The UUCW Message
May 3, 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
Merrill
New U Program - A Brief Introduction to Unitarian Universalism & UUCW
Saturday, May 7, 9 am - Noon in the LoungeNewUClass

Join our Minister, Rev. Aaron Payson, Denise Darrigrand with Member Services and other congregational leaders to explore and discuss history, traditions, beliefs and practices of Unitarian Universalism and our congregation.  This is a wonderful opportunity for newcomers to learn a bit more about our movement and traditions, the ways we govern ourselves as a congregation and association, and ways to become more involved here at UUCW.  This is also a wonderful refresher for those who are more seasoned members and friends.  Please join us in the lounge for this 3 hour conversation and presentation. For more information please contact Aaron Payson (arpayson@charter.net) or Denise Darrigrand (denise.darrigrand@gmail.com).  Interested in this program? CLICK HERE.


Cosmology
Please CLICK HERE to download and print this flyer
 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. If you are willing to help 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...

tent-camping-view.jpg
UUCW Summer Camping Events - 
August 26/27 & 27/28 CampWeekend 
 
Separate FATHER/DAUGHTER AND FATHER/SON CAMPING EVENTS are scheduled for August 26/27 (daughters/girls) and August 27/28 (sons/boys).  Activities include cooking on a campfire with games and story-telling.  The event is open to those identifying as men, and any young people that they know well and would like to bring.  All ages are welcome, but children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult.  The event will be held at Trout Brook Reservation in Holden.  Do not let a lack of camping experience or equipment stop you, as many involved have extra experience _and_ equipment!  The cost for the site for each night ($100 total) will be split among the participating men.  Please let us know if you plan to attend so that we can properly plan:
 
For Father/Daughter camping night:  Craig Van Batenburg, 508 400 4657 or Craig@fixhybrid.com
For Father/Son camping night:  Dave Schowalter, 508-688-7008, schowalter_david@hotmail.com 


Current News at UUCW
News from the Interfaith Hospitality NetworkIHNNews

The UUCW's next hosting week is May 29 through June 4 and we just about filled the slots.  Thank you!  UUCW also commits to providing $300 for the week's groceries.  We are on our way to accomplishing this goal with your help.  You may make a contribution to me or Robin in person or you may use this link  and click 'Quick Give' to make a contribution through Simplegive.  Under My Donation, be sure to select 'IHN Grocery Funds' in the dropdown menu.

Other fundraising projects UUCW is involved with for IHN include:

I. Shoe Drive: 

During the month of May, bring your gently used, clean shoes to fellowship hall and place in the designated bin.  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.

Look for more IHN news in the coming Messages.  For further information, contact  sueneaz@townisp.com or 508-769-6150.

Thank you!

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
May Theme - Theological Reflection
May 3 - 9 TchstnQuotes
 

May 3: "Unitarian Universalism, at our truest, comprises a shining theology that can deliver saving words to our world. It is life-affirming, liberating, and loving...here and now." ~ Tom Owen-Towle
 
May 4: "...[T]heology is first of all not the study of doctrines, but a process of reflection.... The classic definition of theology, "faith seeking understanding," remains always valid." ~  Luke Timothy Johnson
 
May 5: "How can one maintain a theologicalconfidence in what one claims to be true while acknowledging the existence of multiple religions that also claim to be true?" ~  Namsoon Kang
 
May 6: "[A]limentary theology ...is ... theology as nourishment: food as theology and theology as food, food for thought ...[which] addresses some of the spiritual and physical hungers of the world, and seeks ways of bringing about nourishment." ~ A. F. Mendez Montoya
 
May 7: "Because of piety's penchant for taking itself too seriously, theology does well to nurture a modest, unguarded sense of comedy ...required to keep in due proportion the pompous pretensions of the study of divinity." ~ Thomas Oden
 
May 8: "The primary role of theology is to cultivate in us a love for and knowledge of God." ~ Daniel Akin
 
May 9: "When we downshift ...education from the paradigm of expertise to a paradigm of love, we do not dilute the importance of rigorous theological reflection. ...We learn best what we love most." ~ Kenda Creasy Dean

Religious Education News
RE News For May 1, 2016
RENews 

Dear Families,

Announcing our Rotation Classroom: Connection!

On May 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 15May 22
Science of Humor
Fellowship Hall		Grades 1 - 5Grades 6 & 7Ana
Art of Weaving
Rooms 2 & 3 and front lawn		Spirit Play Age
elements/weaving		Grades 1 - 5
elements/weaving		Nora and Jane
Poetry and Nature
Room 1 (Spirit Play Classroom)
Grades 6 & 7Spirit Play ageRobin/Laura
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!

Community Weaving Project: Forever Forming The Great Web
Starting Point


Week 1 Progress!

Sunday May 8th-  
         
10am  -  Multigenerational Service-  Flower Communion and Mother's Day - Children K and below are welcome to attend our nursery/ fellowship hall childcare if so desired.  All other age children are invited to stay with families for this service, which includes a flower communion.
 
Youth Group 6-8pm   This Sunday May 8
  
Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Education
Sunday News
 
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.  
   
New Member Sunday Scheduled
Sunday, May 15, during WorshipNewMemberSunday

A New Member Ceremony has been scheduled for Sunday May 15 during the morning worship service.  If you have been thinking about joining our community we invite you to consider it at this time. 

On Membership
The New Member Ceremony is an opportunity to participate in a ritual of introduction, covenanting with the congregation and signing the Membership Book.  Joining the church is a formal way of showing your support for the principles of Unitarian Universalism and our community.  Signing of the book can also be done privately at any time.   Talk with the minister or Denise Darrigrand to arrange this.

Why Join?
Joining the church is a formal sign of commitment to our community.  With it goes an understanding of both service and financial support, as you are able, to our community.  It means lending your energy and talents to grow our young people, care for our elders, fight for our beliefs and passions, laugh together, cry together, and mark our transitions together.   It buoys and strengthens the community-and that means each and every member-to know that we share a common bond.

Membership also allows you to be a voting member on concerns vital to our church community.  This includes approval of how we spend our money, leadership in this community, and a vote on questions such as moving to two Sunday services.

Path to Membership
While there are no formal tests to becoming a member of this church, there are a few steps you might consider. 
  • Get to know us by attending worship services, fellowship events, classes and other programs.
  • Attend a NewU Program or other event for newcomers to meet other members and friends of the congregation and learn about Unitarian Universalist history and principles, our ministry, programs and the responsibilities and benefits of membership.
  • Set up an appointment with the minister.
  • Sign the Membership Book.
  • Discuss with us the amount of financial support you expect to be able to give the church for the remainder of the current fiscal cycle.
If you are interested in joining, CLICK HERE.
 
Thank you!


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
May 8Men's GroupNancy Hancock
May 15Parish Service CommitteeJudy Savage
May 22Women's Runaway Weekend TeamRuth Silver
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 Join Us as We Work Together to Restore the American Promise!
 
Please join Jeff Clements--dynamic speaker and constitutional lawyer who authored Corporations Are Not People: Reclaiming Democracy From Big Money & Global Corporations, previous chief of a 100-person public law enforcement bureau in the state Attorney General's Office, co-founder of Free Speech For People, and CEO of American Promise-and friends for an educational, inspiring, and optimistic discussion about how Americans of all beliefs, political thought, backgrounds, and interests are coming together across the country to restore our democracy of, for, by, and to the people.
 
The Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEChas unleashed powerful corporate and individual money into our political process unlike any time in our country's history. Come hear how we can restore American democracy so that all voices can be equally and respectfully heard-not just those who have the most money.
 
This free, non-partisan event is open to the public and will be held on:
 
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
7 - 9 PM
First Baptist Church: Gordon Hall
111 Park Avenue
Worcester, MA 01602
 
FREE PARKING in Church Lot & WPI Garage
 
Contact Ginger Navickas at 508-791-3049
or Donna McGrath at 508-757-7828 for more information.
 
Co-sponsored by: American Promise, You Can Do It! & the Worcester Area League of Women Voters

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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