Today we celebrate the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and its good works, and we celebrate our support of the UUSC over the years since its founding in 1940. 

** Next Sunday, November 23 **

Rev. David M. Bryce preaching, Thanksgiving

Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons

For the last several years, at least, the CRE Program has hired, from outside the congregation, qualified individuals to assist with the Sunday morning program. The two positions - Sunday Morning RE Assistant and Lead Pre-School/Kindergarten RE Teacher - went unfilled during the search over the spring and summer for a Director to lead the CRE program. The job of filling these two important positions was transferred to me when I started as Acting Director in September. Unfortunately, they remain unfilled despite my posting them through local preschools and an affiliated list-serve; area colleges, universities and divinity schools; and Craigslist and other recruitment venues. To date, I have received only three responses to the ads, and these have not gone beyond initial contact.

     While the work of Wendy Conroy, CRE Assistant, has been tremendous and invaluable in smoothing this time of transition in the CRE program, Wendy's time and availability are limited and her passion is for our sexuality programs, OWL for 5^th & 6^th graders (Spring) and 8^th graders (Winter-Spring). (Be sure to thank her for all she does when you see her!) Between Wendy and I, we have been getting along, but we really do need dependable people in these positions.

     The Sunday Morning RE Assistant helps with set-up and clean-up of lessons and classroom spaces. This person is also available to fill in as a second teaching adult at the last minute on Sunday mornings, or stand in for me when I am out of town (as Gaby Garschina-Bobrow and Eleanor Sugarman did on October 26, for which I am very grateful). This position is suitable for post-secondary students or others looking for a little extra income each month.

     The Lead Pre-S/K RE Teacher facilitates our two Pre-S/K classes and provides expertise in early childhood learning as well as the consistency needed by children of this age-level to feel safe and learn best. The ideal candidate will have Pre-S/K teaching experience.

     Anyone (volunteer or paid) who works with our children has to clear CORI/SORI background checks, which is one of our safe congregations practices at FCB.

     The congregation has a policy regarding hiring which precludes members of the congregation from being eligible for these positions, but that doesn't mean that you can't help in finding appropriate candidates. If you know of someone who might be interested and qualified, please let them know of our openings and have them contact me for a job description.

~Charlotte Lehmann, Acting Director of Children's Religious Education

     Office hours (generally): Sun 8am-1pm and Tue/Wed/Thur 10am-6pm.

     E-mail: clehmann@uubelmont.org.

Highlights from Our Religious Education Wing

     In our World Religions classes, we shift our attention from learning about Islam to the eastern traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism as well as getting a taste of holiday traditions from around the world.

     Neighboring Faiths: In addition to visiting worship services in other faith traditions and discussing these experiences, our 7^th & 8^th graders engage in thoughtful conversation around issues raised in the movies. Through Popcorn Theology programs they wrestle with ethics and morality. This is something every family can do when they watch movies or television programs together.

SAVE THE DATE: February 7, 2015

The First Church Biennial Auction: "An Evening at the Oscars"

Just as winter becomes impossible to bear, we'll be rolling out the red carpet for you and your friends at the First Church Auction, the season's most elegant event. Bask in the glamor of Hollywood: Come costumed  as a movie star, a director, a cinematographer, a favorite movie character, or an extra! (You can dress up or down as much as you want-we're UUs, after all.) Mark your calendar now (snowdate February 8). And in the meantime, be thinking about what you can donate. Do you have an organization or an individual in your business or personal network who would be willing to provide goods or services? (A celebrity chef? A life coach? A clutter buddy? A portrait artist?) For questions, suggestions, or to volunteer (we need you!), write to Marion Westgate, Auction Chair, at UU.Belmont.Auction@gmail.com.

Miriam Baker & Deborah Blumberg Thur, Nov 13, 7:30pm, CR

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

LIVING WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS

Nanny Almquist and Kathy Lind - Thu, Nov 13, 7:00pm, Library

Our lives are constantly changing and facing changes that involve illness makes us feel vulnerable. This ongoing support group facilitated by Kathy Lind and Nanny Almquist 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.

Sunday, Nov 16, 12:30-1:30pm, Parish Hall

Mark Golden will present a brief video entitled, 'Voices of the West Bank and Israel'. This video records Mark's experience last year during a two week visit to Israel, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. As an American Jew with a keen interest in Middle Eastern politics, Mark enters this profound conversation by talking to ordinary Palestinians and Israelis. The film explores important themes including the "Separation Wall." It also documents the response of the Israeli military to a peaceful Palestinian demonstration. Mark will be available to answer questions and facilitate a discussion of the issues. Sponsored by Social Action & Adult Programs

FIRST CHURCH BOOK GROUP

In November, the First Church Book Group will celebrate another night of poetry when we will share, ponder, savor, and discuss the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop. We will be meet a week early on Wednesday, November 19, at 7:30pm in the Library. Bishop, during much of her lifetime, was not well known but she is now regarded as one of the most significant American poets of the 20^th century. We invite you to delve into her work and come prepared to read one of her poems that speaks to you, or to just come and listen. You can find her work in libraries and on the web. One place to start is the Poetry Foundation at: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/elizabeth-bishop#about

     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. The Book Group will not be meeting in December. 

KNITTING CIRCLE

Thursday, Nov 20, 8-9:30pm, Classroom 4 - Eva Patalas

SECOND FRIDAY COFFEEHOUSE

Please mark your calendars for November 21 when Bridget Curzi and Jim Hall will perform at the Second Friday Coffeehouse. The beneficiary is the Renewal House.