The Unitarian Universalist Flower Communion was originated in 1923 by Dr. Norbert Capek, founder of the modern Unitarian movement in Czechoslovakia. On the last Sunday before the summer recess of the Unitarian church in Prague, all the children and adults participated in this colorful ritual, which gives concrete expression to the humanity-affirming principles of our liberal faith. We will continue with this same tradition this Sunday and ask you to please bring a flower with you to church. Upon entering the sanctuary you will place your special flower in a basket and when leaving the sanctuary you will take a different special flower brought by a member of the congregation. 

As summer approaches and we celebrate our annual flower communion, let us pause to celebrate the lazy slow days that can so restore the human heart. 

** Next Sunday, June 16 **

9:30am Lay-Led Service Parish Hall -

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

I am pleased to serve you for the next year as your new Parish Board president. I look forward to our year together with its celebrations and challenges.

     Our Annual Meeting on May 19 was well attended by nearly 100 members of the congregation.  On our web site you will find The Annual Meeting, a summary of our wonderful programs and initiatives and the committed individuals making them happen.

     The report also captures our pride in our church with its impressive array of spiritual and program offerings for all generations and interests. We are grateful for the dedication and creativity of our minister, student minister, staff and volunteers to create these opportunities for all of us.

     At the same time, like all institutions, we face significant challenges. While our finances are sound because of the diligence of our parish boards, finance, stewardship and other committees, our tight budgets are often unable to address important facility needs and provide additional support to our hard working committees. Furthermore, many committees struggle to find enough volunteers to support the expanded scope of activities the congregation has come to expect.

     Drawing on our church's strengths, it is important to continue meeting these challenges directly, building on the fine work over many years. As I briefly described at the Annual Meeting, this year I hope our leadership can focus on the impact of competing needs and limited resources on our church life: committees/volunteers, staff, facilities/space, and congregation. In other words, where do we want to be in five years and what are the tradeoffs? Many of these issues could be addressed if we were able to strengthen our personal and financial commitment to stewardship. While we have made great strides, it is critical that we create a broader understanding of the link between stewardship and the long-term health of our church.

     In doing so I welcome your suggestions and your ideas. As we move forward, I want to also thank the retiring members of the Parish Board and other committees who have given so much of their time and energy--Ed Bing, Bob Corning, Lauren Crocker, Eva Patalas, Stefan Frank and especially President Jonathan Wolf (continuing ex officio); the following committee chairs: Ben Bauer (Finance Committee), Jody Judge (Nominating Committee) Martha Bayliss (Adult Programs), Deb Lockett (Social Action), Betsy George (Youth), and Donna Ruvolo (Religious Education). I join others in welcoming the new Parish Board members-Carolyn Howard (vice president), Ann Donohue (clerk), Betsy George, Catherine Claypoole, and Jack Weis; and express gratitude to those continuing to serve-Doug Burden, Leslie Kolterman, Martha Spaulding, Beth Westlund and Marilyn Yee (treasurer). I look forward to our year together.

     Jeanne Widmer, Parish Board President

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.

In my haste to thank those who contributed their time and effort to the Rummage Sale, I missed a list and omitted quite a few people: Eloise M., Barbara B., Jim D., Kara S., Barbara L., Tim L., Jim S., Penny S., Sandy N., Larry M., Debora H., Richard C., Nathaniel S., Jeff L., Cynthia C., Stephanie G., Jane H-F., and a terrific person who helped at cleanup but I missed his name. Thank you for taking the time to be part of the Sale. My humblest apologies to all of you for not including your names in the first list. (And please let me know if you are still not on these lists!) − Nancy Davis

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

Partner Church Visit - Save the Date

The week after Sandy Island, a group of visitors will be here from our Partner Church in Désfalva, Romania. Lots of fun activities are in the works with different people and groups in our church community. YOU CAN HELP by volunteering to drive a group to an activity, contributing to a meal, or just being around and participating! To learn more, e-mail us at PartnerChurch@uubelmont.org, visit the Partner Church web site as details firm up, and watch for us at coffee hour in September.

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     The newsletter is also posted each week on the First Church website at uubelmont.org. Click on the Newsletter button just under the banner at the top of the home page.

     First Class Mail - Some First Church members and friends may prefer a printed copy of the Unitarian, which we will send via first-class mail, and ask for a small donation of $20 per year to offset first-class mailing costs. The church will cover the mailing costs for those who indicate that this presents a financial burden.

     To receive the Unitarian via first-class mail, please fill out the form below and mail to The First Church in Belmont, P. O. Box 113, Belmont, MA 02478. Checks should be made out to The First Church in Belmont. Please note that you may receive both electronic and mailed versions of the Unitarian simply by checking more than one of the boxes below.

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