Calendar
Next Issue: April 16
Deadline: 3pm April 11
Wednesday, April 10
7:00pm Children's RE. cl5
7:30pm Lay Pastoral. Study.
7:30pm SGM facilitators. Lib.
Thursday, April 11
6:45pm Nova Choir. Sanct.
7:00pm Living w/Illness. Lib.
7:00pm MemberDatabase. CR.
Friday, April 12
4:00pm SGM. Library.
7:30pm Coffeehouse. PH.
Sunday, April 14
8:15am Nova Choir. Sanct.
9:25am Sr. Choir. Parish Hall.
10a/12p Coffee w/Minister.
4:30pm OWL. Library.
Monday, April 15
Church office closed.
7:00pm Caring Conn. cl5.
7:30pm Dev of an Artist.Parlor.
7:30pm Stewardship Cte. CR.
8:00pm Meditation. Library.
Tuesday, April 16
4:00pm Jobseekers. Library.
7:30pm Fiber Arts. cl4.
7:30pm Program Counc. Parlor.
7:30pm SGM. Library.
Wednesday, April 17
12:00pm Unit. Alliance. UH.
7:00pm MemberDatabase. CR.
7:30pm Women's Gr. Lib.
Looking Ahead
April 20: Kaláka Concert
Link to church calendar |
|
This Sunday
Music: April 14
Prelude: Meditation
-J. Rheinberger (1839-1901)
Alfa Joy Radford, organ
Combined Nova/Sr. Choirs:
9 & 11am Va Pensiero (from Nabucco) -G. Verdi (1813-1901)
Offertory Solo: Davron Monroe, tenor
9:00 Postlude: Offertoire sur les grands jeux -François Couperin
Mary Beekman, organ
11:00 Postlude: Heather Quay and Jon Svetkey
The flowers this Sunday are given by Anthony Vagnucci, Anjali Kumar, Anya Kumar Sondhi and Anica Kumar Vagnucci in loving memory of Dr. Anthony H. Vagnucci, Sr. who passed away on April 19, 2012.
Ushers: Members of the New Connections Ministry
Welcome & Announcements:
Bob Corning & Doug Burden |
As members of the lay pastoral care team we are called to be present with you, members and friends, when you wish a compassionate listening ear during times of transition and stress whatever form it might take. We support those who are adjusting to change, loss, illness or death. We share in moments of celebration and happiness. We reach out to those who are unable to get out and who would like a visit. We share in situations that require a special touch of human kindness and an open ear. Please contact us if we might be of help or comfort. We count on the congregation to keep us in touch with pastoral needs of our community. - Nancy Davis, Parrish Dobson, Martha Moore, and Martha Spaulding |
|
Social Action Corner
ACTION IS OUR PRAYER |
Grow Clinic! Grow Clinic!
Happy Spring! How about celebrating by purchasing vitamins this month for our Grow Clinic children? Flintstone Chewables and Polysol with Iron Liquid Vitamins. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thanks! |
Second Friday Coffeehouse
Friday, April 12
Dan Glenn will be the main act and Jim Wooster and Paul Judge will open the show. Dan is a Boston-based singer/songwriter. He believes that our experience as human beings is worth celebrating, in all its beauty, complexity, tenderness and sadness. His songs are reflections on living in a genuine, awake way in the face of all the challenges and atrocities we face on both a personal and global level. He grew up in The First Church community and was a staff member between 2004-2007. This performance will feature songs from Dan's forthcoming album, You Dream of Kingdoms, a collection of songs written while he was living and working at a retreat center in Vermont, which will be released in May. First church members, Jim Wooster and Paul Judge, return as a duo, featuring great vocals and mellow guitar accompaniment. The featured beneficiary is The Barton Center for Diabetes Research, which provides education, support, summer camp, and family programs for children and young adults with diabetes. Click here to see flyer! |
FLASH! Absolutely Guaranteed! Mark Your Calendar!
It's true! We have managed a NO-SNOW-DAY rescheduling of Berklee night at the Coffeehouse! See talented young future superstars Paige Chaplin and Nikolas Metaxas on Friday, April 26 and learn about featured beneficiary Berklee City Music! (Many thanks to Roger Brown, Berklee President and FCB member, for facilitating this second exciting Berklee student performance for us.) So, as you see, after the TWO first-ever snow cancellations in February and March, the Coffeehouse is bouncing back with plans not only for Berklee Night on the 26th but also for re-booking Heather Quay and Jon Svetkey next season! We always work to give you what we promise, and April is now BONUS month!! Can't wait to see you April 12th and April 26th! Best to all, Your Coffeehouse Committee! |
Ongoing Adult Programs
Living With Serious Illness Support Group
Thurs, April 11, 7pm, Library
In our ever-changing lives, we sometimes need a place to talk when we are faced with news or are coping with an ongoing medical condition for either ourselves or someone close to us. This group meets monthly to provide that safe space. If you are interested but are unable to attend, please contact Kathy Lind at klind@uubelmont.org. |
|
Science & Spirituality
Thurs, April 18, 7:30pm, CR
Christine Stone will lead a discussion about her essay on Wisdom.
We are an interchurch group engaged in exchanging thoughts on ideas in science and their influence on our spiritual lives. Each meeting is (usually) independent of previous meetings; therefore, one may join the group at any time without experiencing loss of continuity. Readings may be downloaded from the dropsite http://eftaylor.com/sandsten days to two weeks before each meeting. For more information contact Edwin. |
Lost & Found
Please take a look at the Lost & Found table in the Lower Hall. All unclaimed items will be donated to the church's Rummage Sale. |
|
The Unitarian Newsletter
Submission Guidelines
Please submit articles for the newsletter to Susan Street in the following format:
- Times New Roman font, 10 point.
- jpeg for photos
- pdf for attached documents
- sample@uubelmont.org for e-mails.
- avoid phone numbers unless their owners don't mind them being published on the FCB website. |
|
First Church Office
:: 617-484-1054 |
|
|
5 Things To Know This Week
- Stewardship Update
- Second Friday Coffeehouse, April 12
- Alliance Lunch & Program, April 17
- The Author's Path - Dick Lehr, April 19
- All-Church Rummage Sale, May 4
|
Sunday, April 14
The Eightfold Noble Path
Rev. David M. Bryce
9:00 & 11:00 Church Service
Childcare for infants and young children
Buddhism provides a pathway to end suffering and to "achieve" Nirvana. The first of these is "Right Views." Some thoughts on how to think.
** Next Sunday, April 21 **
Rev. David M. Bryce preaching
Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons |
|
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
Today is April Fool's Day, so I feel as though I ought to be writing a spoof column; but I shall restrain myself.
The origins of April Fool's Day are a bit murky, with various claims as to how it began. For myself, I think the bubbly, bouncy spirit of springly, greenly days (to expand upon e e cummings) is enough to explain it.
There is a jouncy joyance to the coming of spring that gives a giddy sense of delight to life and that gives rise to an inspired insanity of happiness. At least, that is true for me.
In spring I emerge from the cloistered claustrophobia of heavy clothes and closed windows and enter instead the world of light days, light burdens and light spirits. I feel free in so many ways, and that gives permission to the foolish and silly side of myself to become evident.
So I bid welcome to spring; welcome to the Fool of April that lives within my own heart; and welcome to flowers, birds and the renewal of life.
- David |
|
Music Notes from Alfa Radford
NEWS FLASH!! The FALL MUSICAL will be "THE MIKADO" by Gilbert & Sullivan. Our Youth and Children's Choirs will present this hilarious spoof which makes fun of 19th century English court life - with characters disguised in gorgeous Japanese costumes. The 1885 opening in London was an uproarious success, and "The Mikado" has enjoyed great popularity ever since. Our Performance Dates: November 7, 8, 9, 10. Stay tuned!
ROSES to The Linden Singers for delightful quartets last Sunday. It's such a blessing to have these talented men enriching our worship with their songs.
CALENDAR ITEMS for CHOIRS:
April 14: Combined Nova & Sr. Choirs sing at both Services.
May 12: Chancel Choir (Gr.5-6) sings at 9am. Arrive 8:15
May 12: Youth Choir (Gr.7-up) sings at 11am. Arrive 10:15
June 9: Multigenerational Services:
9am Jr Choir (K-Gr.4) Arrive 8:30.
11am Chancel Choir (Gr.5-6) Arr. 10:15.
NOTE: Choirs are OFF on Monday holidays, April 15 & May 27.
QUOTABLE: Sunshine can burn you; Food can poison you; Pictures can insult; Music can only bless... -Artur Schnabel, famous concert pianist
Joy and Blessings, Alfa |
Stewardship Update
A sincere thank you to the more than 230 First Church households listed on the honor roll - families and individuals, members and friends - who have provided timely and generous pledges to the 2013 Stewardship Drive. Our pledge total, $520,000 as of April 4, is approaching but still short of the $588,000 level needed to fully fund our 2013-14 operations, staffing and programs. If your name is not yet listed, we ask that you please consult the stewardship page educational materials and respond as generously as you can. You may mail in a paper pledge form, use the online pledge form, or simply send a note to Susan Street with your pledge intention at sstreet@uubelmont.org. The Stewardship Committee's responsibility to the Parish Board is to obtain a 100% response from active members and friends to support sound budgetary planning. Next week, therefore, we will begin contacting those who have not yet responded regarding their pledge and their continuing interest in the church. This annual updating of membership records is required in order to account accurately for those who may have moved or become inactive, since the church provides annual funding to the UUA based on the number of enrolled members. We appreciate the support and patience of the entire First Church community during the entire annual stewardship process, which is essential to our church's health and vitality. − The Stewardship Committee |
Youth Programs
They're right around the corner - both the Youth Service (April 28) and the Coming of Age Ceremony (May 12)! I warmly welcome you to join us for these two Sunday Services to witness for yourselves what compassionate, curious and open-minded youth this congregation helps to raise. Parents of 7th and 8th graders, I especially encourage you to bring your youth to these services (at 9am or 11am), so that together you can glimpse ahead and gain a better understanding of what our Coming of Age program offers to 9th graders and what our 10-12 graders gain from the Youth Group.
Youth Group Senior Class pictured below.
 Blessed be, Julie |
|
Among Us
Congratulations to Laura Miller on the birth of her great granddaughter, Athena Julianne Agnew!
|
|
Welcome! to Melissa Irion, Abigail & Jamison Jacobs, Hanspeter Pfister & Jennifer Roderick who signed the Membership Book on Sunday, March 31! |
Ushers Needed for the Spring Term
Please consider volunteering for one of our teams for the spring term that runs through the end of the regular church year (June 9). Team members commit to ushering about once a month at one service. Ushering offers a wonderful opportunity to interact with members and visitors and to provide a valuable (yet time-limited) service to our community. If you would like to usher occasionally but feel uneasy about signing up for specific dates,you may indicate that preference and we will contact you as needs arise to see you if you are available. Here are the dates for each team for the winter term:
Team 1A 9:00 service on Apr 14, May 5, May 26
Team 1B 9:00 service on Apr 21, May 12, June 2
Team 1C 9:00 service on Apr 28, May 19, June 9
Team 2A 11:00 service on Apr 14, May 5, May 26
Team 2B 11:00 service on Apr 21, May 12, June 2
Team 2C 11:00 service on Apr 28, May 19, June 9
To volunteer, see the sign-up board at community hour or contact David Warner, 617.484.2002 or dwarner@uubelmont.org |
|
ALLIANCE LUNCH & PROGRAM
Wednesday, April 17, 12:00 Noon
All Women And Men Welcome!
On April 17th the Alliance program presenter will be Lanier Smythe, who will speak to us about her trip to El Salvador. If you were attending First Church twenty years ago, you may remember our involvement in El Salvador as a Sanctuary Church and the involvement of several of our members in the Belmont-El Salvador Sister City Project. The Alliance lunch begins in the Upper Hall at 12:00 noon and the program will take place in the Library at 1:00pm. To help us set up and provide for all attendees, please call Susan Street ahead of time (617.484.1054 x201) and let her know that you will attend and the number of guests you will bring. Please bring your own sandwich, and we will provide soup, beverage, and dessert. The suggested lunch donation is $0.75 per person. |
|
SATURDAY, MAY 4th - ALL-CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE
Did you know - every year between 80 and 100 volunteers come together and work hard to make this a true community event, not only for The First Church but for the town of Belmont as a whole. Be part of this great event - as a thank you for giving at least 2 hours of your time, we will again hold an exclusive volunteer pre-sale. Friday, May 3rd from 6:30-8:30pm - save the date!!
So why wait? Sign up today! We have sign-up boards in the Upper Hall after both services, or you may sign up on the church website by simply clicking here.
Too busy during the week? Consider our project ADOPT-A-CHARITY: Help to increase our giving to many local non-profits and charities by 1) checking on their needs, 2) "shopping" for them at 2pm on sale day, and 3) taking those goods to them directly or to your home for later pickup. A great family project!!
|
ADULT PROGRAMS - Events and Ongoing Groups
Thanks to the many involved committee members, we have created a wonderful array of interesting events and new support groups as well as maintaining our ongoing educational and support programs. Read the Spring adult programs brochure by clicking here.
While most of our events do not require prior registration some do. On May 18 from 9-2pm, we are pleased to offer a one-day workshop with Rev. Peter Richardson assisted by Rev. Doris Hunter entitled Journey Beyond God. Since Peter is traveling from Maine, we need a minimum of 10 participants and there is an early registration deadline of April 22. To register contact landerson@uubelmont.org. You can read about the workshop by clicking here. |
WOMEN'S RETREAT at SENEXET HOUSE - April 26-28If you would like to join us, there is still availability so please contact landerson@uubelmont.org. Take the time to deepen friendships and renew yourself by attending. |
|
COMING UP:
Evening Happenings |
THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTIST - Julliette Carignan
Monday, April 15, 7:30pm, Parlor
Using visual descriptions of her painting process, Julliette will describe her developmental history as a professional artist, and what she has learned about the creative process. |
THE AUTHOR'S PATH - Dick Lehr
Friday, April 19, 7:30pm, Parish Hall
What made Whitey Bulger infamous? He has frightened and fascinated us. Boldly he hid in plain sight for many years and then he was captured. Hear Whitey Bulger's story told to us by First Church member Dick Lehr, author with Gerard O'Neill of the new book, Whitey. For more information about this event, click here. Refreshments and book signing. |
MEN'S SPRING POTLUCK SUPPER
Friday, April 26, 6pm, Upper Hall
First Church men and friends are invited to bring either an appetizer, main dish, salad or dessert AND a beverage of your choice to share. Sign up at coffee hour. |
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED...
Can you spare an hour or two? Help is needed in the Church Office from April 26 through May 3. If you have a free morning or afternoon, please call Susan Street, 617.484.1054 x201. |
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE SEEKS PUBLICIST VOLUNTEERS
The Communications Committee is looking for volunteers to collaborate on the role of Publicist for First Church. This can easily be a job share between 2-4 individuals. As envisioned, this new role could include but not necessarily be limited to the following:
- Create and disseminate articles and posts, to news media and other external venues, to publicize and promote The First Church in Belmont and our events to audiences beyond our congregation.
- Manage the collection, organization and dissemination of photos for external publicity. Participate in Communications Committee development and implementation of a church policy on use of photos in external publications that aligns with "safe congregation" principles.
Please contact Committee Chair Ed Yee. |
|
|
