The UUCW Message
March 7, 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
A Message from Iron Blimp!  Stewardship
 
To all our fans!! Remember to return your pledge form by March 19! For more information on this year's pledge drive or to use an online pledge form go to www.uucworcester.org/donate.

ROCK ON!!

"Iron Blimp" accepts accolades during service on Stewardship Sunday, March 5, 2017.  The band consisted of the Rev. Aaron Payson and members of the Stewardship Committee John Odell, Cristina Heffernan,
and Dave Schowalter.
 
 
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.
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.
ShintaidoShintaido class Saturday March 18, 1:30 to 2:30 - Fellowship Hall
 
Come and enjoy an hour of mindful movement designed to help bring the body , mind and spirit into harmony. Wear loose comfortable clothing. Hope to see you there.
Any questions call Joe Zawielski 508 798 8638.
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
 
~ Women of the UUCW ~
Now is the time to sign up for our annual weekend away at the  
Linden Tree Inn in Rockport, MA !
 
2017 Rates:
$ 158 Quad - 2nd floor, private entrance, 2 bedrooms with 2 beds each, one shared bath)
$ 174 Double - Main House or Carriage House
$ 204 Single - Main House
 
These rates include:  
~ Friday afternoon 4/28/2017 to Monday morning 5/1/2017, or any part thereof.
~Breakfast and Dinner on Saturday,
~Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday,
~Breakfast on Monday .
 
Please make checks out to the Linden Tree Inn,
and send, with 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 and enjoy each other's company in beautiful accommodations right in the heart of Rockport on Cape Ann.
 
Please email Claire for more information.
First timers are urged and encouraged to join us!
 
Current News at UUCW
Parish Services is Looking for New Blood! 
psc
 
Parish Services is a group within the church that meets once a month to discuss people in need in our church community.  We then arrange with volunteers to do things such as cook meals, give rides, write sympathy cards, etc.  It's a great group of people but we have recently lost some key members and are looking for a few more people to join us.  We would love to have you!  If you are interested please contact either Susan Crossley (scrossley930@gmail.com) or Denise Darrigrand (ddarrigrand@gmail.com).  Thanks!
    
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
 
March Theme - Balance
March 7 - 13TchstnQuotes


  
March 7: "Life is a balance of holding on and letting go." ~ Keith Urban
 
March 8: "A man without contradictions to balance him will soon veer off." ~ Mark Lawrence
 
March 9: "This is a difficult balance, telling the truth: how much to share, how much to keep, which truths will wound but not ruin, which will cut too deep to heal." ~ Ally Condie
 
March 10: "...You'll have to balance your goals and hopes with feeding yourself, paying debts, finding work, settling for what you can get." ~ Neil Gaiman
 
March 11: "Countless words / count less / than the silent balance / between yin and yang." ~ Lao Tzu
 
March 12: "The richest and fullest lives attempt to achieve an inner balance between three realms: work, love, and play." ~ Erik Erikson
 
March 13: "A bad day for your ego is a great day for your soul." ~ Jillian Michaels
                
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
Dave Schowalter performs as lead singer of the group "Iron Blimp" during service on Stewardship Sunday, March 5, 2017.  The group, a Led Zeppelin knock-off, performed the song "Climbing the Stairway to Seven," inspired by Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven."


Cristina Heffernan performs as drummer of the group "Iron Blimp" during service on Stewardship Sunday, March 5, 2017.

 The Rev. Aaron Payson and John Odell trade guitar licks as members of the group "Iron Blimp" during service on Stewardship Sunday, March 5, 2017.  
  
Religious Exploration and Education at UUCW
RE News for March 12, 2017 RENews 

 
Robin Mitzcavitch , Director of Religious Exploration
 
Sunday News 
Weekly Worship WeeklyWrsp
Sunday, March 12, 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 12 Meditation Group  Ruth Silver  
March 19 Youth Group Robin Mitzcavitch 
March 26 Parish Service Committee Ruth Silver 
 
   SermonArchive
 
Ongoing Meetings Ongoing

 

Join us Wednesday, April 5, 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. 

 

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 UUCW Men's Group meets on the fourth Friday of the month in Classroom 1 (Across from Aaron's Office) from  7pm to 9pm. All who consider themselves male are welcome. The Men's Group is a community of men that help and support each other. The meetings are confidential and are an opportunity for men to share their thoughts and opinions in a respectful conversation. No food will be served, but ...continue reading

   

Community News

Greater Worcester Humanists - March 14, 6:30 pm - Linda Miller, Co-Chair, GWH Steering Committee
Greater Worcester Humanists will meet on Tuesday evening, March 14th, in Fellowship Hall of the church.  Social Time at 6:30 and Talk at 7:00.  Our dues are $40 yearly and donations are welcome in our Donation Box at the Welcome Table. All are welcome.
 
Next Tuesday, our speaker will be Mandisa Thomas.  Mandisa is a founder and president of BLACK NONBELIEVERS, INC.  Although never formally indocrinated into belief, Mandisa was heavily exposed to Christianity, Black Nationalism, and Islam.  As a child, she loved reading, and enjoyed various tales of Gods from different cultures including Greek and Ghanaian.  "Through reading these stories  and being taught about other cultures at an early age, I quickly noticed that there were similarities  and differences between those deities and the God of the Christian Bible.  I couldn't help but wonder what made this God so special that he warrant such prevalence in today's society," she recalls.
 
Mandisa has a number of medial appearances to her credit, including CBS Sunday Morning, CNN.com and Jet Magazine.  She has been a guest on podcasts such as The Humanist Hour  and Ask An Atheist , as well as the documentaries Contradiction and My Week in Atheism .  Mandisa currently serves on the boards for American Atheist and Reason Rally Coalition, and previously for Foundation Beyond Belief. and the Secular Coalition for America.  She also is an active speaker, and has presented at conferences/conventions for Freedom From Religion Foundation, Secular Student Alliance, and many others.
 
As the president of Black Nonbelievers, Inc., Mandisa works to encourage more Blacks to come out and stand strong with their nonbelief in the face of such strong religious overtones.  "The more we make our presence known, the better our chances of working together to turn around some of the disparities we face.  We are NOT alone."

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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