The First Church in Belmont

THE UNITARIAN  May 21, 2013

In This Issue
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce
Music Notes from Alfa Radford
Register NOW for 2013-2014 RE classes
Upcoming Events
All-Church Picnic
Save the Date - Sandy Island
Calendar 

Next Issue: May 28

Deadline: 3pm May 23

 

Wednesday, May 22

7:00pm   MemberDatabase. cl5.

7:30pm   FCBook Gr. Library.

7:30pm   Youth Cte. CR.

Thursday, May 23

6:45pm   Nova Choir. Sanct.

7:30pm   Grandparenting. Lib.

Friday, May 24

4:00pm   SGM. Library.

Monday, May 27

Church office closed.

7:30pm   Min Prog Cte CR.

8:00pm   Meditation. Library.

Tuesday, May 28 

4:00pm   Jobseekers. Library.

7:30pm   Fiber Arts. cl4.

7:30pm   Women's Gr. Lib.

7:30pm   Worship Cte. CR.

Wednesday, May 29

10:30am  Alliance Board. cl5.

7:30pm   The Author's Path. PH.

 

Looking Ahead 

June 2: Chamber Music Concert

June 9: All-Church Picnic

June 14: Coffeehouse

 

Link to church calendar 

This Sunday 
Music: May 26, 2013
Prelude: Improvisations on "Bradbury" -John Barr
(contemp.)
Alfa Joy Radford, organ
Offertory Solo:
Chuck Claus, baritone
Postlude: Theme and Variations on "America"
- Janet Linker (contemp.)
Alfa Joy Radford, organ
  
The flowers this Sunday are given by Grant Monahon and Jane Minasian in memory of Rick Monahon (brother of Grant Monahon) and his wife, Duffy Monahon, of Peterborough NH, both born in May.  
  
Ushers: Members of the New Connections Ministry
  
Welcome & Announcements:
Ed Bing & Doug Burden 

Social Action Corner

ACTION IS OUR PRAYER

Grow Clinic! Grow Clinic!  

Stock the Shelves for Summer!!! 

Canned Chicken or Tuna. Mac & Cheese. Dried Fruit (especially Raisins). Canned Beef Stews. Pasta Sauce. Baby Foods (all stages, especially Meats). FILL A BAG-FEED A CHILD. Thanks!

First Church Book Group

Wed, May 22, 7:30pm, Library

The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers

Many may have read The Member of the Wedding when in school, but Frankie's adolescent perspective is well worth revisiting some decades later. The Book Group is always open to new members. Contact Anne Stuart, astuart@uubelmont.org to confirm attendance if you are interested in participating. Looking ahead: In June the Book Group will host its Second Annual Summer Salad Potluck to discuss books and gather recommendations for the coming year. Please plan to join us on Wednesday, June 26, at 7:00pm in the Upper Gathering Hall.
Grandparenting Near&Far
Thu, May 23, 7:30pm, Library
Share the joys and challenges of changing roles with others, and share tips on how to maintain connection.
The Author's Path with Dick Lehr has been rescheduled! 

Wed, May 29, 7:30pm, PH

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.

Refreshments and book signing. For more information click here.

A Call for your Interest, Talent or Expertise

The Adult Programs Committee is beginning to plan our programs for next year and we are aware that First Church has many hard-working, talented individuals in our midst. Our goal is to build programs that you want to attend, and to utilize members of the congregation as speakers or as members of panels. There is something within each of us that is important to share about the work we do. We want to invite your help in creating some exciting programs for our next church year. Some of our thoughts include a panel on Parenting in the 21st century, an Author's Series, and a program focusing on the inspirations for artists. Can you let us know your ideas by contacting Lillian Anderson, Adult Programs Advisor, landerson@uubelmont.org or Debbie Dobbins, Adult Programs Committee chair, ddobbins@uubelmont.org.

Sacred Decisions at the End of Life - How Do We Decide?

You are cordially invited to the Belmont Religious Council (BRC) annual meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 7:30-9:00pm at The First Church in Belmont Unitarian Universalist. There will be a panel and open discussion on the topic: "Sacred Decisions at the End of Life-How Do We Decide?". Local clergy, chaplains and medical professionals will help us to explore these important and complex issues from a variety of faith perspectives. The breadth and depth of professional expertise represented on the panel is truly extraordinary. Admission is free, and open to all.

Pledge Reminders

Pledge reminders were sent out last week to those who have not completed this year's pledge (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013). Please keep in mind that many of our church expenses (including payroll) continue through summer. It is helpful if people complete this year's pledge as soon as possible and continue to make pledge payments over the summer in order to ease the cash flow during those months. Thank you.

A Reminder from the Treasurer

Our church fiscal year ends June 30. Expense reimbursement forms should be submitted before June 30 to allow us time to close the books for this fiscal year. Thank you.

Adult Programs Reminder

To receive a weekly reminder of the latest Adult Programs, email Lillian Anderson at landerson@uubelmont.org

 

Click here for the AP Spring brochure 

 

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. 

 

 

 

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First Church Office
:: 617-484-1054
5 Things To Know This Week
  • First Church Book Group, May 22
  • The Author's Path w/Dick Lehr, May 29 
  • Annual Chamber Music Concert, June 2
  • All-Church Picnic, June 9
  • SAC Accepting Requests for Social Action Projects
Sunday, May 26           

Please Join Me in Saying...

Rev. Sarah Gillespie, Student Minister

 

9:00 & 11:00 Church Service                           

Childcare for infants and young children

  

Our unison chalice lighting is the foundation upon which we begin our worship almost every week. These words are said Sunday mornings, upstairs and downstairs, and Sunday evenings as well. Our children, youth, and adults can even say them without thinking, perhaps. Join me in pondering their deep meaning and the theology they hold for this community.

 

** Next Sunday, June 2 **

Rev. David M. Bryce preaching

 

Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons

Reflections from Sarah Gillespie, Student Minister
It's hard to begin writing this column because it means I must begin saying goodbye. My sixteen months here have gone in the blink of an eye. I spent a year in RE, a year working with our youth group, and about six months as your student minister. And as I prepare for my sermon this Sunday, I am feeling deeply blessed by this community. 
     I have been blessed by the children of this church. When I walked down the hallways of our lower level while working as the CRE assistant, I would often see smiling children running (while being encouraged to walk) to their classrooms. And when I took a turn as their teacher they asked interesting and important questions about life and faith. The children of this church taught me to pay attention to questions and ask them of myself and others. 

     I have been blessed by the youth of this church. When the clock strikes seven on Sunday evenings our youth gather over snacks and the noise level grows unbearable for adult ears in the kitchen. They are overscheduled and stressed but when they come together in the parlor they make time and space to pause and breathe for two hours. The youth remind me how important it is to be together each week; there is a great comfort that comes from that consistent gathering and the sacred space created there.

     I have been blessed by the adults of this church. Many of you are the people that I did not get to know until recently (a regret of mine). You see the minister in me each week and encourage me to continue answering this wild, wonderful calling. We share important moments of silence, joy and sorrow with one another. We sing together, listen together, and pray together. You have taught me about what worship looks like and feels like when done by a caring, committed community. And that is a great gift as I go forward in my ministry.

    Last, but certainly not least, I have been blessed by the staff of this church. This incredibly talented group never ceases to amaze me. They care so much about making this congregation thrive. They put their energy, love, and time (lots of time) into co-creating what I now know to be a holy place. And they have taught me about teamwork and the value of healthy collegial relationships.

     To all of these groups, and everyone in between, thank you for including me in this loving community. First Church has been an incredible piece of my journey towards ministry. And please know that even after I have left this place, I will continue to count you all as blessings. 

Alfa RadfordMusic Notes from Alfa Radford

SR. CHOIR is OFF this Sunday, May 26.
NO YOUTH/CHILDREN'S CHOIR Rehearsals Monday, May 27.

 

MORE CALENDAR ITEMS:

NOVA CHOIR sings at 9:00 Service on June 2.
JR. CHOIR
(K-Gr.4) sings at 9:00 June 9.
CHANCEL CHOIR
(Gr.5-6)
sings at 11:00 June 9.
SR. CHOIR sings at 11:00 on June 2 and 9.

REGISTRATION for YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS:

ONLINE Registration is open for the Youth & Children's Choirs, and for the Fall musical production "THE MIKADO." Go to the church website, www.uubelmont.org Click on News, then Music Program, and proceed from there.
NOTE: Current choristers also need to register for the Fall programs.
QUESTIONS? Call or email Alfa Radford 781.646.2123 / ALFAJOY@uubelmont.org
. Specific questions about Registr: Contact Wendy Conroy wconroy@uubelmont.org


MUSIC and SOCIAL ACTION at The First Church in Belmont!
The 35th ANNUAL CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT Sunday, June 2 at 8:00pm
for the benefit of children at the SPARK Pediatric Division of the Boston Medical Ctr. Concert attendees will enjoy a very special evening of music for harpsichord, voice, flutes, piccolo, and bassoon. Admission is by donation, and there will be a gala Strawberries and Wine Reception. Yum! Come, and bring a friend!

Joy and blessings, Alfa
Register NOW for 2013-2014 Religious Education classes, the Coming of Age program and the High School Youth Group

The month of May means registration time for next year's children's religious education classes. It helps enormously in planning next year's classes to know who will be returning. Much of the work of finding teachers, coordinating classrooms and organizing curricula and supplies takes place in the summer months, so getting these registrations coordinated in the spring provides a tremendous advantage to staff and volunteers.

     The registration process for children, 9th grade Coming of Age students and high school youth group is combined in one form to minimize duplicate data entry on your part.

     Please follow this link to fill out the form: http://bit.ly/11XPqKt. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

     Register by May 31st and you will be eligible for our drawing: FOUR HOURS OF FREE BABYSITTING on night to be agreed upon. One lucky family from each service will win!

Caring Connection  

The Caring Connection is a group of Church members and friends who provide support to members of our community who find themselves in some difficulty and need short-term help. Please let us know if you could use some assistance, or know of someone who would benefit from our support. Contact: Laurie Graham at caring@uubelmont.org or Susan at the Church, 617.484.1054 x 201.

Among Us
     Our love and sympathy to Robin, John, Kendall, Meredith and Allison Hughes on the death of Robin's brother.
     Congratulations to the Yee family on the birth of George Tirabassi on May 16 to Alison & Gary Tirabassi. George joins big brother, Frank!
     To submit your own virtual candle, contact Jim Staton at jstaton@uubelmont.org or call him at 617.484.1054 x207. Guidelines for these submissions are available on the Church website at uubelmont.org/caring-connection.
SAC Accepting Requests for Social Justice Projects 

As some of you may know, during the past year and a half, the First Church in Belmont, through the Social Action Committee, has had the good fortune of donating more than $6,000 and 10 computer monitors (a business donation, thanks to Gladys Unger) toward the renovation of the UU Urban Ministry's computer lab - a ribbon cutting and dedication was held last month. Through First Church's deep commitment to the Urban Ministry in Roxbury and the many volunteers from our church who are at UM each week teaching ESL classes, tutoring middle and high school students, coming together regularly to cook dinners and socializing with men and women's groups, providing regular support at various levels to the Renewal House, UM's shelter for victims of domestic abuse, First Church is making a real and lasting difference in many people's lives.

     This large scale and many smaller scaled monetary donations were made possible primarily through proceeds collected from Social Action's involvement with the Rummage Sale over the last 5 or 6 years and from SAC's table at the Annual Holiday Fair, an event started by the Social Action Committee 4 years ago which features beneficiaries near and dear to FCB members hearts and souls.

     The purpose of this notice is to let you know that the Social Action Committee is in the process of choosing its next large and small scaled project(s) and is looking to the congregation for ideas on projects we could work on together and in conjunction with the roster of events we already offer.

     If you have a project you would like us to consider funding, please send a brief project description by email to dlockett@uubelmont.org at your earliest convenience but no later than June 15. We will then forward you a more specific set of questions that will need to be answered in order to evaluate all projects equally.

     We are excited about this new opportunity and look forward to hearing all of your great ideas!

What a Community Effort in 2013!

The 71st annual Rummage Sale netted roughly $5,700, which will be shared by the Partner Church Committee, the Window Fund, and the Social Action Committee (SAC).

     This year the Sale seemed like a big mosaic. Its sturdy foundation was laid by individuals (many from the S.A.C.) who provided strong "departmental" leadership and a cohesive core: Deb L., Kathy C., Marion W., Marian M., Patricia G., Bill Z., Dianthe E., Marcia M., Priscilla C., Sherry J., Caroline S., Carolyn M., Mary B., Marilyn Y., Roger M., Ed Y., Nancy M.

     The beautiful pieces forming this work of art were the large crew of volunteers: Laurie N., David W., Jeanie O., Carla K., Jocelyn M., Fiona M., Brian K., Joan M., Martha S., Livia R., Leslie Wa., Penelope R., Mont F., Bea de M.K., Dick N., Lynn R., Andrea P., Sarah C., Mark D., Catherine S., Nicole G., Alice T., Nicole B., Ralph J., Ken B., Sara O., Monte A., Deveaux D., Jeanne W., Tom D., Jackie N., Vickie L., Greg D., Barbara T., Harriet G., Justine U., Laurie G., Siobhan O., Paula D., Rachel B., Evelyn A., Jean L., Beth W., Deborah B., Betsy P., Leslie T., Bev G., Laura H., Eleanor H., Joanne A., Sean W., Katie S., Kristin P., Abigail J., Jamison J., Jackie L., Diane L., Cameron A., Molly C., Devon B., Jennifer D., Ben B., Nancy G., Bob M., Lillian A., Marcia M., Melanie S., Jim S., and Melina S.

     Remainders were donated to the Boston Building Resource Center, Grow Clinic, More Than Words, Arlington Fox Branch fundraising, UU Church, Cradles to Crayons, Angell Memorial, and Goodwill Industries.

     Once again, the help of staff members Luis C., Susan S., and Alfa R. was invaluable.

     Thanks everyone for your time and energy! On behalf of the SAC, Nancy D.
Upcoming Events:
harpsichordANNUAL CHAMBER MUSIC BENEFIT CONCERT: SUNDAY, June 2 at 8pm

This very special occasion combines MUSIC with SOCIAL ACTION! A wonderful concert is planned, as we once again celebrate the handsome harpsichord built and given to The First Church in 1979 by the late Harry Radford. A Dedicatory Concert in the Spring of 1979 marked the origin of this annual event. This year's exciting and eclectic program will include music of the Baroque and Contemporary periods, performed by Shannon Rose McAuliffe, soprano; Susan Jackson and Terry D'Errico, flautists; Ian Garvie and Alfa Joy Radford, harpsichordists; and Robin Hillyard, bassoonist. Click here to see flyer!

    Admission is by donation, and all proceeds will benefit children at the SPARK Center of the Boston Medical Center's Pediatric Division. We hope you'll join us for this delightful evening! −The Music Committee

ALL-CHURCH PICNIC, Sunday, June 9
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the annual All-Church Picnic immediately following the 11:00 service on June 9. There will be games for kids of all ages, delicious food including burgers, chicken, hot dogs and vegetarian options, lots of yummy salads, and, of course, dessert. The cost is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 3-12 years, and $20.00 for families.

SAVE THE DATE - Registration Starting Soon

Annual Sandy Island Retreat

September 13-15, 2013

The Fellowship Committee would like to invite you to join us for the popular First Church Sandy Island Retreat. This is a wonderful opportunity to kick back, relax, and meet new and old friends after a long summer. Sandy Island offers recreational opportunities for people of all interests and ages. Sign up by 6/30/13. Details will be available at coffee hour. Questions, contact Deveaux Duckworth, fellowship@uubelmont.org.