Easter Greetings from our Partner Church

Dear Friends in Belmont, 

We would like to wish all of you and your families a blessed Easter and spring holidays this season! In Désfalva, this time of year we worship on three consecutive days, inviting guest ministers to preach, and ending with a communion ceremony on Easter Sunday during which we remember Jesus the man, his teachings, and the manner of his death.

     Thank you so much for your Easter gift. I have already bought cooking oil and distributed it to the poor of the village. Everyone was extremely grateful and thanks you for your unfailing generosity.

     The scholarship students all did well this past semester, so I distributed the next installment of their scholarships, all but the two college students, who are still away. I'm pleased to report that although two students will be graduating this year, there will be two new qualified 9^th graders taking their place next year; one of them is the son of Enikő, whom you all met this past September when we visited.

     Thank you also so very much for the lactase for Sanyika. He is doing very much better and it is much easier for him to cope with dormitory food now.

     We would love to see as many of you as possible in 2015 - you oldsters as well as some of the congregation's youth. Please think about what kind of project we could do together, and let's plan it!

     With all best wishes of the season, Tündike, Tünde, Sanyika and Sándor!

Ushers Still Needed for Church Services April thru June

Please consider volunteering for one or more of the dates still needing ushers. The dates still available are:

     9:00 service on April 27, May 4, May 18, May 25, June 8

     11:00 service on April 27, May 11, May 18, June 8

To volunteer, see the Sign-Up board at community hour or contact David Warner dwarner@uubelmont.org. 

The Book Group will meet to discuss Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick. Bunker Hill is also this year's selection for One Book, One Belmont, which will be presenting a series of events related to the book in April and May, including a talk by the author on Tuesday, May 6. You can read information about these activities by going to:  http://www.belmont.lib.ma.us/one-book-one-belmont. In Bunker Hill Philbrick retells the story of the run-up to revolution in Boston and New England, providing a stirring narrative, memorable detail, and fresh perspective to this important passage in our nation's birth. The Book Group is always open to new members with no continuing commitment required. Please contact Anne Stuart at: astuart@uubelmont.org to confirm attendance if you are interested in participating. 

GRANDPARENTING NEAR AND FAR

Thursday, April 24, 7:30pm, Library

Nancy Davis will facilitate as we explore our changing roles and we will look at how grandparenting has changed during the past century. Bring pictures to share.

TWO WHO DARED - THE SHARPS' WAR

Saturday, April 26, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

The Belmont premiere of a film by Artemis Joukowsky followed by a performance and audience conversation with True Story Theatre. 

     At the outset of WWII Martha and Waitstill Sharp left their family in Massachusetts and traveled to Europe to secure the clandestine transportation of refugees. In 2006, the Sharps were recognized by the State of Israel as "Righteous Among the Nations" for risking their lives to save Jews and dissidents during the Holocaust. They are two of only three Americans honored at Yad Vashem. Co-sponsored by the Social Action and the Adult Programs Committee. Voluntary Donation.

ALL-CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE, MAY 3 NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Saturday, May 3 is our important public day. A male volunteer presence is especially welcome for the crowds we expect, but help from anyone allows the Sale to run smoothly. And packing up goes really quickly with a big crew. So please give some of your time on Saturday. By signing up beforehand at http://vols.pt/yG1e22, or on the boards in the Upper Gathering Hall, the Committee is able to plan ahead. Volunteers for 2 hours at the Sale may find fantastic bargains for their own use at the pre-Sale! Thanks in advance!

     The Rummage Sale not only supports the Window Fund, the work of the Partner Church Committee and Social Action Committee, but it also funds various church purchases such as the commercial refrigerator in the kitchen and the automated external defibrillator - AED - two things that maintain our well-being!

JEWISH MUSICAL TRADITIONS 

Tuesday, May 6, 7:30pm, Parish Hall  

Many of us have been moved by Chuck Claus' singing from the Jewish liturgy. Chuck will share his thoughts on, and present examples from, the Jewish musical tradition.

YOUTHBUILD USA 

Thursday, May 8, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

Join long-time First Church member, Dorothy Stoneman, founder of the organization in 1978, and several graduates of the program, as they share their insights into what has made YouthBuild so successful. They will offer personal insight into their experiences how anyone can help further its mission to unleash the positive energy of young people around the world. You will be inspired by this wonderful example of the good works that have been created and supported by our congregation. Co-sponsored by Social Action Committee 

SAVE the DATE!

Women's Spring Potluck Supper - Friday, May 16, 7pm