Calendar
Next Issue: February 11
Deadline: 3pm February 6
Wednesday, February 5
7:00pm Communications. cl5.
7:30pm LPC training. Study.
7:30pm Women's Gr. Lib.
Thursday, February 6
6:45pm Nova Choir. PH.
7:30pm Caring for Adults. CR.
7:30pm SGM. Library.
Friday, February 7
1:00pm Photo Sessions.
Sunday, February 9
8:15am Nova Choir. Sanct.
9:25am Sr. Choir. Parish Hall.
12:30pm Shame. Library.
2:30pm Parenting Kids. Lib.
3:00pm Poetry. Parlor.
4:30pm COA. Parlor.
4:30pm OWL. Library.
6/7pm YAC/YG. Parlor/UH.
6:30pm OWLParentOrient.Lib.
Monday, February 10
9:30am Jobseekers. Library.
6:30pm Jr; 7 Chan; 7:45 Youth.
7:15pm Parish Board. Lib.
8:00pm Meditation. cl5.
Wednesday, February 12
6:30pm Nominating Cte. CR.
7:00pm Children's RE. cl5.
7:30pm SGM facilit. Library.
Looking Ahead
February 14: Coffeehouse
Link to church calendar |
|
This Sunday
Music: February 9, 2014
Prelude: Wondrous Love
-American folk hymn arr. AJR
Offertory Solo:
O Rest in the Lord (from Elijah)
-F. Mendelssohn (1809-1847) Irina Kareva, alto
9:00 Nova Choir:
Come Join in Singing
-J. Jerome Williams (contemp.)
11:00 Sr. Choir: The Fire of Commitment -Jason Shelton (contemp. UU composer)
9:00 & 11:00 Postlude:
Let the Mystery Be
-Iris DeMent (contemp.)
Roger Miller, Lakshmi Nayak, Gerri Strickler, folksingers
The flowers this Sunday are given by Ed Bing and Linda Atkinson in loving memory of Virginia Bing LaMarche.
Ushers: Members of the New Connections Ministry
Welcome & Announcements:
Catherine Claypoole and Anne Donohue |
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. |
|
Lay Pastoral Care Team
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. - JanetAmphlett, Devon Beckett, Nancy Davis, Steve Saar, and Martha Spaulding |
|
Social Action Corner
ACTION IS OUR PRAYER |
Grow Clinic! Grow Clinic!
Many, many thanks for the wonderful contributions to this year's Great January Jar Race. Your generosity was grand, and the Grow Clinic families are supremely grateful to you for taking part in the race. Jars and jars and jars of gratitude.....Your Grow Clinic Committee |
The First Church in Belmont is joining ONE BILLION RISING
One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. THAT IS ONE BILLION WOMEN. In 2013, One billion women and men shook the earth through dance to end violence against women and girls. This year, on 14 February 2014 we are calling on women and men everywhere to harness their power and imagination to rise for justice. Imagine, ONE BILLION WOMEN releasing their stories, dancing and speaking out at the places where they need justice, where they need an end to violence against women and girls.
JOIN US!
RISE. RELEASE. DANCE!
When? Feb 14 at 6pm
Where? Copley square.
One Billion Rising For more information contact Jackie Neel, visit our V-day facebook page V-Day Belmont or send an email socialaction@uubelmont.org |
|
Concert for the Silver Maple Forest
A Benefit to Save the Belmont Uplands on Saturday, March 1.
Been to Fresh Pond/Route 2 lately with its overdevelopment? Help us try to keep another 299 unit apartment complex from joining the urban sprawl. Help us try to save the habitat of over 45 birds and 20 mammals. Join us for a night of Great Music for a Great Cause with Jon Svetkey and Heather Quay of The Loomers and Roger Gallagher and friends of foodbaby. Tickets at Coffee Hour or www.BelmontCoalition.org |
Wondering How You Can Help Inner City Kids Improve Their Lifestyle?
The Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry is offering all UU Congregations a GREAT opportunity to get involved in a one-on-one interaction with the students they support. Last year, a group of First Church Belmont folks took part in this educational event and came back with much positive feedback about life-changing interactions. They require volunteers this year for mock interviews to help students get prepared for job and college interviews.
When?
Tuesday, March 11
6pm Light Dinner & Orientation for Volunteers
6:30-7:30pm Interview Students (two 15-20 minute interviews)
Tuesday, March 25
6-7:30pm "Café Putnam" Dinner & Dessert Interviews
We will transform Putnam Hall into a restaurant for the students to have an opportunity to participate in a dinner interview and a dessert interview.
If you are available to participate in any or all of these events, please send a note to socialaction@uubelmont.org. |
|
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
- March Stewardship Drive: Update
- Opportunity to Lead Summer Worship Services
- New Photo Directory Session Available on February 7
- Winter Clothing Drive Now thru February 14
- Second Friday Coffeehouse, February 14
|
Sunday, February 9
Caring For Each Other, Caring For Our Congregation
Rev. David M. Bryce
9:00 & 11:00 Church Service
Childcare for infants and young children
(For weather-related Service and Children RE class cancellations, please check 617.484.1054 x250.)
We have a wonderful community, which only functions because so many of us participate in the work of community. Let us celebrate those who do so much, and consider ways to deepen our work together.
** Next Sunday, February 16**
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
This past Sunday one of the themes I mentioned in passing was that Unitarian Universalists are often insular in their outlook. Often we look solely at our own congregations and forget that we are connected to other UU congregations within our area, to more than a thousand UU congregations across the country, and to many Unitarian congregations worldwide.
I should also say that we ought not be insular about Unitarianism, that our world view is such that we ought to think in terms of having a connection to all faiths - at least a connection of cooperation.
There are two easy ways to do that, one global and one local.
Globally, the Unitarian Universalist Association is a member organization of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF). Founded in 1900 as International Council of Unitarian and Other
Liberal Religious Thinkers and Workers (showing how deeply embedded Unitarians were in its origin) it includes Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, Baha'i, Zoroastrian, Muslim and Unitarian organizations. The IARF accepts individual memberships. They will be having their quadrennial International Congress in Birmingham, England this August and one of the listed presenters is Rev. Dr. Doris Hunter - a familiar name to this congregation.
Locally, The First Church in Belmont is a member of the Belmont Religious Council which sponsors Belmont Serves every October, a youth service trip every two years (the year our youth group does not have a trip), the annual Belmont Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and it is a cosponsor of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast. Volunteering to help on any of those projects would be welcome, and FCB gets two delegates to monthly meetings of the Belmont Religious Council. You could speak to me for further information.
Interfaith work has long been part of our history. We might find ways to continue this tradition. |
|
Music Notes from Alfa Radford
For PARENTS of CHORISTERS: YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS sing in church:
March 16 Multigenerational Services:
9:00am Jr (K-Gr4) Arrive 8:30
11:00am Chancel (Gr.5-6) Arrive 10:15
March 30 (Regular Worship Service)
11:00am Youth (Gr.7-up) Arrive 10:15
REGULAR MONDAY EVENING REHS:
JR CHOIR (K-Gr.4) Mon 6:30-7pm Sing in church Mar 16 & June 8
CHANCEL CHOIR (Gr.5-6) Mon 7-7:45pm Sing in church Mar 16, May 12, June 8
YOUTH CHOIR (Gr. 7-High Sch) Mon 7:45-8:30pm Sing in church Mar 30, May 11
NOTE regarding Monday Holidays henceforth:
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS: (No Childr/Youth rehearsals on 2/17, 4/21, 5/26)
QUOTABLE: Bloopers of Biblical proportions written by Sunday Sch. pupils:
"Noah's wife was called Joan of Ark."
"Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night."
"The Fifth Commandment is 'humor thy mother and thy father."
Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says:
'Do one to others, before they do one to you.
St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached Holy Acrimony which is another name for marriage.
Are you smiling? Alfa |
March Stewardship Drive: Update
Our March stewardship season is approaching! This annual funding drive reaching out to every parishioner to support what we love about First Church is our main source of financial support. To help you decide your level of commitment, we have planned four stages for this year's effort:
ˇ LEARN (Sunday, February 9): How can we all be stewards of our church? Please be sure to attend church to hear David Bryce's stewardship sermon. At this time the Stewardship Committee will circulate information outlining the church's unfunded and immediate financing needs for the 2014-15 year.
ˇ REFLECT (late February): What is my connection to the church? How does my annual pledge fall into the church's pledging guidelines and my own ability to support its mission in the coming year? Additional information can be found on the church's website and via e-mail.
ˇ DECIDE (Target date: March 1): You will receive a pledge package including a pledge card and envelope in the mail during the final week of February. Do not put it aside! For now we ask all parishioners to come together and promise the necessary financial support to sustain our valuable church operations and programs. Note: we ask today only for a promise of future support (over the period July 2014-June 2015), not an actual cash gift.
ˇ RESPOND (Sunday, March 2): March is the time we ask every parishioner to respond. This year we will try something different! On Sunday, March 2 we will have a very special, celebratory service at which every parishioner will be invited to present his or her pledge card in the offertory. It will be a memorable worship service and musical celebration, as well as a special coffee hour with treats supplied from First Church's own Kay Wiggin of Quebrada Bakery!
Our goal this year is to achieve as high a response rate as possible on March 2. If a pledge commitment by that date is not possible for some reason, we ask that every parishioner respond no later than March 16. Late pledging poses problems for the Parish Board's annual budgeting process since the Board has to make final budget decisions by our mid-May Annual Meeting. We request your timely response to our annual March Stewardship Drive, which we hope will be generous in light of your circumstances. Our church depends on all of us.
Thank you for your careful consideration of these calendar dates and of the church's financial needs.
The First Church Stewardship Committee, John Howe, Chair |
Winter Clothing Drive NOW 
through February 14
DONATION BOXES in the Lower Hall
The Youth Group will be volunteering with homeless people in the Boston area over their February vacation. Please help us with a clothing drive in advance!
USED items (for men or unisex), including:
* Winter coats
* Sweat shirts and sweat pants (especially hooded sweatshirts)
* Sweaters, Long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts
* Jeans, khakis, other casual pants and belts
* Waterproof boots, comfortable shoes and sneakers
* Hats, waterproof gloves, scarves
* All kinds of carrying cases such as backpacks, tote bags, fanny packs
and small suitcases with wheels (in good condition)
* Sleeping bags and blankets (clean & in good condition)
NEW items, including:
* New white socks
* New underwear - size L, XL, XXL
*Please NO children's clothes, dress clothes, slippers, bathrobes, pajamas or out-of-season clothing. For questions, please contact Julie Ennis at jennis@uubelmont.org. |
|
Opportunity to Lead Summer Worship Services
The Worship Committee welcomes inquiries about leading a service this summer from June 15 - August 31. Committee members will be available for support, resources, and brainstorming themes/ideas for services. Recent themes included Ethical Eating, Buddhist Meditation and Mindfulness in Everyday Life, Tolerating Intolerance, Lughnasadh Ritual Celebrating First Fruits and many others.
If you would like to consider leading a service this summer or partnering with someone else to develop a meaningful experience for fellow parishioners, please contact Ariane Frank 617.484.2149 or afrank@uubelmont.org. Although it's hard to imagine with storm and freezing temperatures outside, summer will come to lighten our hearts again! |
|
CARING FOR OLDER ADULTS
Thursday, Feb 6, 7:30pm, Conference Room
Deborah Blumberg and Miriam Baker
Many people are juggling jobs, families and their parents' or other family members' increasing medical needs, frequent emergencies and ongoing need for care. How do we cope with the needs of our loved ones and find some balance in our own lives? What do we need to learn as we take on this task? How do we find information and community? If you find yourself in this position, you are welcome at this group for discussion and support.This is a drop-in group so attend when it is convenient for you. |
SHAME - Doris Hunter, with Edwin Taylor and Niti Seth
Sunday, Feb 9, 12:30-2:00, Library. Bagels provided.
A shameful act is one that violates cultural or social values. In traditional societies shame is often used to enforce social norms, for example limiting contact and marriage to those within the group. Here are some questions to ponder prior to the discussion.
* Do we use guilt or shame to channel our behavior or that of our children?
* Is there a difference between guilt and shame? We seem to feel that guilt can be forgiven or atoned for. Is the same true of shame?
* Would we be better off, as individuals, as a church, or as a society, to eliminate shame? |
SPIRITUAL RENEWAL THROUGH POETRY
Sunday, Feb 9, 3-4pm, Parlor, Peter Guthrie
Good poems can help us see ourselves and our lives more clearly, trigger moments of epiphany, and cut through the confusion of life to what truly matters. How can we lead a meaningful life? How can we connect on a deeper level with ourselves and others? We will read and discuss poems that deal with spiritual issues in the broadest sense of the term. |
LIVING WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS
Thursday, Feb 13, 7:00pm, Library
Our lives are constantly changing and facing changes that involve illness makes us feel vulnerable. This ongoing support group provides a space and time to understand and process feelings and circumstances related to dealing with serious illness, both for caregivers and people in all stages of discovery and recovery. |
SECOND FRIDAY COFFEEHOUSE - Friday, February 14
Brighten up a winter evening by listening to some excellent acoustic music at the 2nd Friday Coffeehouse on Friday night February 14th! We welcome back to our stage, Neap Tide, a group founded and led by our own Lynn & Roger Read. Their performances always provide a fresh mix of bluegrass, gospel, blues, and fine harmonies. As our Main Act we are particularly excited to welcome both Chris and Meredith Thompson who have graced our stage many times both as single artists and as a sister duo. Our featured beneficiary for the month is the El Salvadorian village of Izotalillo, visited recently by church members and local friends. Click here to see flyer! |
ALLIANCE LUNCH & PROGRAM AT FIRST CHURCH
Wed, Feb 19, 12:00 noon All Men and Women Welcome! Our Wednesday, February 19 lunch and program will be at The First Church in Belmont. The Alliance lunch begins at 12:00 and the program at 1:00pm. Our planned program will be Boston by Foot/The Dark Side of Boston (such as the molasses flood, etc.). To help us prepare for the number of attendees, please call Susan Street (617.484.1054, x201) and let her know that you will attend and the number of guests you will bring. Bring your own sandwich and we will provide soup, beverage, and dessert. The suggested lunch donation is $1.00 per person to help pay for the food costs. |
SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY
Thursday, Feb 20, 7:30pm, Conference Room
Kirk Israel will lead the discussion on Stuck in the Middle with You: A Memoir of Parenting in Three Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan. When her two boys were young, Boylan came out as transgender, and as Jenny transitioned from a man, to in-between, to a woman and from a father to a mother, her family faced unique challenges and questions. In this thoughtful, tear-jerking, hilarious memoir, Jenny asks what it means to be a father, or a mother, and to what extent gender shades our experiences as parents. "It is my hope," she writes, "that having a father who became a woman in turn helped my sons become better men." Selected reading is on the website eftaylor.com/sands. |
TRANSCENDENTALIST SERIES: Bronson Alcott and Ralph Waldo Emerson - Tuesday, Feb 25, 7:30pm, Parish Hall
Jan Turnquist, director of Orchard House, home of the Alcotts, will discuss Bronson Alcott's remarkable friendship with Emerson and the impact it had on both their lives. Al Herter will reflect on "Waldo & Me: My 45 year friendship and reliance on "The Sage of Concord," a program which will be part of the European Unitarian Universalist retreat this spring in France. These two men helped to shape nineteenth century American culture and thought and served as an inspiration for generations to come. |
FIRST CHURCH BOOK GROUP
Wednesday, Feb 26, 7:30pm, Library
The book for February is House of Stone: A Memoir of Home, Family, and a Lost Middle East by Anthony Shadid. In 2006, Anthony Shadid, a Pulitzer Prize winning foreign correspondent, resolved to rebuild his ancestral home in Marjayoun, Lebanon, which had been devastated by war. In House of Stone, Shadid tells not only the story of his efforts to restore the house, but also the story of his family's history in Marjayoun and their eventual migration from Lebanon to Oklahoma in the 1920's. Published posthumously shortly after Shadid's death while on assignment in Syria in 2012, House of Stone was a finalist for the National Book Award. Hayat Weiss will be leading the discussion and sharing her personal insights as a former native of Lebanon.
The Book Group is always open to new members. There is no long-term commitment. Feel free to join us for a single evening's discussion or to become a regular participant. We ask only that you confirm your intention to attend on a particular evening by the Monday before that session. Please contact Anne Stuart at: astuart@uubelmont.org or Karl Klasson at kklasson@uubelmont.org to confirm attendance if you are interested in participating or have any questions. |
|
|
