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

TO ALL WOMEN OF FIRST CHURCH

Our 2015 retreat will take place in beautiful Essex, MA, from March 13 to 15. All women from the church are welcome. If you've been thinking about joining us, now is the time to act-we have only a few spaces left. The October 10 deadline for registration has been extended just for you. See the display at coffee hour or speak to Lillian Anderson (fcbadultprograms@gmail.com) for more information.  

THE BELMONT ALLIANCE - Wed, Oct 15, 12 noon, Upper Hall

Looking for connection at lunchtime? If you are retired or are free at lunchtime, join the Alliance for our next program entitled "Art and how we look at it" with Nicole Bernstein. Bring your own sandwich and we will provide soup, beverage and dessert for a suggested donation of $1.00 per person. Contact Susan in the office, 617.484.1054 x201 and let her know you'll be attending.

SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY - Thur, Oct 16, 7:30pm, CR 

Bruce Dame will lead a discussion on Humanism. Humanism meets religion head-on, dispenses with God, and fashions a guide to living from a view about human nature itself. The reading combines Humanist Manifestos I and III with portions of the book "Humanism as the Next Step" by Lloyd and Mary Moran. Download the reading from http://eftaylor.com/sands

SECOND FRIDAY COFFEEHOUSE - Oct 17, 7:30pm, Parish Hall

Please mark your calendars for October 17 @ 7:30 pm for Diane Taraz's CD Release Party at the Second Friday Coffeehouse! Diane will be introducing her newly recorded CD-"Let's Do It!" The realization of her long-term dream, the CD includes 12 of Diane's most beloved jazz standards, interpreted in her inimitable style and dulcet tones-which one critic described as a "no-frills voice, ever so natural, yet so rich and vibrant!" (Amazon) Diane will be joined on the SFCH stage by 4 of the 5 other musicians who contributed to the CD-Mike Duke (guitar), Peter Tillotson (bass), Billy Novick (clarinet), and Eric Kilburn (mandolin)-along with Steve Rose on drums. Come this Friday and join the fun!

"THE DIGNITY AND INDIGNITIES OF AGING"

Sun, Oct 19, 12:30-2pm, Library - Jackie James with Edwin Taylor

Getting old can be a challenge. The body demands more of our time and attention than it did in earlier days, memory is slipping, and we worry about mental decline. On the other hand, research on aging suggests ways to age successfully. What can we learn that prepares us to live richly and contribute to society during old age?

THE FIRST CHURCH BOOK GROUP

Wed, October 22, 7:30pm, Library

We will discuss Isabel Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns, a powerful book that tells the story of the Great Migration of southern blacks to northern cities during the first half of the twentieth century. Here is Booklist's review of The Warmth of Other Suns: From the early twentieth century through its midpoint, some six million black southerners relocated themselves, their labor, and their lives, to the North, changing the course of civil, social, and economic life in the U.S. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wilkerson offers a broad and penetrating look at the Great Migration, a movement without leaders or precedent. A sweeping and stunning look at a watershed event in U.S. history. 

     The book is highly readable, beautifully written, and haunting. We think it is one you will long remember. It is, however, quite lengthy. We encourage you to read as much as you can, and if you feel you cannot read it all, suggest that you focus on the story of Ida May Brandon Gladney. Please feel free to participate in the discussion on October 22, even if you have not yet finished reading the book.

     The Book Group is always open to new members and does not require a continuing commitment. Please contact Anne Stuart at astuart@uubelmont.org with questions and to confirm attendance. Looking ahead: for November we will read the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop and request that participants select a Bishop poem to share with the group on November 19.

CAN YOU SPARE AN HOUR OR TWO?

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Volunteers are needed to cover the church office (answer phones & greet visitors) from October 20 through 24. If you have a free morning or afternoon, please contact Susan Street, sstreet@uubelmont.org or 617.484.1054 x201.