Calendar
Next Issue: December 16
Deadline: 3pm December 11
Wednesday, December 10
7:00pm Children's RE Cte. cl5.
7:30pm Facilitators. Library.
8:30pm LPC. Study.
Thursday, December 11
6:45pm Nova Choir. Sanct.
7:00pm Sr Choir. Sanct/PH.
7:30pm Living w/Illness. Lib.
Saturday, December 13
9:30am Sr Choir. Sanct/PH.
Sunday, December 14
8:15am Sr Choir. Sanct/PH.
12:45pm FCB Green. Library.
2:00pm Parenting Kids. Lib.
4:00pm Men's Group. Lib.
4:15pm COA. Parlor.
6/7pm YAC/YG. Parlor/UH.
Monday, December 15
6:00pm Bellringers, Sanctuary.
6:30pm Jr; 7 Chan; 7:45 Youth.
7:30pm Auction Cte. cl5.
8:00pm Meditation. Library.
Tuesday, December 16
7:30pm Program Coun. Parlor.
7:30pm SGM. Library.
Wednesday, December 17
12:00pm BelUnitAlliance. UH.
7:30pm Women's Gr. Lib.
7:30pm Youth Cte. CR.
Looking Ahead
Wednesday, December 24:
Christmas Eve Services:
2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 11pm
Link to church calendar |
|
This Sunday
Music: December 14, 2014
Christmas Music Service 10:30am
Prelude: Morning Trumpet Fanfare "Abblasen" -attributed to Gottfried Reiche (1667-1734)
Robinson Pyle, trumpet
Major Choral Work: MESSIAH
- G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
Choir, Soloists & Orchestra
conducted by Ian Garvie,
Assistant Music Director;
Alfa Joy Radford,
Minister of Music and Organist
Congregation & Choir:
Hallelujah Chorus
Soloists:
Melanie Bacaling, soprano
Livia Racz, soprano
Melanie Salisbury, soprano
Irina Kareva, alto
Davron Monroe, tenor
Chuck Claus, bass
Bruce Kozuma, bass
The Christmas greens and poinsettias that decorate our Church are given by the Farnham Memorial Fund.
Ushers: Leslie Talmadge, Leslie Walker, and Jeff Larson
Welcome & Announcements:
Betsy George & Todd Schatzki |
|
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. |
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
|
|
Social Action Corner
ACTION IS OUR PRAYER
|
Grow Clinic! Grow Clinic!
~Another reminder of the Multigenerational Holiday Service on December 21st and the chance to share your holiday spirit with the children and families of the Grow Clinic. There will be a special time during the service to place gifts of food under our community Christmas tree. Pick up a list of preferred foods at one of our displays. Baby foods of all stages, Enfamil with iron, and Flintstone vitamins are always appreciated.
FOOD: ONE OF THE MOST
IMPORTANT MEDICINES
|
|
Only One More to Go! Will It Be You?
Oh, lovely loving FCB Family! You have brought us to within one ticket of our 30th anniversary goal of 60 Coffeehouse Season Tickets to support our wonderful beneficiaries and give you great warm-hearted musical evenings! Thank you so very VERY much! As we close our formal sales season, we still eagerly and appreciatively welcome further purchasers. Will you be the person who hits the ball out of the park? We look forward to hearing from you soon! See Anne Selman, Jim Staton, Lauraine Dalton, or Susan Street, or mail your check for $99, memo line marked Coffeehouse, to First Church in Belmont, P. O. Box 113, Belmont 02478. You'll be glad you did, and so will we! Many thanks, and all good wishes for the holidays and the year ahead, Your Coffeehouse Committee! |
|
Green Sanctuary Committee Seeks More Members
After a summer service on the environment led by John Kolterman and Tom Neel, a new Green Sanctuary Committee was started in September, after encouragement and start-up support from Patricia Garcia on behalf of the Social Action Committee. Up to this point, a group of nine with John and Tom as co-chairs has met three times in order to review the UUA guidelines for Green Sanctuary status and to draft a charter that is the first step in the UUA process. The charter, which includes tentative plans for programs such as building energy efficiency and environmental education within the congregation, will be presented to the Parish Board on December 8. Having taken these preliminary steps, the Green Sanctuary Committee (known now as the FCBGreen Committee) wants to expand membership in order to move forward with programs through several subcommittees. Everyone interested in environmental action at First Church is encouraged to attend a meeting on Sunday, December 14 at 12:15 in the Library and to get involved in planning the committee's programs for 2015. To ask questions or to express interest if unable to attend the meeting, email John at john.kolterman@gmail.com and/or Tom at nathorne@msn.com.
|
|
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.
|
|
First Church Office
:: 617-484-1054 |
|
|
5 Things To Know This Week
- Holiday Gift Program Reminder
- First Church Christmas Services
- Looking for Christmas Eve Ushers
- Winter Brochure
- A Night at the Oscars, February 7
|
|
Sunday, December 14
CHRISTMAS MUSIC SERVICE 10:30am
Music: Messiah -George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Choir Soloists Chamber Orchestra
Conducted by Alfa Joy Radford, Minister of Music
and Ian Garvie, Assistant Music Director
Homily: Rev. David M. Bryce, Hallelujah!
Church Service and Sunday School Program Gr. PreK-6
Childcare for infants and young children
This Sunday morning, during our annual Christmas Music Service, the
Sr. Choir and soloists, accompanied by a chamber orchestra will present
Part I of Handel's well-known oratorio, MESSIAH. We will interpolate
one movement from Part III, "The Trumpet Shall Sound," a thrilling bass
aria in dialogue with virtuosic trumpet solo passages. The orchestra
Concertmaster will be First Church parishioner, Kenneth Stalberg. At
the close of the service, the congregation will be invited to join in
the singing of the "Hallelujah Chorus" - always a stirring experience!
Handel, an extremely prolific composer, wrote Messiah, his most famous choral work, in just three weeks during the year 1741, when he was 56 years of age. The music is varied, ranging from exuberant choruses to tender, poignant solos and mystical recitatives which tell the Nativity
story.
Rev. David Bryce's message will be "Hallelujah!"
Join us on Sunday, as we observe and celebrate the season of love and
light.
** Next Sunday, December 21 **
Multigenerational Services with Children's & Youth Choirs
Solstice Service
Rev. David M. Bryce
Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons |
|
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
Food Collection during December 21 Service
At this year's multigenerational service on December 21, we will be doing something new for us.
During the service, we will be collecting food donations for the Grow Clinic at the Boston Medical Center. When the time comes, people will be asked to come forward and place their donations around the tree which will be where the pulpit usually stands.
Members of this congregation have supported the Grow Clinic for many years. This is an effort to supplement (not replace) that work.
It seems appropriate as we enter the time of gift giving and of Magi in search of the newborn child that we would provide gifts of food to children in need.
Because these are donations to the Grow Clinic, there are specific needs. As you know, there are shopping lists available on tables in the foyer and in the Lower Hall.
May we give abundantly from the gifts we have received from life. |
|
Music Notes from Alfa Radford
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC SERVICE:
Sunday, December 14 at 10:30am
Messiah - George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
-with choir, soloists, and orchestra
conducted by Ian Garvie, Assistant Music Director,
and Alfa Joy Radford, Minister of Music/Organist
HANDEL CHOIR SCHEDULE:
Thu Dec 11: 7:30-9:30pm (7pm Soloists)
Sat Dec 13: 9:15-Noon (longer f. Soloists)
Sun Dec 14 Choir Call 8:15am
Music Service 10:30am
CHOIR & ORCHESTRA CELEBRATION!
All singers, players, families & friends: Potluck Lunch/Party and music following this Sunday's Music service will be at the home of Jackie and Sam James. The Music Service will be recorded and we'll hear the exciting Messiah during the party festivities!
CALENDAR ITEMS for ALL CHOIRS include ALUMNI CHOIR:
Sat, Dec 20: EXTRA REH'S:
Chancel (Gr5-6) 9-10am; Youth (Gr7-up) 10-11am
Sun, Dec 21: Jr, Chancel, Youth, Nova Choirs sing in church:
9:00 Service: Jr Choir (arr 8:30); Nova Choir 8:15
11:00 Service: Chancel & Youth Choirs (arr 10:15)
Christmas Eve:
Jr Choir & Bells arr 1:30 Sing 2pm
Chancel Choir arr 3:15 Sing 4pm
Youth Choir arr 5:15 Sing 6pm
CHOIR PARENTS: Please notify me if your chorister will miss any of the above, 781-646-2123.
ALUMNI CHOIR: REH Dec 24 11am. Sing Chr Eve 11:00pm
NOVA CHOIR reh Holiday Music Thursdays Dec 11 6:30; Dec 18 6:45
Joy and blessings -Alfa |
| Children's Religious Education Information: It Takes a Congregation
In the over-scheduled fullness of December and the winter holidays, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that for the Earth and its living creatures this is really the season when rest occurs. Winter is when we draw inwards, an internal time for subtle changes. It is a time when dreams teach us. Restoration of our vitality is needed to prepare us for spring germination, rapid and energetic growth towards the fullness of summer. We human beings with our incredible intellect resist the down time and the darkness out of fear and stubbornness, wanting it always to be light and warm. However, by the time New Year's Day rolls in, most of us are exhausted from running on fumes.
Even if you do wait until you've ushered in 2015, I invite you to approach winter differently this year, make friends with your fears, meet the shadow with joy, embrace the darkness and get cozy with it. Make meals together, gather around the table and speak aloud your gratitude, share stories by the hearth or a lighted chalice. It is a blessing to see the sun set and anticipate the sunrise of a new day, a new season, a new year. Enjoy the magic of this month, this season. ~ Charlotte
Highlights from Our Religious Education Wing
The 5th and 6th grade classes chose the UUSC-UUA Ebola Epidemic Relief Fund as the recipient of proceeds from the Holiday Gift Fair; kids from first through sixth grades made the items for sale. I hope many of you contributed to the amount that they raised to help people in Africa regain their health and well being.
The 8th grade Neighboring Faiths class concluded with a completion ceremony and each member received a UU mug as a gift - they love their hot cocoa! They move on to 8th grade Our Whole Lives (OWL), which meets Sundays from 4:30-6:30pm starting on January 11, 2015.
CRE classes resume after the winter holidays. Pre-S/K classes continue with the Treasure Hunting curriculum. Grades 1-6 will round out their exploration of World Religions in January. The 7th grade Neighboring Faiths class continues with its visits to other places of worship with an occasional "Popcorn Theology" lesson on weekends when there is a Monday holiday.
~Charlotte Lehmann, Acting Director of Children's Religious Education
Office hours (generally): Sundays 8am-1pm; Tue/Wed/Thu 10am-6pm
E-mail: clehmann@uubelmont.org |
Among Us
Our love and sympathy to the Braucher Family on the death of Betty Braucher's daughter, Jean Braucher on November 25. |
Looking for Christmas Eve Ushers
We need MANY volunteers to help usher at our four Christmas Eve Services on Wednesday, December 24th.
· At 2pm, we need 8 ushers
· At 4pm, we need 8 ushers
· At 6pm, we need 8 ushers
· At 11pm, we need 4 ushers
Please consider this two-hour commitment to a treasured event in our church year. Look for the Christmas Eve Usher Sign-Up Board at coffee hour, or contact David Warner at dwarner@uubelmont.org. |
Holiday Gift Program Reminder...
Please remember!! Bring all holiday gifts to church this Sunday, December 14. It's Major Music Sunday so there is only one service at 10:30! Please don't forget because gifts delivered to church after 12:30 on Sunday may not make it to their intended destination! Tables will be set up in the lower hallway and you can leave gifts there. Please remember - do not wrap the gifts and please attach the cards you were given to the gifts so we know where they are meant to go. Thank you! |
Winter Brochure
The Adult Programs Committee is excited about our Winter brochure which you can access by clicking here. The only difficulty will be to have enough time to attend. There are a few more programs in the month of March but due to space limitations we were unable to include them. Watch for publicity in February. |
|
IT'S TIME TO WRITE THE SCRIPT...
for "A Night at the Oscars," First Church's star-studded auction on February 7, 2015. The stage directions will be for the auctioneer, but the lines are up to you! Great writing begins with concentrated thinking-which you can do even during the bustle of the holidays, while you're stuck in traffic, waiting in the checkout line, or stuffing a Christmas goose. Think about what you can donate: a week in a vacation home...a dinner at your house...tickets to a game or the ballet... And think about what you'd like to bid on: a clutter buddy to clear out your closet, attic, or basement?... some financial advice?... handyman work around the house? First Church is loaded with people whose time and talents could be put to work for you. If you've already decided what to contribute, please go to www.biddingforgood.com/uubelmont and click on "Donate Items."
We need your ideas as well as your donations. Write to Ana Hammock, the Silent & Live Auction chair, or to Marion Westgate, the Executive Producer, at uu.belmont.auction@gmail.com. |
LIVING WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS
Kathy Lind - Thursday, Dec 11, 7pm, Library
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. |
PARENTING KIDS WITH CHALLENGES
Andrea Prestwich - Sunday, Dec 14, 2:30-4pm, Library
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. |
ALLIANCE LUNCH & PROGRAM AT FIRST CHURCH
Wed, Dec 17, 12:00 noon - All Women and Men Welcome!
The Alliance invites members and guests to attend a viewing of the film, Green Fire about the life and work of Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) environmentalist and father of land conservation and wildlife in the mid-west in the first half of the twentieth century. Leopold began his career as a forest ranger in New Mexico, and then as a student and professor at the University of Wisconsin. The Leopold Foundation, headquartered at Baraboo, Wisconsin perpetuates his teachings of sustainability and responsible land management.
Attendees are invited to bring their brown bag sandwich for lunch at noon followed by the showing of the film at 1pm. We will provide soup, beverage, and dessert. The suggested lunch donation is $1.00 per person. To help us prepare for the number of attendees, please call Susan Street, 617.484.1054 x201 and let her know that you will attend and the number of guests you will bring.
|
SCIENCE and SPIRITUALITY - Ken Bernstein and Edwin Taylor
Thursday, Dec 18, 7:30pm, Conference Room
Dick Lyon will lead a discussion on the Biblical story of Ruth, along with Mark Russell's street-wise, unconventional retelling from his Bible commentary "God is Disappointed in You." The reading is posted at eftaylor.com/sands. It includes both the Bible story and Mark Russell's racy retelling. Only eight pages altogether; this is a good month to join Science and Spirituality! |
 First Church Christmas Services December 2014
Sunday, December 21
Multigenerational Services with Children's & Youth Choirs
Solstice Service
9:00am Junior & Nova Choirs
11:00am Youth & Chancel Choirs
Wednesday, December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Rev. David Bryce, Rev. Alfa Radford
2:00pm Junior Choir; Lessons and Carols
4:00pm Chancel Choir; Lessons and Carols
6:00pm Youth Choir; Lessons and Carols
11:00pm Alumni Choir; Lessons and Carols
Please note that the doors will not open for these Services until 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 10:30. No seats are to be "saved," other than those labeled for Service readers.
Thursday, December 25
10:30am Worship Service & Brunch
Rev. David Bryce
A NOTE ON THIS YEAR'S CHRISTMAS OFFERING
In the cold and darkness of this time of year, we light candles to celebrate warmth and joy. So let us light candles this Christmas and with the words of Howard Thurman bring in love and kindness as was found so long ago in that manger in Bethlehem.
Candles of joy despite all sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of graces to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all our living,
Candles that will burn all year long.
Christmas Offering - We invite you to consider two special gifts for the Christmas offering: A Christmas gift to the Charitable Projects of The First Church ("Xmas Charities") or to The First Church ("gift"). The charitable projects include the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry campaign, "Uniting Communities and Transforming Lives," Grow Clinic which serves infants and toddlers diagnosed with Failure to Thrive, and TBD. Please note on the memo line of your check "Xmas Charities" or "gift."
May all the blessings of this season fill your hearts with laughter, merriment and joy. We look forward to seeing you on Christmas Eve. |
|
|
