The UUCW Message
January 24, 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.

 
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
Joys & Sorrows  JoysSorrows
 
We are saddened to hear that Irene Courchesne Marois, 71,  died on January 23, 2017 at the Loomis House, in Holyoke, Massachusetts after a very long struggle with Alzheimer's.  She is the sister of Pauline Courchesne. Note of sympathy can be sent to Pauline at minou8@charter.net.

    
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 24 - 30TchstnQuotes


  
January 24: "Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others." ~ Aristotle
 
January 25: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." ~ Reinhold Niebuhr
 
January 26: "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
January 27: "There are all kinds of courage. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." ~ J. K. Rowling
 
January 28: "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." ~ Mary Anne Radmacher
 
January 29: "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." ~ Harper Lee
 
January 30: "Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow." ~ Alice M. Swaim
       
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
Cristina Heffernan steps out from behind the pulpit to show the congregation the banner she wore during the Boston Women's March for America the previous day.  She was speaking during the Welcome portion of the service on Sunday, January 22, 2017.

Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Exploration, stands with first graders in the Wonderful Welcome class to talk about how the children would like to buy a second goat for Heifer International.

From left, Betty Jenewin, Beth Posner-Waldron, Claire Breyton and Marilyn Martin pose on the steps of the Arlington Street UU Church along the route of the Boston Women's March for America on Saturday, January 21, 2017.

 Alanna Keyo, Lee Hill and Annie Colby-McKeon pose at the Boston Women's March for America on Saturday, January 21, 2017.

 Many church members marched at the Boston Women's March for America on Saturday, January 21, 2017.
 
Religious Exploration and Education at UUCW
RE News for January 29, 2017 RENews 

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

BOOK DISCUSSION   11:30-12:30 This Sunday Jan 29th!!
In LOUNGE! For All Ages!
 
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 29, 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 29 Wonderful Welcome Class Robin Mitzcavitch 
February 5 Hospitality Team and Soup w/Kristen Payson Moira Rouse 
February 12 Monday Meditation Group Ruth Silver 

 
   SermonArchive
 
Ongoing Meetings Ongoing

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 February 6. 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.



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