The UUCW Nugget

December 14, 2016

Office Hours

(Sept 6, 2016 -

June 29, 2017):

Mon, Tues, Wed:

9 am - 3 pm

Thur. 9 am - 2 pm

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.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Exploration

This past Sunday, our Coming of Age teens and their mentors took more than 70 hats, scarves, and mittens to the Worcester City Hall Common. As part of their outreach, they attached a special note to each item and then secured them to trees, benches and fencing.

Sunday was an extremely cold day in Worcester, and the day before the city expected their first decent sized snow accumulation. There was excitement in the air among the COA participants- it was fun to run around and tie scarves to trees, but also to imagine what help their actions could bring to the multitudes of individuals in the city that may not have a way to stay warm on the streets. There is a critical shortage of beds for folks who find themselves homeless- and Worcester winters create dangerous havoc.

While a hat or a scarf is not the answer to a cold night spent on the streets, we felt it was something to do to raise awareness. And it did. The picture below was spotted on Instagram , taken by a stranger who happened to notice what we did:

"These were all over the Common in #worcesterma Hopefully this made it into the hands of someone who needs it. #winter"

So with the polar arctic weather looming in our forecast, I sit in my warm house wishing the same thing as the stranger who posted this picture- hopefully our efforts did some good .

I'd like to thank all of you for all the good you've done for others these past few weeks- with the Giving Tree, and the Food Pantry, and the Shoeboxes going to ACE teens, and the Wreath Sale for IHN. Your contributions may not feel grand, like the little blue hat left on a city park bench; but believe me , it does add up . Thank you for adding your warmth to this holiday season.

Let the warmth continue by joining us this Sunday , Dec 18th at 4pm for our beautiful holiday Vespers Service "The Light of Life" .

With Peace,

Robin

Holiday Vespers Tea Sign-up!

Our Annual Holiday Vespers Tea will be held on Sunday, December 18th following the 4 PM Vespers Service.

We need folks to sign up to be part of the Set Up Team, Serving Team and Clean Up Team. We welcome the assistance of all ages! Please take a moment to sign up HERE. Instructions and guidelines for these teams will be communicated prior to December 20th. Please help us make this year's Vespers Tea the best ever!

Holiday Vespers Tea December 18

Plan on enjoying the annual Vespers Tea immediately after the beautiful Vespers service. We will celebrate the holiday season the way our congregation has done it for years. Come into Fellowship Hall still singing "Silent Night" and join us in fellowship and wonderful food, drink, and conversation.

Please bring either a savory (if your last name starts with A - H) or sweet dish (I - Z) to share. Finger food is best! Drop it off in Fellowship Hall before the service. Write a list of the ingredients on a file card and place it with your dish to provide information for people with allergies.

Please see the announcement above about Vespers Tea Teams! We will be setting up an hour prior to the start of service. Can you come early and set up tables and/or help with plating? Are you available to help set out food after the service? Who wants to serve tea water, coffee, or festival punch? Lastly, we need all to help clean up so no one has to stay late. Thank you for your time and consideration in helping us make this "The Best Vespers Ever!"

Rev, Aaron Payson

As the Holiday Season approaches, we are mindful that we have a history of offering a variety of ways to give and to gift here at UUCW. In an effort to invite participation in these efforts, without overwhelming each other, we are offering this list to you in hopes that you will participate in any of the ways that feel best to you and assist you in celebrating the holidays in ways that are most meaningful. This list will grow over the next two weeks so watch for your favorite ways to give and gift!

Special Collection at Holiday Services

During the special holiday services December 18 through January 1, members and friends of the congregation are invited to participate in our special offering project in support of the Minister's Discretionary, Emergency Fund. This fund serves families both within our congregation and the community at large by providing needed resources such as heating oil, gas, clothing, medicine, partial rent, school supplies, etc. for those in need. During 2016 over $1800.00 was distributed from this fund. Please consider your contribution to this important ministry. Envelopes will be handed out with Orders of Service and extras will be available in the foyer. Thank you in advance for your generosity and compassion.

A big thank you to all volunteers, attendees, and raffle basket donors for the successful and fun Craft Fair and World Market fundraiser on December 3rd. Also, much gratitude to several generous Worcester businesses that made donations to our fundraiser. Please visit these venues and show your support for local business: The Bean Counter Bakery, Nu Cafe, Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace, and Crown Bakery.

Purchase Tickets Now! CLICK HERE.
Tickets will also be available for purchase on Sunday during Coffee Hour.

Rev. Aaron Payson

Reminders about Fundraising!

Book & Clothing Donation Bins

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!

Amazon Smile Holiday Shopping Reminder

Just a reminder as you begin your holiday shopping - if you shop on Amazon there is an opportunity to earn money for the church. Just go to Amazon Smile and select the church as a place where Amazon will provide a contribution based on what you buy. We get a percentage of your total purchase. Even if you are using Amazon Prime it will still kick in but you have to go to Amazon Smile at the outset. Thanks - every little bit helps!

Denise Darrigrand

Contact Information

Phone:	508-853-1942	Email:	office@uucworcester.org
Fax:	508-853-2065	Website:	www.uucworcester.org
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