The UUCW Message
January 31, 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
RallySolidarity Rally: Support Worcester Refugees and Immigrants - Tonight at 6 pm, Worcester City Hall and Common  

Showing Up For Racial Justice Worcester (SUFRJWorcester) is organizing a rally at the City Hall.  The rally is to "urge everyone to come out and support our immigrant and refugee community and tell Worcester City Councilors to reject Councilor Gaffney's anti-refugee, anti-immigrant City Council proposal."

More information can be found at the event's facebook page.

If you would like to join the members of UUCW at the Rally look for our Welcome Banner and the Standing on the Side of Love banner. If you are looking for us and can't find us text my phone 508-250-8763.

Cristina Heffernan
GameNightJoin us this Friday, February 3 for Game Night! 
Click the image to register!
Click here to download this flyer
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. 
 
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.

 
cartoon-football.jpg Annual UUCW Super Bowl Party - February 5, 6 pm in the Lounge  SuperBowl
 
The New England Patriots are taking on the Atlanta Falcons in what promises to be a great Super Bowl!  Kim and Dianne Mann are hosting a Super Bowl Party this Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Church Lounge.  Bring a snack for folks to enjoy as they watch the action.  It's more fun to watch together than alone!!!  Any questions, contact:  Dianne Mann at djmann@charter.net. 
   
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
 
The acts are lining up. Be prepared for a show that includes The Hip Swayers, spoken word, piano solos and much more.
 
Tickets go on sale starting Sunday, January 29th during Coffee Hour. You can get tickets (click the link) 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 night shifts.
 
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.  
  Annual All-Church Photo - April 9  AllChurchPhoto
 
Our annual all-church photo will be taken on Sunday, April 9 2017, immediately after church.  We'd love it if you'd be there!

 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
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
February Theme - Respect
January 31 - February 6TchstnQuotes


  
January 31: "Sometimes even to live is an act of courage." ~ Seneca 
 
February 1: "How would your life be different if you stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter? Let today be the day you look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey." ~ Steve Maraboli
 
February 2: "Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely." ~ Roy Bennett
 
February 3: "Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners." ~ Laurence Sterne
 
February 4: "I don't have to agree with you to like you or respect you." ~ Anthony Bourdain
 
February 5: "Once we give up searching for approval we often find it easier to earn respect." ~ Gloria Steinem
 
February 6: "You can't help respecting anybody who can spell TUESDAY, even if he doesn't spell it right; but spelling isn't everything. There are days when spelling Tuesday simply doesn't count." ~ A.A. Milne
        
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
The Rev. Aaron Payson preaches the sermon "Of Orders, Resistance and Courage" on Sunday, January 29, 2017.  In response to President Trump's Executive Order banning travel to the United States from seven predominantly Muslim countries, Rev. Payson said his heart had been "stirred, broken and angered."  He quoted from British-Somali poet Warsun Shire's poem Home - "you only leave home when home won't let you stay....no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land...."

The choir sings "Songs of Spirit," the Choral Introit, on Sunday, January 29, 2017.
Religious Exploration and Education at UUCW
RE News for February 5, 2017 RENews 

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

PLEASE JOIN US SUNDAY FEB 5th 10am  for our special service :
"HEARING EACH OTHER
What's YOUR Superpower?"

 
Thanks to Betty Jenewin for facilitating our book discussion this past Sunday and for all who attended and participated in the wonderful discussion!!
 
Join is this Sunday , Feb 5th-  10am for our popular multi-generation service.
 
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. We would love for YOU to take part in the service!!!
 
Here's to happy reading and realizing your own SUPERPOWERS!

Robin Mitzcavitch, Betty Jenewin and the REC
 
Sunday News 
Weekly Worship WeeklyWrsp
Sunday, February 5, 2017 - 10 am

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
February 5 Hospitality Team and Soup w/Kristen Payson Moira Rouse 
February 12 Monday Meditation Group Ruth Silver 
February 19 Loaves & Fishes
Food Pantry 
Nancy Hancock 

Fellowship Hour with Soup!
This Sunday, November 6, soup returns to coffee hour. Join us in Fellowship Hall after service for soup and social time. Soup offerings are at the whim of the soup creators, but definitely will include at least one vegetarian and one non-vegetarian offering. Cost is $4 for soup. For more information, contact Kristen Payson.
 
   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

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