WEEKLY CONNECTOR

 www.fpsudbury.org                                                                                                                          February 5, 2015  


WORSHIP
SUNDAY, February 8, 2015

"The Theology of Love"

"Love is the truest wisdom", wrote Charles Dickens but why, one might wonder, do we in a spiritual/religious community put such importance on the premise of love? Is love one of the most important experiences that we can share with another being? Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty will share the evolution, teachings and her thoughts about love and why it may be the most important lesson that we can learn in this life.  Bring your thoughts, beliefs and experiences about love to share in worship.

Religious Exploration for children and teens takes place concurrently with the adult worship service. Children and teens begin in the worship service, and then go off to their own fun and interesting program of religious exploration.

  

Sunday Worship begins at 10:00 AM and will be followed by a fellowship hour in the parish hall. Religious education and Childcare are available. First Parish of Sudbury is a Unitarian Universalist welcoming congregation, encouraging and celebrating the participation of all people regardless of theological belief, sexual orientation, or gender identity. If you are a seeker of scientific, technological, or spiritual meaning in life you will be warmly welcomed.

 

The First Parish of Sudbury Meeting House is located at 327 Concord Road, across from Town Hall. For more information about upcoming events, visit fpsudbury.org or call 978-443-2043.


SEEKER'S POTLUCK
(All ages welcome)
Join Rev. Marjorie the 1st Saturday of each month in the Commons at the Meeting House at First Parish.  Come and enjoy good music, thoughtful discussion, and fellowship.

February 7 - Connection: What does it mean to connect with another? What type of connections do we develop and maintain in different communities, what are the emotional and physical ramifications of connecting with others? For example it is thought that participating in six hugs a day can improve your overall health. Our worship theme for February is "Connect" and this Saturday Seekers Potluck will focus on the ideals, commitments and importance of creating and maintaining deep connections with ourselves and others. Each Seekers Session will start with sharing a meal, please bring food to share, readings, music and a multi-media presentation.

March 7 - Stewardship: We pledge to support our community and yet there is a deeper level of participation when we engage in stewardship. Are we good stewards of our lives, our planet and the communities that we participate in? What does it take to be a good steward and what are the individual rewards and benefits? Do the benefits outweigh the commitment? Our worship theme for March is "Stewardship" and this Saturday Seekers Potluck will focus on the concept of stewardship and the "feel good" afterglow of being a good steward. Each Seekers Session will start with the sharing of a meal, please ring food to share, readings, music and a multi-media presentation.

April 4 - Work For Justice: Can we be good citizens of our community and our world if we are not concerned for our neighbor? Who is our neighbor and how far should our reach expand? Our worship theme for April is "Work For Justice" and this Saturday Seekers Potluck will focus on the importance of being justice-seeking-people whether it is economic equality, healthcare reform or feeding and clothing those in need. What is our responsibility? Is it part of the Kantian morale to participate in working for justice in our world? Each Seekers Session will start with sharing of a meal, please bring food to share, readings, music and a multi-media presentation.

May 2 - Blessing: How do we feel that our lives are blessed? This Seekers Potluck will focus on the types of blessings that we can find in our lives and how they add or concern us. Our worship theme for May is "Blessing" and this Saturday Seekers Potluck will begin and end with a discussion of the blessings in our lives in between these bookend discussions will will share readings and a multi-media presentation. Each Seekers Session will start with the sharing of a meal so please bring food to share.

June 6 - Celebration: This dinner will be a picnic out on the First Parish lawn, weather permitting, with an invitation to bring musical instruments, lawn games and a festive attitude so that we can share in the fun and enjoyment of community.
Journey of Discovery

Journey of Discovery   Rev. Marjorie will be leading a series of five discussions beginning on February 15, at 2:00 pm, in the Brackett Room at First Parish Sudbury, that will include teachings, life experiences, thoughts, and insights on a particular topic. Several members of First Parish have been invited to share their thoughts about the topic and their practices. The topics might be considered challenging but will provide an opportunity to share your own thoughts and questions. We think this process will create an atmosphere of sharing. 

 

February 15  - "Is God Really Dead." In 1882 German Philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche proclaimed that God is dead. What did he mean and do we need God to maintain a value system that honors our neighbors and builds upon the premise of the Golden Rule? (Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and Jan Hardenbergh to share thoughts and ideas about this topic). We hope to see you there.

 

March 15 - Why Soul? It is said "that it takes a lifetime to grow a soul" but what are concepts such as spirit and soul and how do they pertain to a secular or spiritual life and maybe even a bigger question for us to contemplate might be why do we even need spirit and soul?  (Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and Aline Kaplan to share some thoughts and ideas about this topic)

March 29
 - Holy Week - A Guide to Contemporary Life: Is transformation through life altering experiences such as loss, disease, the birth of a child or a new relationship possible? The week between Palm Sunday and Easter is a time that is set aside to go deep into the teaching of the New Testament of pain, suffering and resurrection is there another understanding of this week of transformation that can bring us deeper individual understanding in this contemporary world? (Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and Fran Sharp to share thoughts and ideas about this topic). 

April 26
 - Civility As A Spiritual Practice: What does it mean to be engaged in Civil discourse and could this be considered a spiritual practice built upon the premise of the Golden Rule?  (Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty, Liz Rust and Gail Hardenbergh to share thoughts and ideas about this topic)

May 31
 - Sowing the Seeds of Transformation: Spring has sprung and we will be taking this session into nature to share readings, walking meditation, and to wonder about the seeds that we would like to sow and to cultivate in our lives.

Please mark your calendars for these dates and plan to join the discussion. 

STEWARDSHIP 
Sustaining and Growing
Commitment to Our Future

As a congregation and as an organization we are solid and healthy. We stand today on the foundation our forbears built for us. As UUs we believe that we have positive values to offer the world, and as a congregation we connect with and support each other.

 

Every year in late winter First Parish of Sudbury's members and friends are asked to make a commitment to First Parish's financial future, so that we can continue to make a difference in our own lives and in the world. Just as we would not have our community without everyone's participation, we need everyone to own their financial commitment to First Parish.

 

This year, the Stewardship Team and the Board of Trustees are focusing on sustaining First Parish's financial future. We want to insure that we can meet our financial obligations now, and we want to plan for financial stability for the future.

To encourage each of us to step up our financial commitment, an anonymous donor has offered to match, dollar-for-dollar, any increase in pledges this year. For more details about this generous pledge match, contact the Stewardship Team.

Susan Stocker, and the Stewardship Team

 

SERVICE AUCTION - May 9, 2015.

 

The Service Auction date has been changed to May 9.  We apologize for any confusion this change may cause and thank all those who reminded us of school vacation! Every year First Parish holds a gala auction in the Parish Hall to raise money for our operating budget.  There will be food, music, a silent auction and a live auction - and always a lot of fun.  Please be sure to attend. Child care will be provided. The Service Auction Committee will be contacting you to see what delightful items you can donate for the auction. Be creative!

 

Service Auction Committee Members:

Gail and Jan Hardenbergh, Liz and Erin Llewellyn, Sherene Aram, and Sherri Cline.

 

People We Care About

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Dr. Philip Cash, a member of First Parish, died on January 31, 2015. He is survived by his  wife of 52 years, Louise (Lulu) Cash, also a member.  Philip's funeral service will be led by Rev. Marjorie on Thursday, February. 5 at 2:00 o'clock PM at St. Patrick's Manor, 863 Central St. FRAMINGHAM.

Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emmanuel College, 400 Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 or St. Patrick's Manor, 863 Central St., Framingham, MA 01701.

For more information and guestbook, please visit www.duckett-waterman.com. Duckett-J.S. Waterman & Sons SUDBURY (978) 443-5777.

PARISH OFFICE

The Parish Office is staffed week days 
 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.   

If you need to contact the office outside of regular office hours, please send an e-mail to
[email protected]
 or leave a voice mail at 978-443-2043. E-mail and voice mail will be checked regularly on week days.  
 
 


UPCOMING ADULT PROGRAMS
AT THE MEETING HOUSE
AT FIRST PARISH
Seekers' Potlucks (All ages welcome) - potluck supper, music, discussion and worshipful presentation made by Rev. Marjorie. 1st Saturdays of the month at the Meeting House at 5:00 pm:  February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2.
(See full article below.)
_____________________________________

Journey of Discovery Group Presentations and Discussions (Rev. Marjorie) Sunday afternoons at the Meeting House at 2:00 pm: February 15, March 15, March 29, May 31.

February 15
 - Is God Really Dead? In 1882 German Philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche proclaimed that God is dead. What did he mean and do we need God to maintain a value system that honors our neighbors and builds upon the premise of the Golden Rule. (Join Rev. Dr. Marjorie Matty and Jan Hardenbergh to share thoughts and ideas about this topic). (See column to the left for more information.)
______________________________________

The Salon: 
The Religious Exploration Salon is a group that meets on 3rd Sundays monthly to discuss various topics in the format called Bohm Dialogue.

    Bohm Dialogue Principles:
        Suspend assumptions, do not judge
        Observe & listen to one another
        Welcome differences & explore them
        Allow taboo subjects to be raised safely
        Listen to your inner voice
        Slow the discussion
        Search for the underlying meaning

The next meeting of The Salon is scheduled for February 22 in the Brackett Room from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The Topic will be denial. On March 15, The Salon will be discussing the ideas presented in the book: "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" by Atul Gawande.
 _______________________________________
Other Weekly Adult Programs
at the Meeting House

Gentle Kripalu Yoga:  Every Tuesday morning from 7:45 to 8:45 am in the Commons.

Quilters:  Every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Commons.

Insight Meditation:  Every Thursday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in the Commons.

If you would like any information about any of the adult programs offered at The Meeting House at First Parish of Sudbury please contact the Parish Office by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 978-443-2043.

February:  

Feb.5: Insight Meditation (1-2:30pm - Commons) 
Feb.5. Choir (7:30 - 9pm - Commons) 
Feb.7: Seekers Potluck "Connect"  (5-8:00pm Commons) 
Feb.8: Hop Brook Dancing (11:45am - 1:00pm - Commons)
Feb.8: Memorial Congregational Church ("MCC") and First Parish Sudbury ("FPS') end hunger event with End Hunger NE/Outreach (12:00 - 2:00 pm - Ames Hall MCC) 
Feb.8: COA Workshop (3:00 - 4:30pm - Commons) 
Feb 8: GMMS (4.45 - 6:45 pm - Parish Hall)
Feb. 9: Finance Committee (7:00 - 9:00pm - Commons) 
Feb.10: Yoga (7:30 - 8:45am - Commons)
Feb.10: Quilters (7:00 - 9:00 pm - Commons) 
Feb.11: Board of Trustees (7:00 - 9:00 pm - Commons)
Feb.11: Sustainable Sudbury (7:30 - 9:30 pm - Library)

Feb.12: Insight Meditation (1:00 - 2:30 pm - Commons)

Feb.12: Choir Rehearsal (7:30 - 9:00 pm - Commons)

Feb.15: Pulpit Swap with MCC - Rev. Tom O'Brien to preach on "Civility" Rev. Marjorie to preach at MCC.
Feb.15: Journey of Discovery  (2-4pm - Brackett Room)

 

To view the full Meeting House Calendar Click here.

New Date for Board of Trustees' Meeting

Due to snow, the February 2nd meeting of the Board of Trustees has been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 11th, at 7:00 PM in the Commons.
Living Our Faith Food Fact 
Eat Local



The Wayland Winter Farmers Market is open through mid-March at Russell's Garden Center.   There are more than 50 local farm and specialty vendors. Local farmers grow root crops during the summer, and these can be stored and sold during the winter months. High tunnels and greenhouses make it possible for farmers to provide greens and herbs year round. Additional farm items include meat (beef, chicken, pork & lamb), cheese, eggs, maple products, honey, yarn and farm fiber goods.
Let's join together to end hunger!

 

Reminder!

  

On Sunday, February 8, at 12:00, First Parish Sudbury (FPS) and Memorial Congregational Church (MCC) will join forces with EndHunger NE/Outreach to fight hunger in Metrowest. Middlesex County is the hungriest county in Massachusetts. Help us to package nutritious, shelf-stable meals for area families. Our goal is to raise $2500 to pack 10,000 meals. Help our two congregations celebrate our joint 375-year history and our commitment to social justice outreach.

 

It's easy to help! We can go to Ames Hall at MCC (across from the Sudbury library) right after social hour. Outreach will setup and supervise four assembly lines for us to do the packaging. No prior skill needed! Children are welcome! Youth are great workers!  Sign up during social hour by contacting Ginny Doxsey or go online  to www.mccsudbury.org, click on the February 8 Food Packaging Event and you will see the link for online sign up.

 

It's easy to donate! 25 cents feeds 1 kid. $1.00 pays for a family of 4. Adults and children can easily afford to support this cause. A donation of $37.50 honors our celebration and feeds 150 kids. You can give cash or a check to Ginny Doxsey during social hour (made out to "Outreach" with "2/8 Sudbury" on the memo) or go to www.mccsudbury.org, click on the February 8 Food Packaging Event and you will see the link for online sign up. Be sure to note "Feb 8 MCC Sudbury" as the purpose of the donation.

Religious Education
Volunteers Needed!

Thank you those who have volunteered to teach Religious Education to children. There are still openings for Sunday programs, special events, Story for all Ages, the RE committee and the tempDRE search group.   Please tell your friends and neighbors that we are running an RE program. We want the RE program to grow here at First Parish and ask that If you have any ideas, or have any questions about volunteering, contact Rev. Marjorie or Leslie Lowe
 First Parish Strategic Planning
  
Click here to view "First Parish of Sudbury Strategic Plan Framework."

October 17, 2015
 

HARVEST CRAFT FAIR  

 

2015 marks the 114th Annual Harvest Craft Fair. We need co-chairs to lead the effort.

 

We have all the templates and information needed to take over these positions. Plus free training is available!  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask the retiring co-chairs -  Sherri Cline, Liz Rust, and Carolyn Lee.

 

This is a very gratifying event.   Please consider carrying on this great tradition.

 

Sunday Helpers for February, 2015

February 8:
Ushers: Nancy Moore and Helga Andrews
Greeters: Carolyn L and Jan Hardenbergh
Fellowship:  Bunny vanValey and Sue Rubel
Flowers:  Sue Rubel

February 15:
Ushers: Marion Tratnyek and Val Tratnyek
Greeters: Bridget Hanson and Kristy Gish
Fellowship: Alorie and Craig Parkhipp
Flowers:  Alorie and Craig Parkhill 
 
 
The Village on the Website: Need help with fpsudbury.org/village? Ask Jan ([email protected])

Weekly Connector:  The next issue of the Weekly Connector will be published on February 4.  The deadline for articles is January 30.  Thanks.
First Parish of Sudbury | | [email protected] | http://www.fpsudbury.org
327 Concord Street
Sudbury, MA 01776-1820