Calendar
Next Issue: March 25
Deadline: 3pm March 20
Wednesday, March 19
12:00pm BelUnitAlliance. UH.
7:30pm Women's Gr. Library.
7:30pm Youth Cte. CR.
Thursday, March 20
6:30pm Nominating Cte. Cl5.
6:45pm Nova Choir. Sanct.
7:30pm Science & Spirit. CR.
7:30pm SGM. Library.
8:00pm Knitting Circle. cl4.
Saturday, March 22
4:00pm Youth Gr reh. Sanct.
6:00pm YG/Family Potluck.PH.
Sunday, March 23
9:25am Sr. Choir. Parish Hall.
4:30pm OWL. Library.
Monday, March 24
6:30pm Jr; 7 Chan; 7:45 Youth.
7:00pm SAC. cl5.
7:30pm Min. Prog. Subcte. CR.
8:00pm Meditation. Library.
Tuesday, March 25
7:30pm Woship Cte. CR.
Wednesday, March 26
7:30pm FCBook Gr. Library.
7:45pm Member Database. cl7.
Looking Ahead
March 28: COA overnight
March 29: All-Church potluck
Link to church calendar |
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This Sunday
Music: March 23, 2014
Youth Group Services
Prelude: Allegro di molto (from Sonata #13)
-L. van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Rowan Wolf, piano
Songs & Stories -TBA
Members of the Youth Group
The flowers this Sunday are given by Martha Spaulding in joyous celebration of the third wedding anniversary of her daughter Rachel and son-in-law Cristiano.
Ushers: Members of the New Connections Ministry
Welcome & Announcements: Carolyn Howard and Anne Donohue
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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. You may fill out a Caring Connection card, available in the hymnal holders and drop it in the collection basket, or contact Laurie Graham at caring@uubelmont.org or Susan at the Church, 617.484.1054 x201. |
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. - Janet Amphlett, Devon Beckett, Nancy Davis, Steve Saar, and Martha Spaulding |
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Social Action Corner
ACTION IS OUR PRAYER |
Grow Clinic! Grow Clinic!
Only a couple of weeks left to cap off a great campaign to make this an extra bountiful drive. Please remember to toss some MAC & CHEESE boxes into your shopping cart this week-leave the boxes in your car-then bring them to church this Sunday. How easy is that? Think MAC & CHEESE. Thanks so much! |
Spring Housecleaning
At this time of the year we have a lot of activity related to our church annual pledges (thank you!). In order to keep accurate records, we need to know exactly which pledge period your check covers. Our current church year is July 2013 - June 2014, next year's pledge year is 2014-15. Please indicate on your check whether it's for the current church year (2013-14) or prepayment for next year's pledge (2014-15). Many thanks. |
Reminder to Church Groups & Committees
In order to get the best and efficient use of our church space, church groups should fill out an application form in the church office or email sstreet@uubelmont.org. You are also responsible for notifying Susan Street of any changes or cancellations.
Church groups must provide your own refreshments, set up and clean up, leaving the church as it was when you arrived. When you plan an event, make sure you have volunteers to CLEAN UP (this includes washing all tablecloths used for the event/meeting) and CLOSE UP carefully. Thank you.
1. Turn off thermostats.
2.Turn off all inside lights.
3. Make sure ALL outside doors are LOCKED & CLOSED TIGHTLY. |
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Project Bread's Annual Walk for Hunger
Sunday, May 4
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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 |
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5 Things To Know This Week
- Stewardship Update
- Nominating Committee
- First Church Book Group, March 26
- All-Church Potluck, March 29
- Young Adult Social Action Trip
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Sunday, March 23
Youth Sunday
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.)
Please join our high school Youth Group for the annual Youth Service at 9am and 11am. Reflections by the graduating seniors, tributes by the junior class and a Story for All Ages by the sophomores will come together to create a meaningful Sunday morning service. We hope you'll join us!
** Next Sunday, March 30 **
UUSC Justice Sunday
Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons |
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Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
We live in interesting times.
Much is being said within religious circles about the changes in society around us. There is a recognition that we must adapt to times or change, but some of these changes seem major and disconcerting (when did change ever seem otherwise?).
There are those who point to generational qualities that will require congregations to adapt to new ways of "doing" congregational life. One assumption is that people in newer generations do not have the same kind of loyalty to or tolerance of institutional organizations as their older co-religionists. They prefer "crowd-sourcing" approaches various parts of congregational life.
But how does an institution survive if no one pays attention to and cares for the institution itself? Or should institutions "morph" out of existence and become something we cannot yet foresee?
The Unitarian Universalist Association has been thinking about this and suggesting that congregations find new ways to think about themselves and what they do. For example the paper by Peter Morales, UUA President, entitled "Congregations and Beyond" sees our congregations as a base but sees us engaging people in many other ways as well.
It will be interesting to see how these changes play out-and how we adapt to them. |
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Music Notes from Alfa Radford
ANNOUNCING the FALL MUSICAL!
Back by popular demand, it's "BYE BYE BIRDIE"! Our fabulous Youth and Children's Choirs will present this delightful musical play, with its timeless story, and many memorable songs! "Bye Bye Birdie" continues to provide wholesome and amusing entertainment for all ages ever since it opened on Broadway decades ago. Our kids have been clamoring to do this show again, so get ready for great fun next Fall.
SAVE the DATES for Performances: Nov 6, 7, 8, 9. And stay tuned!
BOUQUETS to the Nova & Sr. Choirs & Soloists for their inspirational singing at the March 2, Stewardship Celebration Sunday.
AND MORE BOUQUETS to Chuck Claus, baritone, and Ken Stalberg, violinist, for uniquely beautiful music on March 9. My spirits were soaring for days...
FIRST CHURCH CHOIRS: New Singers Welcome!
NOVA CHOIR rehearses Thursdays 6:45-8:00pm (Sings in church twice a month at 9am)
SR. CHOIR rehearses Sunday mornings 9:25-10:45 (Sings every Sun 11:00 Service)
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS:
JR CHOIR (K-Gr4) Mon 6:30-7pm (except 4/21 & 5/26)
CHANCEL CHOIR (Gr5-6) Mon 7:00-7:45pm (except 4/21 & 5/26)
YOUTH CHOIR (Gr7-High Sch) Mon 7:45-8:30pm (except 4/21 & 5/26)
CALENDAR ITEMS:
May 11: Chancel Choir (Gr.5-6) sings at 9am. Arrive 8:15
May 11: Youth Choir (Gr.7-up) sings at 11am. Arrive 10:15
June 8: Multigenerational Services:
9am Jr Choir (K-Gr4) Arrive 8:30.
11am Chancel Choir (Gr5-6) Arr 10:15.
Looking forward to sweet Spring! Alfa |
Young Adult Social Action Trip (18-35 years)
Friday, August 8 - Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Chicago, Illinois - Ethical Eating and Advocacy
Ethical eating means more than local and organic ingredients - it means supporting the people throughout the food chain who bring food to your table. Come to Chicago, a nexus of America's food industry and economy, to learn how to use your power as a consumer to improve the lives of U.S. food workers. Working with the Restaurant Opportunities Center of Chicago, a UUSC partner, we will learn about labor history, the injustices of the restaurant industry, and innovative organizing strategies. We will meet directly with workers and organizers and take part in on-the-ground action. This hands-on experience will give us the knowledge and skills we need to choose compassionate consumption and support people at the forefront of change in the food industry - and the drive to get involved when we return home.
Cost: $500 (Does not include travel to/from Chicago) For additional information on pricing, meals, housing and a sample schedule, contact Julie Ennis at jennis@uubelmont.org.
Register by Sunday, March 23:
http://uucsj.org/journeys/food-for-thought-an-exploration-of-eating-and-worker-organizing/
Recommended Reading: Behind the Kitchen Door by Saru Jayaraman
Must See Trailer: http://www.powells.com/biblio/9780801451720?p_ti&PID=34712 |
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Stewardship Update
THANK YOU to all parishioners who have responded in timely fashion to the call for pledges to support our 2014-15 operations. Later this week the Stewardship Committee will communicate the initial results from the drive. We will also be reaching out to all parishioners from whom we have not yet heard as we strive to reach our $605,000 target. If you have not yet done so, please respond thoughtfully and promptly, and in any case no later than March 31. An on-line pledge form is available at www.uubelmont.org/stewardship. Our church's operations depend overwhelmingly on annual pledge commitments from current parishioners. We face the triple challenge of cost increases, deferred maintenance and the need to replace very generous support provided by the generation now passing. We can only continue to thrive, and offer the rich and broad range of programs and services that today's parishioners demand, if we join together in honoring this legacy by offering generous annual increases consistent with our pledging guidelines. Thank you for your consideration and your generosity. − The Stewardship Committee |
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee has the honor and privilege of offering slates of candidates to be presented to the congregation and voted on at the Annual Meeting, May 18, 2014 for the coming church year. Per the By-Laws, there are three slates: Parish Board including Officers and Trustees at Large; Finance Committee; and next year's Nominating Committee.
We are currently in the process of identifying prospective candidates. In order to make the process as open and inclusive as possible, we invite Members of the Congregation to recommend candidates to us. You are welcome to place your own name forward or to recommend someone you feel worthy of consideration for any of the above three committees.
Service in leadership within our Congregation is a vital part of our congregational style of church governance. There is no clerical hierarchy to impose leadership upon us, and we have the right to choose our own leadership. Each of us takes a turn at serving our fellow Members as we have the capacity to do so.
For the coming year, we will be filling four Trustee at Large positions on the Parish Board. We are seeking applicants for position of Parish Board Trustee at Large.
With special gratitude to Jeanne Widmer for her service as President this year, Carolyn Howard will advance next year to President, leaving a vacancy in the Vice Presidency. The Vice President works in close coordination with the President, and as well, serves as Chair of the Program Council, a key position guiding the overall program coordination of the church. We are seeking applicants for the position of Vice President.
With special gratitude to Marilyn Yee for her fine years of service as our church Treasurer, as Marilyn is rotating off at the end of this church year, we will also fill a vacancy in the Treasurer's position. Working both on the Parish Board and in coordination with the Finance Committee, this individual is instrumental in informing those ongoing conversations which assure the financial stability of our church. We are seeking applicants for the position of Treasurer.
We expect to have one or two vacancies on the Finance and Nominating Committees. We are seeking applicants to fill these vacancies as well.
All positions mentioned do require the individual to be a Member in good standing of The First Church in Belmont. If you are a Friend, and are interested in service in one of these capacities, please see Jim Staton to formalize your membership before making application. Parish Board At Large Trustees serve 3-Year Terms. Position Description HERE.
To make nominations or for more information, you may contact any member of the Nominating Committee shown below or the Church office, or by email to NOM@UUBelmont.org. All submissions for consideration by the Nominating Committee are due by Monday, March 10, 2014.
2013-14 Nominating Committee: James Hencke, Chair; Committee Members: Connie DiCocco, Bev Gillette, Sam James, Kate Searle, Carey Thomson |
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Among Us
A memorial service for Stephen Goulet will be held at The First Church in Belmont on Saturday, March 22 at 11:00am. |
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SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY
Thu, March 20, 7:30pm, CR - Ken Bernstein & Edwin Taylor
Alice Trexler will lead a discussion on the book The Philosophical Baby by Alison Gopnik. Gopnik describes recent studies on what babies and toddlers understand and when: When they feel empathy. When they understand rules. When they understand that hitting hurts. Why they have invisible friends. And consequences of these studies for parenting. Selected reading is available at eftaylor.com/sands. |
FIRST CHURCH BOOK GROUP
The Book Group will meet on Wed, March 26, 7:30pm in the Church Library to discuss Barbara Kingsolver's novel, Flight Behavior. Set in Barbara Kingsolver's native Appalachia, Flight Behavior tells the story of Dellarobia Turnbow intertwined with the story of climate change. A young mother in flight from her stifled life in the mountains of Tennessee, Dellarobia stumbles upon an astonishing sight, a mountainside covered in monarch butterflies. This discovery changes her life, her world outlook, and the community around her. Richard Waring and Kristin Phillips, admirers of monarch butterflies, will lead the discussion.
Looking Ahead: April 23, the Book Group will be discussing Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick, which is the One Book, One Belmont selection for 2014. The Belmont Library will present special events related to the book throughout April and May. |
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GRANDPARENTING - NEAR AND FAR
Thur, March 27, 7:30pm, Lib - Lillian Anderson and ML Landfried
This support group is for all who want to discuss how your role of grandparenting has made a difference in your life. We come together to share the joys and challenges of our changing roles with our own children as well as to compare stories of our grandchildren. This month we will look at how the roles of grandparenting have changed. |
ALL-CHURCH POTLUCK DINNER
Saturday, March 29, 6:30-8:30pm, Parish Hall
Savor a diversity of cuisines as varied as our congregation at this church-wide event sponsored by the Fellowship Committee. All ages are welcome. Come bring your favorite dish and bottle of wine to share, plus a healthy appetite. Show off your culinary talents, or secret recipe. Enjoy an evening of fine food and conversation at this fun evening together! Sign up at coffee hour, or just show up with something delicious. Direct any questions to fellowship@uubelmont.org. |
V DAY BELMONT - UNTIL THE VIOLENCE STOPS
First Church in Belmont, Social Action Subcommittee is joining in the global effort to stop violence against women and girls, with a benefit reading of Eve Ensler's A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer, on Saturday April 5 at 7:30pm in the Parish Hall. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students with ID, and are available at coffee hour, online at www.vdaybelmont.brownpapertickets.com and at the door. Proceeds will go to My Life My Choice, a local organization that works to prevent commercial sexual exploitation of young girls. The event is recommended for ages 15 and up. V-day is a global activist movement to stop violence against woman and girls. Their work is grounded in 4 core beliefs. Core belief #2: Lasting social and cultural change is spread by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Further information can be found at www.vday.org, Facebook.com.vday, and @vday on Twitter. |
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