The UUCW Message
April 26, 2016
In This Issue

Upcoming Events

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.

Upcoming Events at UUCW
Cosmology
Please CLICK HERE to download and print this flyer
Merrill
 PastaDinner 

Tickets available during Fellowship Hour following service on Sunday, or by CLICKING HERE.

Dinner includes a pasta buffet with at least 3 different pastas and 5 sauces (marinara; bolognese; black olive, artichoke heart and mushroom; alfredo; and gourmet asparagus, pine-nut and cream), salad, dessert (apple crisp and a surprise).  Wine will be available for a donation.
 
Interested in helping?!!  We are looking for a few more people to assist with setting up Fellowship Hall on Saturday afternoon May 14.  We are also looking for 3 more ANGELS, folks that would be interested/willing to donate a raffle basket.  $50 maximum, we are looking for 3 more baskets (family fun night, spa, and a breakfast basket).  If you are willing to help, or donate a basket, please contact Aaron (arpayson@charter.net) asap.  Thanks! 

 CircleDinner 

Please click HERE to download and print this flyer.
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...

Current News at UUCW
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:

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.  Do you want to help?  Contact Sue  or Robin 
 
Rep. Jim McGovern
Thanks to Vickie Cox Lanyon, Bart and Lee Hill, Sue Neaz, Robin Mitzcavitch, Dianne Mann, Kris Billiar and kids, Hermes Baez  and son for attending the Capital Campaign Brunch.  It was great to hear from Rep. Jim McGovern on how important the IHN initiative is to him.  how he has spent two overnights at the shelter, what he has learned about families, and info that he is bringing to Washington for advocacy.

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 
 
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
May Theme - Acceptance
April 26 - May 2 TchstnQuotes
 


April 26: "Mindfulness is not a mechanical process. It is developing a very gentle, kind, and creative awareness to the present moment." - Amit Ray
 
April 27: "Meditation is the art of silencing the mind so that you may hear the inklings of the Soul." - Manprit Kaur
 
April 28: "The fact is inner peace isn't something that comes when you finally paint the whole house a nice shade of cream and start drinking herbal tea. Inner peace is something that is shaped by the wisdom that 'this too shall pass' and is fired in the kiln of self-knowledge...." - Tanmia Ahsan
 
April 29: "Even just taking 20 seconds to truly appreciate your surroundings makes a world of difference." - Russell Eric Dobda
 
April 30: "The whole present moment was a celebration; it always had been; all I needed was fresh eyes to see it." - Narissa Doumani

May 1Acceptance doesn't mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there's got to be a way through it. - Michael J. Fox

May 2: Acceptance is not love. You love a person because he or she has lovable traits, but you accept everybody just because they're alive and human. - Albert Ellis

Religious Education News
RE News For May 1, 2016
RENews 

Dear Families,

Announcing our Rotation Classroom: Connection!

On May 1, 15, and 22 all children will participate- by age group, in the rotation classroom .  This year's theme is "Connection. "
 
We will explore together how we connect as human beings, as humans with nature and the world.  As our UU 7th Principle reminds us:  We respect the interconnected web of life in which we are all a part. 
 
Children will be architects as we build a "web" in the front yard of the church so we can introduce a community weaving project to our whole church.  The children will be preparing materials , weaving, and learning about connection through poetry and humor.
 
Here is the rotation schedule.  Each Sunday, your child will be experience a new way to look at the theme of "Connection".


May 1May 15May 22
Science of Humor
Fellowship Hall
Spirit Play AgeGrades 1 - 5Grades 6 & 7Ana
Art of Weaving
Rooms 2 & 3 and front lawn
Grades 6 & 7
construct (helpers)
Spirit Play Age
elements/weavi
ng
Grades 1 - 5
elements/we
aving
Nora and Jane
Poetry and Nature
Room 1 (Spirit Play Classroom)
Grades 1 - 5Grades 6 & 7Spirit Play ageRobin/La
ura
Please note - May 8th is a multigen service for Flower Communion and Mother's Day

Watch as we transform our front space into a place of community connection!!  Thanks to Nora Werme, Jane Mckeag and Lee Hill who have help to prep this exciting experience for all!


Sunday May 1st-  
         10am  -  Happy May Day and Beltane!  Today is the first Rotation Classroom! See schedule above!
                   Children will be dismissed after the story -  follow the Pied Piper to fellowship hall where we will have an opening chalice lighting and then move  to  first rotation classroom.   Children will be picked up at the Maypole .
 
~~Youth Group will be traveling to the First Church in Salem , MA ! Fri 4/29 - Sat 4/30
There will be no Youth Group in the evening of May 1st

  
Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Education
Sunday News
 
What do you want to grow in your life?
 
Our May 1st service is an observance of the pagan holiday Beltane, which is a joyful celebration marking the earth's fertility.
 
Prior to the service, you are invited to think about the question "What do you want to grow in your life?"   There will be a special portion of the service involving this question.



Child Dedication Ceremony - Mother's Day May 8, 2016
ChildDed 
During the morning Worship Service and Flower Communion on Sunday May 8th, we will honor the newest and youngest among us with a special Child Dedication Ceremony. 

This Naming Ceremony provides an opportunity for the congregation to honor and dedicate children in the congregation, and to provide a ritual of commitment to the wellbeing of our children by their parents, families and the congregation as a whole. If you would like your child(ren) to take part in this special Ceremony, please contact Rev. Aaron Payson (arpayson@charter.net) by Friday, May 6th or sooner.  
   
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 24Stewardship CommitteeRuth Silver
May 1Religious Education CommitteeRobin Mitzcavitch
May 8Men's GroupNancy Hancock
Ongoing Meetings OngoingMtgs
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.

Please join the Evening Book Club on Wednesday, May 11th at 7:00 in the Lounge to discuss Malcolm Gladwel's book, David and Goliath. Details to be announced. 

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


Please click here to download and print this flyer.
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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