Calendar
Next Issue: September 30
Deadline: 3pm September 25
Wednesday, September 24
7:30pm FCBook Group. Lib.
Thursday, September 25
6:45pm Nova Choir. Sanct.
Friday, September 26
4:00pm SGM. Library.
7:00pm Women's Potluck. UH.
Saturday, September 27
COA Heifer Village overnight.
2:00pm R. Casanova Memorial
Service. Sanctuary/UH.
Sunday, September 28
8:15am Nova Choir. Sanct.
9:25am Sr. Choir. Parish Hall.
6/7pm YAC/YG. Parlor/UH.
Monday, September 29
6:30pm Jr; 7 Chan/Youth.
8:00pm Meditation. Library.
Tuesday, September 30
7:30pm Community Table. Lib.
Wednesday, October 1
7:30pm Women's Gr. Lib.
Looking Ahead
October 3: Men's Potluck
October 17: Coffeehouse
Link to church calendar |
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This Sunday
Music: September 28, 2014
Prelude: Improvisations on "Yigdal" -Old Hebrew melody, arr. AJR
Alfa Joy Radford, organ
Offertory Solo: Hazkara LiK'doshim (Prayer for the Holy Ones) -Music by Cantor Israel Alter (1901-1979) In observance of the Jewish High Holy Days Chuck Claus, baritone
9:00 Nova Choir: Psalm 121- Ich heb' mein Augen zu den Bergen
(I lift mine eyes to the mountains)
-H. Schütz (1585-1672)
9:00 Postlude: Adon alom
-Trad'l Mary Beekman, organ
11:00 Sr. Choir: Shehecheyanu (Praised are you, our God) In observance of the Jewish High Holy Days
-Ben Steinberg (contemp.)
11:00 Postlude: Prelude in b minor -F. Chopin (1810-1849)
Ian Garvie, piano
The flowers this Sunday are given by Eleanor Hobbs in celebration of local farmers and a bountiful harvest of seasonal organic flowers and vegetables.
Ushers: Members of the New Connections Ministry
Welcome & Announcements: Peter Guthrie & Doug Burden
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Social Action Corner
ACTION IS OUR PRAYER |
Grow Clinic! Grow Clinic!
*Grow Clinic doctors write prescriptions for their patients to the Preventive Food Pantry for high calorie, protein rich foods.
*Your food contributions stock the Pantry shelves.
*Baby Food, Infant Formula, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Graham Crackers, Rice, Tuna Fish in Oil, Thick Canned Stews, Canned Ravioli and
Spaghetti, Canned Corn, Vegetable Oil, Canned Meats, Raisins and Other Dried Fruit, Boxed Mac & Cheese.
FOOD: ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MEDICINES |
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Urban Ministry Interfaith Open House
Sunday, Sept 28, 2-4:30pm
Come learn what's happening at the oldest place of worship in Roxbury and at one of the newest! We will start at the First Church in Roxbury, founded in 1632. Explore the 1804 meetinghouse, climb up to the steeple for a stunning view of downtown Boston, ring the Paul Revere bell, and participate in a scavenger hunt to learn the history of this storied congregation. Learn, too, about the many ways in which the UU Urban Ministry, stewards of the First Church, puts our faith into action through direct service, education and outreach to Roxbury and surrounding communities.
We will then walk down the hill to tour the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, the largest mosque in New England and a dynamic cultural center. Our tour guide will speak to the architectural and spiritual features of the Center. We will also learn about Islam and the Boston Muslim community, and have an opportunity to discuss how we can all foster interfaith dialogue. Please join us! For more info, please email openhouse@uuum.org or contact Michael Collins if you need a ride, mbcollins12@gmail.com.
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UUSC.ORG (uusc.org)
First Monthly Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Note
A list of campaigns and legislative actions selected by our service organization can be found on www.UUSC.org. You can read concise summaries of the pressing issues our UUSC staff are currently highlighting. The online Action Center makes it easy for you to participate, whether by signing your name, calling a decision-maker, donating, or writing statements of support. For example, you can call your Senator's office about The Disability Rights Treaty, find a place to eat where the workers are receiving fair pay, and more. Our Committee hopes that you will visit the site to become inspired by some of the campaigns and to take action as you can. - Alice Trexler for the UUSC Committee |
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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
- Women's Fall Potluck, September 26
- "Eating Our Values" at The Community Table, September 30
- Men's Fall Potluck, October 3
- Youth Group Babysitting Fundraiser
- Coffeehouse Season Tickets
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Sunday, September 28
Abraham's Sacrifice
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.)
In one of the dramatic stories in both the Bible and the Qur'an, Abraham is willing to sacrifice his child in the name of God. How willing are we to sacrifice to a higher principle or authority. How willing should we be?
** Next Sunday, October 5 **
Rev. David M. Bryce preaching, Money: the Spiritual Aspect
Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons |
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Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
I love Facebook.
I am a bit embarrassed to admit that, though I am not really sure why.
I know there are some who feel that it is a waste of time, that people are now becoming too focused on "fake" relationships and are no longer interacting well (or at all!) with those immediately around them. That can happen.
And certainly social media of all kinds are filled with junk and bunk.
Often, people repost political falsehoods presented as truth--political claims that just a few moments of fact checking would prove to be rumors or outright lies.
We live in a time when a propagandist can make things up gain traction with thousands or even tens of thousands of people. But when was that not the case?
And--sorry to say to those of you who think this is important--I do not care what level you have completed in your online game. Harsh words, I know; but...
Then there is the fact that there is such a great quantity of information that is posted that, even if it is interesting, it would take forever to read it all. And so much of my time on Facebook is spent scrolling quickly past posts.
But I quickly scroll past some news articles as well.
On the other hand, social media allow us to reconnect with people whom we may not have seen in decades.
This past summer I visited with two friends whom I had not seen in more time than I wish to acknowledge.
Both live in the Boston area and I had been "friends" with each of them on Facebook for about two years. I finally took the action of asking to see them. Both meet-ups were quite nice, and I will be seeing them each again.
If not for social media, I would not have known how to contact them, and so would not have reconnected with them in "real life."
Also social media can allow us to find people "like ourselves," which can be extremely important for those who find themselves outcast or ostracized in their own immediate circles. And it can help people with particular interests to connect with others who share those interests. (Did you know that there is a Wooden Spoon Collectors Club on Facebook?)
Connection and community can be built in many ways. Face to face is one of the most important, and is partly why we gather together on Sunday mornings. But it is not the only form of connection and community. May we all find community in some important ways in our lives. |
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Music Notes from Alfa Radford
WARM THANKS to the NOVA and SR CHOIRS for their beautiful music at our Sunday Worship Services.
And RED ROSES to our wonderful soloists: Melanie Bacaling, Chuck Claus, Irina Kareva, and Davron Monroe.
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS:
MONDAYS: Same sched every Mon (not published henceforth)
6:30-7:00pm-Jr Choir (K-Gr4) JR. CHOIR Groups will be formed soon!
7:00-8:30pm-Upper Cast (Gr5-up) (NOTE:Mon reh's are shorter after play.)
CHOIR PARENTS: Please mail or bring play Registr Fees & Forms!
BYE BYE BIRDIE (BBB) Rehs for Chancel & Youth Choirs (Gr5-up)
Chancel/Youth Choirs rehearse together, and are called UPPER CAST.
UPPER CAST SCHEDULE: (Gr 5-up)
MONDAYS: 7:00-8:30 (same every Monday)
THURSDAYS: "Time Window" 3-6:30 (i.e. Reh's will start/end at various times)
SUNDAYS: "Time Window" 3-6:30 (i.e. Reh's will start/end at various times)
Watch your Email AND The Unitarian newsletter.
Weekly Sched also posted on Parish Hall door.
NOTE to UPPER CAST: Detailed Sched will be sent, weekly, via EMAIL to each family.
SNACKS Thursdays & Sundays: Thespians should bring a non-messy snack.We'll provide water.
Questions? Contact Alfa at 781-646-2123 or alfajoy@uubelmont.org
NOTE to Choir Families: BYE BYE BIRDIE is our only Fall project, so all reh's thru Nov 9, pertain to it. After that, Choirs rehearse Holiday music, and those who missed "BB BIRDIE" will re-join the ChoirsJ
Holiday Calendar Items: All Youth/Children's Choirs sing in church Services Dec 21 & 24.
Joyfully, ALFA
REGISTRATION for YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS:
ONLINE Registration is open for all Youth & Children's Choirs and for the Fall musical, Bye Bye Birdie. Go to our church website, www.uubelmont.org to find the link. OR you may send in the blue paper form contained in the postal mailing.
IMPORTANT: Last year's choristers also need to register.
Questions? Call or email Alfa Radford 781.646.2123 / ALFAJOY@uubelmont.org. |
| Children's Religious Education Information
Sunday School Program Notes
Children must be registered to attend Sunday morning religious education classes. If you haven't registered your child(ren) yet, please follow this link to our online registration system: http://uubelmont.org/childrens-re/.
Nursery, preschool and Kindergarten-aged children begin in their classrooms at 9 and 11 o'clock.
Children in Gr. 1-8 begin in the Sanctuary for the first portion of the service and then move to their classrooms at about 9:20 or 11:20am. On the 1st Sunday of each month they gather in the Library instead of attending service in the Sanctuary. Look for posters in the entryway on Sunday mornings.
Sunday morning classes end at 10:15am and 12:15pm. Children in Gr. 3 & above will be released from class at those times. Children in Gr. 2 & younger must be picked up promptly by a parent at the end of classes.
September Sunday School Schedule
This year our combined pre-S/K classes are exploring their uniqueness, emotions and friendships using the Treasure Hunting curriculum.
Beginning Sunday, September 21, children in Gr. 1-8 are exploring World Religions. They will learn about Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism as well as explore holiday rituals from Judaism, Christianity and Earth-Centered traditions. Our bulletin board in the hallway of the CRE wing will have rotating information on the World Religious currently being studied by our CRE classes.
We are still looking for teachers, especially at 11am, to explore and learn alongside our children. Please contact Charlotte Lehmann, Acting Director of CRE, at clehmann@uubelmont.org if you are interested in teaching.
New teachers
All new volunteer teachers will need to complete background check authorization forms and to sign code of conduct forms prior to teaching. Access forms via this link: http://uubelmont.org/coriandsori/.
Neighboring Faiths program for 7th & 8th grade youth
Spanning all of 7th grade and continuing through the fall of 8th grade, the program explores various faith traditions through classroom discussion and visits to experience worship in other faith communities. This program meets only during the 11am service each Sunday.
If you are a parent with a youth enrolled in Neighboring Faiths, we must have a completed permission form for each child. Parent volunteers are needed to drive to/from the visits. Volunteers must have background checks and fill out volunteer driver forms. Access forms via this link: http://uubelmont.org/neighboring-faiths/.
Congregation-wide theme: Environmental Stewardship
The children will explore this theme on Sundays scattered throughout the church year. Families may wish to do the activities related to geology in the Fall 2014 issue of the UU World's Family Pages as one way to engage with the Environmental Stewardship theme. This and other Family Pages issues are available from the UUA: http://www.uua.org/re/families/153856.shtml.
Charlotte Lehmann, Acting Director of Children's Religious Education
Office hours (generally): Sundays 8 am-1pm and Tues/Weds/Thurs 10am-6pm. E-mail: clehmann@uubelmont.org.
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Babysitting Fundraiser
Due to popular demand--3 dates this year!
Sat, Nov 15 Sat, Dec 6 Sat, Mar 14
Attention parents! The Youth Group is organizing a babysitting fundraiser. If you sign-up, 2 members of the YG will come to your house at 6pm to care for your children. 2-6 hours: you choose! $15/hr. Proceeds benefit the Youth Group's Biennial Service-Learning Trip. This year the YG is headed to the Navajo Nation in Arizona!
Sign-up in the RE wing after church services in September or contact Julie Ennis, Director of Youth Programs, at jennis@uubelmont.org. |
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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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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, Martha Spaulding, and Tom Neel |
WOMEN'S FALL POTLUCK SUPPER
Friday, Sept 26, 7pm, Upper Hall
A warm welcome to all First Church women and friends who would like to join us to share a meal together. This is a true potluck so bring whatever you like to eat and a beverage to drink. This is a wonderful opportunity to see old friends and make new ones and find out what is happening within our community. RSVP's to landerson@uubelmont.org so we'll know how many places to set. |
| "EATING OUR VALUES" at THE COMMUNITY TABLE
Rachel Greenberger - Tues, Sept 30, 7:30pm, Library
Why do we care so much about the food we eat and serve? Community Table is a two-year-old social innovation developed by Food Sol at Babson College (foodsol.org) for sparking relevant and actionable community interactions on important topics connected to food. The theme of our Community Table will be "Eating Our Values" and UU member Martha Spaulding's daughter, Rachel Greenberger, Director of Food Sol, will facilitate. Limited to 25 people. To register contact landerson@uubelmont.org. |
MEN'S FALL POTLUCK SUPPER
Friday, Oct 3, 7pm, Upper Hall
Come and share food and experiences with new friends and old. All First Church men are welcome to bring a dish of their choice (appetizers, main dish, salad or dessert) AND a beverage to share. Please RSVP to Jim, jstaton@uubelmont.org or sign up at coffee hour. |
UNIVERSALISM
Sun, Oct 5, 12:30-2pm, Library - Doris Hunter & Edwin Taylor
When you get to Heaven, as Universalism predicts you will, you can hobnob with St. Francis and Michelangelo. Do you expect to see Hitler there? The murderous Joseph Stalin? Hosea Ballou, the greatest theologian of Universalism movement, strongly asserted that we receive just reward for virtue and just punishment for sin during our life on earth, not in the afterlife. "On the dissolution of the body and carnal mind at death, the soul immediately is transformed by the overwhelming power of God's love and is ushered into the heavenly state?" Do you agree? Should we go to purgatory for a quick cleanup first? Do traces of the Universalist belief still live in our First Principle: The worth and dignity of every person? |
THE BELMONT UNITARIAN ALLIANCE
We invite all women and men to join us for our monthly lunches and activities. To renew your Alliance membership or to become a member for the first time, please fill out the lower portion of this letter and send it with your check to The First Church in Belmont. Any additional contribution you can make to the Alliance Projects (e.g. Easter Flowers, various small First Church repairs, etc.) is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Carla Kirmani-Taylor, Alliance Board Member
THE BELMONT UNITARIAN ALLIANCE
Membership dues for the 2014-15 Church year: $15.00
Contribution to the Alliance 1st Church projects: $
TOTAL = $
Please make check payable to the Belmont Unitarian Alliance and mail to The First Church in Belmont UU, Attn: Belmont Unitarian Alliance, P. O. Box 113, Belmont, MA 02478-3032
Your Name:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Email Address: |
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THE SECOND FRIDAY COFFEEHOUSE NEEDS YOU
to help celebrate our 30th year!!
HELP WHOM?
1. Help your friends on the Coffeehouse Committee reach our goal! Last year we sold a record 58 Season Tickets, and this year we really hope to make 60, or more!
2. Help truly worthy and needy individuals and the programs that serve them locally, nationally, and internationally, with needs ranging from food, shelter, and physical and emotional safety to the most basic health care, social justice for marginalized groups, and investment in a global future!
3. Help yourself to a great deal on amazing music in a warm and welcoming setting and the easiest and most efficient charitable contribution you've ever made!
HELP HOW?
1. Buy a Season Ticket to the Second Friday Coffeehouse! Only $99 (no price increase in ten years!) for two people for nine shows and ten beneficiaries, a mere 55% of the price at the door, AND it's tax deductible to boot! Bring your checkbook to the coffee hour after either service or send your check for $99 made out to First Church in Belmont (memo line marked Coffeehouse) to First Church in Belmont, P.O. Box 113, Belmont, MA 02478.
2. Come to all the Coffeehouses you can. They are a genuine feel-good experience!
3. Consider whether you might want to become a part of the Coffeehouse Committee; we have fun together bringing music and fellowship to the Parish Hall once a month and helping to do some concrete meaningful good in the world. Ask anyone on the committee to learn more.
THE LATEST DETAILS?
1. We really do need you. As of September 16, we had a solid start of 19 tickets purchased. (Thank you all so much!) This leaves a minimum of 41 to go, and the needs have never been greater. So c'mon, First Church family! TOGETHER, WE CAN DO IT!
2. Click here for (almost completed!) season details.
With deepest affection and appreciation, Your Coffeehouse Committee! Richard Curzi, Lauraine Dalton, Kathy Dunlap, Patricia Garcia (on leave), Monte Grob, Jim Hall, Roger Miller, Anne Selman, Lanier Smythe, Jim Staton, Jim Sugarman, and Deborah Youngman!
P.S. If you paid regular admission at the September 19 Coffeehouse, you can still get a Season Ticket! We will deduct that admission from your Season Ticket price!
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