The UUCW Message
January 17, 2017
In This Issue





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
FForwardJoin us for a Faith Forward "Inquirer's Series"
Jan 22 - Mar 12, 11:45 am in the Lounge
 
We are excited to offer a new series for those interested in learning more about our congregation and the Unitarian Universalist movement.  This series, produced by the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, will give participants an opportunity to explore many facets of our church and traditions with presentations by congregational leadership, staff and ministers.  Though registration isn't required, it is helpful for our planning purposes.  If you are interested in attending any of the sessions below, please
CLICK HERE.  Subsequent sessions do not require previous attendance.

Jan 22 - Q & A with our Ministers
Jan 29 - Unitarian Universalist History, Principles & Sources
Feb 5   - Church Tour & Orientation
Feb 12 - Worship & Liturgical Year
Feb 19 - Faith Development for Children & Adults
Feb 26 - Social Action & Community Service
Mar 5   - Pastoral Care & Small Groups
Mar 12 - Membership 101 & Congregational Life

For more information please contact Denise Darrigrand or Rev. Aaron Payson.

 
Social Justice Event on Women's March - January 22, noon - 1:30,
Meeting Room 3
  WomensMarchMtg
 
SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENT!   In SOLIDARITY with the WOMEN'S MARCH on WASHINGTON on January 21, women and men of this church are invited to a group discussion on Sunday January 22nd at 11:45 (classroom 3) to protest the anti-woman agenda of the new administration.  We will update ourselves on the upcoming events which affect women and other vulnerable populations, will plan some resistance tactics and will work to minimize the adverse effects of the plans of the new president.  Please join us on Sunday Jan 22 at church at 11:45!
DON'T AGONIZE, ORGANIZE!!

Gathering of the Righteous Women of the UUCW - January 28, 3 - 6 pm, Offsite Event  WomensGrp
 
Maya Desai and Debbie Merrill are hosting a get together for the women of the congregation on Saturday, January 28th from 3:00-6:00 at 91 Wheelock Rd. in Sutton. It is only 20 minutes from the church (click address for Google Map directions). There is no agenda for this. It is an opportunity to get to know other women in the church and share drinks and appetizers. All women are welcome. We will postpone if there is a snow storm. You can email Debbie for directions at dmerrill@clarku.edu
   
Touchstone Small Group 1st Gathering of 2017 - February 7, 7 pm in the Lounge  TouchstonesSGM
 
Interested in an opportunity for personal sharing, support, and spiritual growth?  Join us for the first session of the Touchstone Small Group(s) on Tuesday, Feburary 7 @ 7 pm in the UUCW lounge. The theme for this session is "Respect".  If you are interested participating in this group, even if you can't make Feb 7, please CLICK HERE.  For more information, please contact Mimi Allen or Laura Secor.
   
Cool Beans Coffee House Returns!
Friday, February 10, 7 - 9:30 pm
  CoolBeans
 
Looking for a warm spot to get in from the cold? Do you like a nice cup of java or tea while listening to a poem or a piece of music? How about an evening with friends of the UUCW to help support the Interfaith Hospitality Network? We have the evening for you:
  • Calling all talented performers: Dianne Mann will be serving as our "talent scout" once again. If you need an accompanist, our Director of Music, Matt Johnsen will be glad to accompany you. Generally we ask people to prepare a five minute spot. You may note that some of our particular favorites are asked to perform a little more. If you are interested in performing, contact Dianne Mann at djmann@charter.net as soon as possible. She'll be recruiting acts in Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour soon. Last year's group of talented performers included poets and magicians, guitarists and pianists, fiddlers and frolicks!  America's Got Talent has nothing on us. You be the judge!
  • Tickets: You can get tickets for the low price of $7.00 each with a family max of $20.00 if you purchase prior to Feb.6th. Tickets at the door will be $10.00 each with a family max of $30.00. Coffee and tea are free and the youth group baristas will have those available along with goodies for sale.
  • ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE COFFEE HOUSE GO TO BENEFIT THE INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK. This is the family shelter the Church supports both financially and, perhaps more importantly, with volunteers who help staff the shelter several weeks during the year during evening and nights. We are currently looking for volunteers for the week of Jan. 22nd to Jan. 28th.
Robin, Sue and Dianne are looking forward to a great evening. We hope you can make it. Please contact Robin Mitzcavitz with any additional questions.    
 Save The Date! Women's Weekend is Coming!  WomensWeekend
 
The 2017 Women's Runaway Weekend at Rockport's Linden Tree Inn has been booked:
 
April 28, 29, & 30
 
Watch UUCW's Message for sign up information, in the coming weeks.  

Current News at UUCW
News from Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry  LFFP

From time to time we receive notes and words of thanks for the services we provide.  I just want to pass along this note of thanks we received last week:
 
"Food Bank:"  My family would like to thank you for the service your Church has done for me.  You are very kind and loving & caring to help familys in need.  May God is Love. "  -- Signed by a Food Pantry Client
 
Thank you for all you do to help those we see each month.    If you have questions about the Pantry contact:  (508) 853-1942 ext. 9 for the Food Pantry or Dianne Mann at djmann@charter.net 
    
News from the Interfaith Hospitality Network  IHN
 
The UUCW's next hosting week is January 22 - 28, 2017.   We are asking for support in the way of dinner and overnight hosts.  UUCW has also committed to providing $300 for the week's groceries.  
 
We ask hosts to arrive at 91 June Street by 5:45 to sit down to dinner made by the families.  This is a time to converse, play with the children, and just be available for support.  We ask the overnight hosts to arrive at 8:00 to take over for the dinner hosts.  Overnight hosts converse with the family, play with the children, and just be available for support and are provided a cot in a private room to sleep on.  If you haven't had the opportunity to volunteer in this capacity, I encourage you to.  Look for the sign up chart in Fellowship Hall.  In addition, you may also make a grocery contribution with cash, check or Simple Give
 
We have also received word that the two previous weeks are not supported by any congregation and are looking for help.
 
Thank you for your support!
    
Winter Heating Protocol  HeatArticle
 
As we move toward the coldest part of the Winter, please note that the church heating system is governed by scheduled space usage.  The church is heated in zones, which are preset each week depending on the usage schedule.  When a zone is scheduled to be unoccupied the temperature will be a maximum of 55 degrees, when heated it is set to 68 degrees.  Please make certain to submit requests for building usage at least a week in advance and check the main schedule in the front hallway near Fellowship Hall to determine which space has been scheduled.  If you have any problems with the heating system, please call 508-853-1942 x 108 immediately.
    
Touchstone Monthly Theme
January Theme - Courage
January 17 - 23TchstnQuotes


  
January 17: "Something happens to me when I witness someone's courage. They may not know I'm watching and I might not let them know. But something happens to me that will last me for a lifetime. To fill me when I'm empty, and rock me when I'm low." ~ Holly Near
 
January 18: "But a man or woman becomes fully human only by his or her choices and his or her commitment to them. People attain worth and dignity by the multitude of decisions they make from day by day. These decisions require courage." ~ Rollo May
 
January 19: "It takes courage to push yourself to places that you have never been before... to test your limits... to break through barriers. And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anaïs Nin
 
January 20: "The highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity. Choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over popularity...these are the choices that measure your life. Travel the path of integrity without looking back, for there is never a wrong time to do the right thing." ~ Source Unknown
 
January 21: "Go to the edge of the cliff and jump off. Build your wings on the way down." ~ Ray Bradbury
 
January 22: "...part of us dies when we know that something is wrong, yet do nothing. We could call this radical dignity. We don't have to tackle every issue, but if we remain silent in the face of cruelty, injustice, and oppression, we sacrifice part of our soul." ~ Paul Rogat Loeb
 
January 23: "Love makes us human, courage makes us extraordinary." ~ Faryal Khan Kharal
      
Fundraising News
Reminders about Fundraising! Fundraising 

Amazon Smile Shopping Reminder
Just a reminder - 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!  
 
Photos of the Week WeeklyPhoto
Guest musician Joe Jencks joins the church choir to sing "I'm Gonna Walk With You" during the service on Sunday, January 15, 2017.  Beth Heller is at right.

Church member June Davenport told the congregation during the Joys and Sorrows portion of the service on Sunday, January 15, 2017 that she will be wearing this "pussy hat" knit by her daughter when she participates in the Women's March on Washington next Saturday.  The "Pussy Hat Project" was launched on Thanksgiving, and has people knitting bright pink, cat-eared "pussy power hats."  The hats are intended to make a strong visual statement on the day of the march and are a symbolic rebuke of Trump's infamous "grab them by the pussy" comment.

 The Rev. Aaron Payson has his arms full of donation baskets as he gathers them following the Children's Collection during the service on Sunday, January 15, 2017.
 
Religious Exploration and Education at UUCW
RE News for January 22, 2017 RENews 

 
One Church, One Book All Church Read 2016/2017OneBook 

Get Ready - January 29th is our special One Church- One Read Coffee Hour and Book Discussion - lead by Betty Jenewin in the lounge - directly following the service. This is a book discussion encouraged for ALL AGES! So come in, grab a snack and settle in to just listen or share your feelings about the graphic novel, "El Deafo".

If you haven't read it yet---there is still time! It's a quick and fun read! The themes in this book speak to children and adults alike. Experience Cece's life: a young girl who loses her hearing and grapples with experiences that we have all felt or may feel at one point or another during our own lifetime. This is an honest book, with straight and informative talk about accessibility issues, friendship, acceptance, advocating for yourself, and how being authentic and practicing humor can help with all of these life experiences.

Our popular multigenerational service will be held on Feb 5th- highlighting thoughts and readings and themes from this lovely book. We would love for YOU to take part in it!

Here's to happy reading and realizing your own SUPERPOWERS!

 
Robin Mitzcavitch, Betty Jenewin and the REC
 
Sunday News 
Weekly Worship WeeklyWrsp
Sunday, January 22, 2017 - 10 am Worship Service

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
January 22 COA Class Robin Mitzcavitch 
January 29 Wonderful Welcome Class Robin Mitzcavitch 
February 5 Hospitality Team and Soup w/Kristen Payson Moira Rouse 

 
   SermonArchive
 
Ongoing Meetings Ongoing

Men's Group Meeting - January 20, 7 - 9 pm, Fellowship Hall

The Next Men's Group Meeting will not be on 01/13/17 but will be Held on 01/20/17 instead (so that our meeting will not conflict with the Brother Sun Concert) 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 the Lounge on Friday, 01/20/17 at 7 pm. All who consider ...continue reading

 

Hooks and Needles Group - 2nd & 4th Monday, noon - 2 pm, Meeting Room 3 

This group will be meeting on the second and fourth Monday of each month from noon - 2 pm in Meeting Room 3.  Bring your projects - knitting, crochet, cross stitch, quilting, to work on. Want to learn a needlecraft?  We will be happy to teach you. Next meeting on January 23. Please join us!

 

Join us Wednesday, February 1, 2017 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. All are welcome to enjoy conversation with Aaron and friends.  We often bring up a topic of interest.  The Reader's Unite Afternoon book group meets following lunch.



Community News 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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