Calendar
Next Issue: June 10
Deadline: 3pm
Wednesday, June 4
7:00pm Communications. cl5.
7:30pm Women's Group. Lib.
7:30pm YG mentor mtg. CR.
Thursday, June 5
7:30pm Caring for Adults. CR.
7:30pm SGM. Library.
8:00pm Knitting Circle. cl4.
Sunday, June 8
9:25am Sr. Choir. Parish Hall.
12:00pm Church Picnic. Green.
2:30pm Parenting Kids. Lib.
4:00pm Men's Group. Parlor.
6:30pm Partner Ch. event. PH.
Monday, June 9
9:30am Jobseekers. Library.
7:15pm Parish Board. Library.
8:00pm Meditation. cl5.
Wednesday, June 11
7:00pm Children's RE. cl5.
7:45pm Member Database. cl7.
Looking Ahead
June 13: Coffeehouse
Link to church calendar |
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This Sunday
Music: June 8, 2014
Prelude: The Lily Has a Fine Stalk -Gerald Finzi (1901-1956)
Alfa Joy Radford, organ
9:00 Service:
Jr. Choir: Yes, I Am! -Spiritual
Wonder Where is Good Old Daniel -Spiritual
The Seven UU Principles in Song
Postlude: Eleanor Amer, piano
11:00 Service:
Chancel Choir: Wir eilen from Cantata No. 78
-J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Sr. Choir Offertory: The 23rd Psalm -Jean Berger (1909-2002)
Postlude: Allegro burlesco (from Sonata in a minor)
-F. Kuhlau (1786-1832)
Lila Searls, piano
The flowers this Sunday are given by Anne Stuart and Paul Santos to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary--and all kinds of friendships at First Church
Ushers: Members of the New Connections Ministry
Welcome & Announcements:
Anne Donohue and Doug Burden |
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Social Action Corner
ACTION IS OUR PRAYER |
Grow Clinic! Grow Clinic!
Did you know that you contributed almost 200 bags of groceries this year to families served by the Grow Clinic? Do you know what a difference YOU made in the lives of infants and toddlers carrying the diagnosis of Failure To Thrive and to their families? Did you know you're the absolute best congregation? Sending our heartfelt thanks to you....Your Grow Clinic Committee |
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Socks Drive for Bristol Lodge
The First Church in Belmont Social Action Committee is having a drive of CLEAN NEW ADULT- SIZE SOCKS for the Bristol Lodge. The Bristol Lodge, one of the beneficiaries at the upcoming June 13 Coffeehouse, serves homeless men and women. We will have a basket in the Upper Hall to collect socks and we will give them to our beneficiary on the evening of June 13 during the Coffeehouse. Please make an effort to bring one or two packs of socks for this heartwarming cause.
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Men's Group Welcomes New Members
The newly formed diverse men's group welcomes both new and recent members to First Church as well as those who wanted to, but never joined, such a group. We share personal and professional concerns, aspirations, and experiences along with some community service activities. The Group is eager to welcome new members to its June meetings, Sunday, June 8 and 22 at 4pm in the Parlor. For more info contact Joe Weiss (jweiss@uubelmont.org) or Will Cordis (wcordis@uubelmont.org). |
Pledge reminders were sent out recently to those who have not completed this year's pledge (July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014). 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.
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| Reminder from the Treasurer
Our church fiscal year ends June 30. Expense reimbursement forms should be submitted before June 15 to allow us time to close the books for this fiscal year. Thank you. |
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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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Things To Know This Week
- Flower Communion, June 8
- All-Church Picnic, June 8
- An Evening with the Csángós, June 8
- Second Friday Coffeehouse, June 13
- Sandy Island Retreat, September 12-14
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Sunday, June 8
Multigenerational Service & Flower Communion 
Rev. David M. Bryce
9:00 & 11:00 Church Service
Childcare for infants and young children
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 15**
9:30am Lay-Led Service Parish Hall
Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons |
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Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
Bring Flowers!
Our service on June 8 will be our annual Flower Communion service.
Each person who attends brings a flower to the service and leaves with a different flower, symbolizing in part the gifts we bring to and receive from one another.
In recent years we have provided flowers to those who forgot to bring their own. (I am one who needed such a flower on more than one of our flower communion Sundays.)
My observation (correct or not) is that it seems as though more and more people have "forgotten" to bring any flowers.
In order for the ceremony to have its fullest meaning, it is important for each of us to bring our own flower--that something of ourselves--to the service.
Please remember to do so, and to bring an extra for those who do forget. |
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Music Notes from Alfa Radford
END-of-YEAR CALENDAR ITEMS for CHOIRS:
FINAL REHEARSALS for this season will be on Monday, June 2 for the Jr and Chancel Choirs.
JR. CHOIR sings at the 9:00 Service on June 8. Arrive 8:30.
CHANCEL CHOIR (Gr.5-6) sings at the 11:00 Service on June 8. Arrive 10:15.
SR. CHOIR sings at the 11:00 Service June 8 (Our last for the season).
WARM THANKS to all who sang in the Ordination Choir for Allison Palm's big day. We did, indeed, "make a joyful noise!"
FRAGRANT LILIES to the Canzona Women's Ensemble for their enchanting madrigals last Sunday; and HIGH PRAISE to the Sr. Choir for a stirring double chorus anthem; and to the Nova Choir for their lovely Spanish song.
REGISTRATION for YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS and "Bye Bye Birdie"! To register ONLINE, go to The First Church in Belmont website, www.uubelmont.org. Welcome to all children and youth who enjoy singing! Gr. K thru High School. Please see article elsewhere in this newsletter.
NOTE: Current choristers also need to register for the Fall programs. QUESTIONS? Call or email Alfa Radford 781.646.2123 / alfajoy@uubelmont.org.
The 36th ANNUAL CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT was a delightful event! A highly enthusiastic audience enjoyed the eclectic program, and we raised approximately $600 for the Boston Medical Ctr's Pediatric SPARK Program (Supporting Parents And Resilient Kids - formerly Pediatric AIDS Program). During the evening, Dr. Martha Vibbert, Director, spoke about their vitally important work, and their appreciation of our annual benefit concerts.
It is such a joy to combine social action with music! -Alfa |
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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. 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. |
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Among Us
Our love and sympathy to Nicole, Michael, Alex and Michael Griffin on the death of Nicole's mother on May 22. |
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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 |
The Unitarian
Our primary method of distribution for the Unitarian is e-mail. If you are not currently receiving the Unitarian by e-mail, please provide Susan Street ( sstreet@uubelmont.org) with your current e-mail address. 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.
***Clip and Mail***
___ I would like to receive the Unitarian via first-class mail. Enclosed is my donation of $20 to cover mailing costs.
___ I would like to receive the Unitarian via first-class mail. This presents a financial burden, so please cover the costs from church operating funds.
___ I would like to receive the Unitarian via email. My email address is _____________________________ (or simply email Susan Street, sstreet@uubelmont.org). |
NOW OPEN! REGISTRATION for YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS
Welcome to all children and youth who enjoy singing!
We are now taking registrations for all the YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS for the upcoming church year, Sept 2014-June 2015; and for the Fall musical "Bye Bye Birdie." You may register ONLINE by clicking on the link at the First Church website or you may register by filling out a paper Registration Form found in various places around the church.
NOTE: Current choristers also need to register for the Fall programs.
QUESTIONS? Call or email Alfa Radford 781.646.2123 / alfajoy@uubelmont.org. |
CARING FOR OLDER ADULTS
Thursday, June 5, 7:30pm, CR
Miriam Baker and Deborah Blumberg
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 please attend when it is convenient for you. |
KNITTING CIRCLE
Thursday, June 5, 8-9:30pm, cl4
Nancy Davis and Eva Patalas
Come join us in the fun and fellowship of knitting with a genial group on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. Projects could include knitting for non-profit organizations such as Caps for Kids, making small gifts for the Holiday Fair or working on personal projects. Everyone is welcome and no commitment is necessary. Questions, contact Eva. |
ALL-CHURCH PICNIC - Sunday, June 8
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the annual All-Church Picnic immediately following the 11:00 service on Sunday, June 8. There will be delicious food including burgers, chicken, hot dogs and vegetarian options, lots of yummy salads for the salad contest, and of course, dessert. The cost is $5/adults, $5/children 4-12 yr, $20/families.
Salad Contest - Don't miss the annual First Church Salad Contest! Bring your favorite salad to share at the picnic - green salads, pasta salads, fruit salads, all types are welcome. Please bring your salad to the kitchen the day of the picnic and enter your name on the list to be part of the contest. Then at the picnic everyone will vote for their favorite. We serve over 200 people at the picnic, so the more salads the better!
Volunteers NEEDED! We will have a sign-up sheet at coffee hour listing different opportunities for people to help with this fun annual event - volunteers needed to run games for kids, grill, sell tickets, set-up, clean-up, shop, etc. If you have any questions, or would like to help out, please e-mail fellowship@uubelmont.org. |
PARENTING KIDS WITH CHALLENGES
Sunday, June 8, 2:30-4pm, Library - Andrea Prestwich
Does your child have special challenges? Has he/she been diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, or sensory problems? We will offer support and share experience in a non-judgmental space. Childcare upon request. Snacks provided. |
 AN EVENING WITH THE CSÁNGÓS
A Very Special Educational Benefit
June 8 in Parish Hall
Come join the Partner Church Committee for one last church event of the year! Finger food potluck at 6:30, singing, dancing, and information starting at 7:00. Look for the colorful posters around church for more information! |
LIVING WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS
Thursday, June 12, 7pm, Library
Nanny Almquist and Kathy Lind
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
Please mark your calendars for Friday, June 13 @ 7:30 when the final Second Friday Coffeehouse of the season will feature An Evening with Richard Curzi & Positive Energy - Unplugged. Click here to see flyer! |
SAVE THE DATE -- REGISTRATION STARTING SOON
10th Annual Sandy Island Retreat, September 12-14, 2014
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. Register online with this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1b0pmBWkQQ_SYz-K59wnluxHthfBOPRpcXPN9b9yTpaw/viewform?usp=send_form
or find registration link and more info here: uubelmont.org > Membership Services > Fellowship |
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