussion on June 1. The Rise of Rocket Girls by Nathalia Holt, with discussion on Sept 7.

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, 05/13/16 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 to read more

The Hooks and Needles Group meets on alternating Mondays at noon (February 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.

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.
 
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!


Community News & Classifieds CommNews


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

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