The UUCW Message
February 28, 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
PastaDinnerMar10Community Pasta Dinner - March 10, 6 pm     

Join in the Community Feast!!!  We will be serving up all-you-can-eat pasta with four kinds of sauce:  marinara, meat, alfredo and a vegan special on Friday evening, March 10th.  Side dishes include:  salad, garlic bread, and generous servings of dessert!  YUM!  The cost for tickets is:  $20.00 per person, $5.00 per child under 10 years old, with a $50.00 family maximum.  Tickets will be sold on Sunday at Coffee Hour after service and through Simple Give by CLICKING HERE. Wine will be available for an additional cost per glass or bottle.  There will also be raffle baskets and a 50/50.  We know you need to eat that evening.  Why not do it with friends at the UUCW?  Contact Dianne Mann, djmann@charter.net with any questions.
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. 
 
Mar 5   - Pastoral Care & Small Groups
Mar 12 - Membership 101 & Congregational Life

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

 
LGBTQILGBTQI Affirming & Welcoming Congregations Summit
Sunday, March 12 - 2 pm & Thursday, March 16, 7 pm
UUCW Fellowship Hall
 
UUCW is sponsoring a summit of local congregations who are LGBTQI welcoming/affirming to discuss current ministries, and to begin to discuss ways of cooperating in the future.  Two meetings have been scheduled in order to encourage participation by the greatest number of people; Sunday, March 12 @ 2 pm & Thursday, March 16 @ 7 pm.  Questions to begin the conversation include: 
  1. What is your communities mission/story related to ministry with the LGBTQI community;
  2. What is the state of current efforts in your congregation regarding LGBTQI ministry; and,
  3. What are the unmet needs/future issues that we face in this work?
 
This is a first attempt to bring congregations from across various faith-traditions together to talk about ministry with and to the LGBTQI community.  Please contact Denise Darrigrand or Rev. Aaron Payson if you'd like to join us for either of these meetings.
Plug-in Electric Car Event - April 1, noon - 3 pm  ElecCar
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!

Women's Weekend is Coming!
April 28 - May 1  WomensWeekend
 
Hello UUCW Runaway Women,
 
We've just confirmed with Inkeeper Tobey that the prices for this years Runaway Weekend at the Linden Tree Inn in Rockport are the same as last year:
 
$ 158 Quad (2nd floor, private entrance, 2 bedrooms with 2 beds each, one shared bath)
$ 174 Double
$ 204 Single
 
These rates include:  
~ Friday afternoon 4/28/2017 to Monday morning 5/1/2017
~Breakfast and Dinner on Saturday, 
~Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday,
~Breakfast on Monday .
 
Please send checks and specific information* to Ruth Silver at:
71 Angell Brook Drive
West Boylston, MA 01583 
 
*1) food allergies/preferences
*2) accommodation/roommate requests (not required)
 
This is a special annual weekend for UUCW women to pamper ourselves, enjoy each other's company, and be surrounded by natural beauty just a stone's throw from the ocean at Cape Ann.
 
Please email Claire for more information, we especially welcome first timers!

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
February Theme - Respect
March Theme - Balance
February 28 - March 6TchstnQuotes


  
February 28: "You should never be surprised when someone treats you with respect, you should expect it." ~
Sarah Dessen

March 1: "The aim is to balance the terror of being alive with the wonder of being alive." ~ Carlos Castaneda
 
March 2: "Somehow, we'll find it. The balance between whom we wish to be and whom we need to be. But for now, we simply have to be satisfied with who we are." ~ Brandon Sanderson
 
March 3: "Live a balanced life-learn some and think some and draw some and paint some and sing and dance and play and work every day some." ~ Robert Fulghum
 
March 4: "How odd to be made of flesh, balanced on bone, and filled with a soul you've never met." ~ Tarryn Fisher
 
March 5: "You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left." ~ Dr. Seuss
 
March 6: "The final mystery is oneself. When one has weighed the sun in the balance, and measured the steps of the moon, and mapped out the seven heavens star by star, there still remains oneself. Who can calculate the orbit of his own soul?" ~ Oscar Wilde
 
             
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

Rachel Wagner sings Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Pie Jesu"
during the annual Music Sunday Celebration on February 26, 2017.

Religious Exploration and Education at UUCW
RE News for March 5, 2017 RENews 

 
Robin Mitzcavitch , Director of Religious Exploration
 
Sunday News 
Weekly Worship WeeklyWrsp
Sunday, March 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
March 5 HosT & Soup with Kristen Payson Ruth Silver 
March 12 Meditation Group  Ruth Silver  
March 19 Youth Group Robin Mitzcavitch 
 
  
Fellowship Hour with Soup!
This Sunday, March 5, 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

Lunch With The Minister - Wednesday, March 1 at Noon - Lounge
Join us Wednesday, March 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.

Discussion on Mar 1: The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant. Anita Diamant's "vivid, affectionate portrait of American womanhood" (Los Angeles Times), follows the life of one woman, Addie Baum, through a period of dramatic change. Addie is The Boston Girl, the spirited daughter of an immigrant Jewish family, born in 1900 to parents who were unprepared for America and its effect on their three daughters. Growing up in the North ...continue reading

 

The SSL Task Force will meet following service on Sunday in Classroom 2.  Please join us to discuss ongoing efforts to respond to the peace and justice challenges we currently face in our community, country and world.

 

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 March 13. Please join us!

 

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. All who consider themselves male are welcome. Starting March 24, 2017, the Men's Group meets on the fourth Friday of the month in Meeting Room 1 (Please check church calendar for exceptions).  

Community News

Katherine A. Henry '86 Memorial Health Lecture Series, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies Program College of the Holy Cross
"All the Fright We Cannot See: Recognizing and Responding to Trauma in Children and Health"
Lecturer: Heather C. Forkey, M.D.
Location: Rehm Library, Holy Cross College
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Time: 4:00 PM

Expanding evidence links the early experience of trauma with subsequent impacts on health, development, academic achievement, and mental illness.  Thankfully, childhood experience is not destiny, yet research indicates that trauma should be identified and addressed early for best outcomes.   This can pose a challenge, as children are not just "little adults".  Even engaged and careful observers may miss the symptoms in children, which can mimic other common physical and mental health issues.  How we can harness new research to support children and youth to prevent and/or recognize the effect of trauma will be explored.  This will include implications for those who care for children - from caregivers and clinicians to administrators and advocates.  We will also talk about how this work can impact those who take it on: the risks of secondary trauma and the joys of impacting futures.
 
Heather Forkey, MD is the Chief of the Child Protection Program and Director for the Foster Children Evaluation Service at the UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine. A pioneer in the specialized medical care for children in foster care, she has been a member of the UMass faculty since 2004, and has cared for children in Worcester exposed to abuse and neglect for more than a decade. A vocal advocate on both the local and national level for the appropriate care of children who have been exposed to adversity, Dr. Forkey has been instrumental in changing the medical culture and practice of care for children who have experienced trauma.

 
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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