The UUCW Message
October 4, 2016
In This Issue

Upcoming Events


Current News at UUCW



Office Notes and Flyers

 


Office Hours
(Sept 6, 2016 - 
June 29, 2017):
Mon, Tues, Wed: 
9 am - 3 pm
Thursday 9 am - 2 pm
 
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
UUCW Board of Management - 2016 BSA SurveyPeaceVigil
 
The Board of Management is continuing to follow up to conversations last spring regarding the request to once again become the chartering organization for Boy Scout Troop 54. As a part of this ongoing discernment process, a short survey has been developed to query members and friends of the congregation.Please take a moment to complete the survey found HERE.

Thank you,

David Schowalter, UUCW Clerk
Come Watch With Us Tonight!
ViewParties   
 
Viewing parties in the past few weeks have brought people together at UUCW to learn more about efforts during WWII by Unitarian's to assist in smuggling people out of war zones (Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War) and the first Presidential Candidate's Debate.
 
Join us next tonight @ 9 pm for the Vice Presidential Debate.  Bring a snack to share if you like and we'll continue our game of "Presidential Debate Bingo"! 

Presidential Debates at UUCW - 
Come watch the Presidential Debates at UUCW.  We'll gather in the lounge to view the debates and share in refreshments and conversation. Let's demonstrate our covenant and values by creating a safe space for people to gather across the political spectrum to share the experience of the debates.  Bring a snack to share and we'll gather!  For more information contact office@uucworcester.org.
 
Debate Schedule (Read more by CLICKING HERE)
 
October 4, 2016
Vice Presidential debate
Moderator: Elaine Quijano, Anchor, CBSN and Correspondent, CBS News
Location: Longwood University, Farmville, VA
 
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Second presidential debate
Moderator: Martha Raddatz, Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and Co-Anchor of "This Week," ABC 
Moderator: Anderson Cooper, Anchor, CNN
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
 
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Third presidential debate
Moderator: Chris Wallace, Anchor, Fox News Sunday
Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV


AVPWksp 

Interested in this workshop? Please CLICK HERE.




On Thursday, October 13,UUCW is hosting an information session for anyone interested in learning more about the Congregational Assistance Program sponsored by the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling.  The meeting will be at 6 pm at UUCW .  If you are interested in this program, please CLICK HERE.  Thanks much!  Aaron Payson
 
Do you want to help those struggling with addiction? Would you like to understand more about the mental health and addiction issues that your neighbors, family and friends may be experiencing? Would you like to reach out and help others? 
 
The Congregation Assistance Program and the (CAP) would like to help you gain more knowledge and connection with your community with the issues facing our society today. CAP sessions train individuals in organizations, churches and businesses to raise awareness of the real impact of addictions, gambling and suicide prevention. Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of behavioral health issues and the local resources that are available to help. This is not a clinical training, but will train you to recognize the possible warning signs and how to help.
 
WHY CAP ?
Faith communities have the unique ability as well as the opportunity to identify and assist individuals and their families suffering from the throes of addiction and other mental health problems. Since these congregations already possess the human and spiritual resources to help, CAP simply provides the training needed to provide troubled parishioners with the tools necessary to start on the path to recovery.
 
CAP Benefits
* Empowerment 
Enables Faith-Based Ministries to be active participants in prevention and early-intervention activities for their congregations.
* Advocacy
Promotes changes in attitudes about addictions, substance abuse and other mental health issues.
* Encouragement
Provides outreach and support for families affected by addiction.
* Learning
Provides congregations with educational and addiction prevention materials.
*Helps identify other community resources that may be underutilized.
 
How CAP works
CAP trains individuals in faith-based organizations to provide support and assistance to individuals and their families struggling with addictions such as alcohol, drugs and gambling as well as other mental health issues.

CAP provides free in-depth training with prevention professionals on topics including substance abuse, problem gambling, mental health and suicide prevention. Available local treatment options, community resources, referrals and ongoing support services are discussed. The end goal is the creation of early intervention teams within a congregation that are available to provide guidance, support and hope for its parishioners in need.

Holden CROP Walk Hunger is Coming! - Sunday, October 16, 2016. CropWalk 
 
 
We invite you to join us for this year's CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 16.  CROP Hunger Walks bring whole communities together in a common mission:  helping hungry people at home and around the world.  We will be joining other congregations from Holden:  First Baptist, First Congregational, St. Francis, Chaffins Congregation and Immanuel Lutheran, in raising funds to end hunger one step at a time.  25% of funds raised will benefit the Loaves & Fishes and Wachusett Food Pantries.   This is a family friendly activity for all ages; you may even bring your dog for the walk.  
 
You can help end the curse of hunger by gathering donations from family and friends.  Use this link Team UU Church of Worcester  to join our team and start your own page for donations.  Please Sue Neaz sueneaz@townisp.com  or 508-769-6150 or Mimi Allen marymetzgerallen@aol.com or 413-362-9494 at church to sign up to walk or volunteer for other duties.

Sue Neaz, CROP Walk Coordinator
Religious Exploration and Education at UUCW
RE News for October 9, 2016 RENews

 
Current News at UUCW
From Your New CollectorCollector
 
I have taken on the responsibility of being the collector for the church.  Basically what that means is that I pick up all the various monies that come into the church, categorize them, do a report so the money goes into the right accounts and then deposit the money in the bank.  It would be very helpful to me if you write a check to the church to put on the memo line exactly what the funds are for - i.e. pledge, RE, Minister's Discretionary, Food Pantry, etc.  That way I can ensure that you get credit for contributing to your intended account.  Thanks so much.

Touchstone Monthly Theme
October Theme - Emotional Intelligence
October 4 - 10 TchstnQuotes



October 4: "Our feelings are not there to be cast out or conquered. They're there to be engaged and expressed with imagination and intelligence." ~ T.K. Coleman
 
October 5: "In a very real sense we have two minds, one that thinks and one that feels" ~ Daniel Goleman
 
October 6: "Life is a juggling act with your own emotions. The trick is to always keep something in your hand and something in the air." ~
Chloe Thurlow
 
October 7: "Socrates's injunction 'Know thyself' speaks to the keystone of emotional intelligence: awareness of one's own feelings as they occur." ~ Daniel Goleman
 
October 8: "Emotional health is more important than a fit body. Unknowingly most of us focus on the latter hence the lack of inner-happiness, peace, love, and fulfillment." ~ Maddy Malhotra
 
October 9: "I feel therefore I am." ~ Amit Abraham
 
October 10: "Emotional versatility is the art of making peace with the entire emotional spectrum by honing your capacity to channel various feelings along creative and constructive lines. It is not about controlling or condemning your feelings." ~ T.K. Coleman


Sunday News
Weekly Worship WeeklyWrsp
 
  
HosT Coffee Hour News HosT
The HosT coffee hour team thank all the many church teams, groups, and committees who have signed up to HosT coffee hour this year!   
 
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!

Date
Group on deck for hosting
Hospitality Team Contact
October 9Buildings & Ground/Tech CommNancy Hancock
October 16Youth GroupRobin Mitzcavitch
October 23Afternoon Book Group/
Hooks & Needles		Nancy Hancock


Looking For Help Greeting NewcomersGreetNew
 
As you know, we sit at a table in the lobby and greet newcomers each Sunday.  The process is basically that - you welcome them, ask them to fill out a nametag if they would like, and ask them to sign the clipboard when it comes around.  If they have children with them, there are RE materials for you to give them.  As I can't promise to be at church every Sunday I'm looking for a few people to staff the table on Sunday mornings.  If you are interested please let me know and I will get back to you with more specifics.  We are looking to grow our membership this year and a warm greeting for first timers goes a long way.  Thank you!

Ongoing Meetings Ongoing
Join us Wednesday, October 5 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!

Join the Wednesday Night Book Club on October 12th at 7:00 in the Lounge to discuss Alice Hoffman's book, The Marriage of Opposites. What could be more enjoyable than sitting with a group of your friends discussing a book that you have all read? The WNBC meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 in the lounge to share ideas about the reading and to enjoy a dash...continue reading


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 

Greater Worcester Humanists - Linda Miller, Co-Chair, GWH Steering Committee
The next meeting of Greater Worcester Humanists will be on Tuesday evening, October 11th,  in Fellowship Hall of the church. Author Katherine Stewart will be our speaker. See the following description for details.  Social Time at 6:30 and speaker at 7:00. 
 
The Battle for the Bay State: The Religious Right Takes Aim at Massachusetts
 
According to the Pew Research Center, Massachusetts is one of the least devout states in the nation, but evangelicals have long dreamed of capturing the birthplace of the American Revolution, and lately they have stepped up their game. Hoping to save our state, and all of New England, from its freethinking ways, activists on the Christian Right have opened new fronts in the "culture wars." They have planted hundreds of evangelical churches inside our public schools, brought fights against state bills promoting LGBT equality and the equality of religious minority groups, and initiated legal battles over the public funding of houses of worship, including a fight in Acton, Massachusetts that could have far-reaching consequences. What are the features of the Religious Right's new strategy targeting Massachusetts, and how can we take action to defeat it?
 
Katherine Stewart is the author of The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children (PublicAffairs). Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, the Nation, The Advocate, the New York Times, and the Atlantic among others. 


Abby's House HipHopHer Race - October 15, 8 am  -  Maya Desai
Calling all Runners and Walkers:
If you are looking for a warm up for the Crop Walk on the 16th, please consider joining me friends from First U in doing the HipHipHerRace to benefit Abby's House on October 15.  Enjoy a fun fall day outside with our faith community, while supporting a great cause. Since 1976, Abby's House has provided more than 11,500 homeless women and children with a safe place to stay, regroup, and rebuild.  With 78 units, Abby's House is the largest provider of affordable housing in Worcester designed to meet the needs of women and children.   100% of race fees and donations go to the women and children of Abby's House.  Information about the race and registration may be found at the following link:  http://www.abbyshouse.org/hiphipherrace
When you start the registration process you will be asked if you want to join a team.  We are Team UU.  Hope you will join us!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
Maya Desai at divolls@verizon.net.

Worcester Interfaith's 11th Annual Beggar's Bowl

Come enjoy a variety of tasty autumnal soups served in hand-thrown, stoneware bowls with delicious artisan bread at the 11th Annual Beggar's Bowl, a fund-raiser for Worcester Interfaith. This year's "bowl" will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at First Baptist Church, 111 Park Ave. Worcester.  Doors open at 5:30 to select your hand-thrown bowl -- which is yours to keep - mingle and enjoy hors d'oeuvres. Dinner starts promptly at 6:00pm and ends by 7:30pm. Tickets cost $50 each and are tax deductible. For tickets or more information, call Frank Kartheiser, Lead Organizer, Worcester Interfaith, at (508) 754-5001.




 
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