Calendar
Next Issue: February 10
Deadline: 3pm February 5
Wednesday, February 4
7:30pm Women's Gr. Lib.
Thursday, February 5
6:45pm Nova Choir. Sanct.
7:00pm A Path Appears. PH.
7:30pm Caring for Adults. CR.
7:30pm SGM. Library.
8:00pm Knitting Circle. cl4.
Saturday, February 7
5:45pm Auction - An Evening
at the Oscars.
Sunday, February 8
8:15am Nova Choir. Sanct.
9:25am Sr. Choir. Parish Hall.
12:45pm FCB Green. Library.
2:00pm Parents w/Kids. Lib.
4:00pm Men's Group. cl7.
4:15pm COA. Parlor.
4:30pm OWL. Library.
6/7pm YAC/YG. Parlor/UH.
6:30pm OWL Parent
Orientation. Library.
Monday, February 9
6:30pm Jr; 7 Chan; 7:45 Youth.
7:15pm Parish Board. Library.
8:00pm Meditation. cl5.
Tuesday, February 10
7:30pm Breast Cancer Journey.
Parlor.
7:30pm ConversationProj. Lib.
7:30pm Membership Cte. cl5.
Wednesday, February 11
7:00pm CRE Cte. cl5.
7:30pm Facilitators. Library.
7:30pm Youth Cte. CR.
Looking Ahead
February 13: Coffeehouse
Link to church calendar
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This Sunday
Music: February 8, 2015
Prelude: "Flutes" from Suite de Deuxiéme ton
-L. Clerambault (1676-1749)
Alfa Joy Radford, organ
Offertory Solo: Chuck Claus
9:00 Nova Choir: Jesu dulcis memoria
-T. L. Vittoria (c.1548-1611)
9:00 Postlude: Canzona
-Giovanni Gabrieli,16c Italian
Mary Beekman, organ
11:00 Sr. Choir: Il Bianco e Dolce Cigno (The White, Sweet Swan)
-J. Arcadelt, 16c
11:00 Postlude: "Basse et Dessus de Trompette" from Suite de Deuxiéme ton
-L. Clerambault (1676-1749)
Alfa Joy Radford, organ
The flowers this Sunday are given by Laurie Graham in celebration of the 89th birthday of her father, Richard Graham, joy at his quick recovery from surgery, gratitude for his continued good health and deep appreciation for his 50 years of patient parenting! Ushers: Members of the New Connections Ministry Welcome & Announcements: Sara Oaklander & Anne Donohue |
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, James Hencke, Abby Jacobs, Steve Saar, Martha Spaulding, and Tom Neel
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Social Action Corner
ACTION IS OUR PRAYER |
Grow Clinic! Grow Clinic!
Dr. Deborah Frank, Grow Clinic Founder writes: "Thanks for all of your help. We really need it. Our referral rate is up by 30%."
FOOD: ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MEDICINES
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A Note from The Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry
Bethany House, our transformational living community for young adult women, is in high need of furniture right now. Desks, desk chairs, beds, bedside tables, and dressers. If you know anyone in your congregation who might be able to donate one of these items please help us out by spreading the word.
In addition, the Bethany House residents are planning a Spread the Love event for February 14th. They will be filling backpacks with necessities and distributing them to the homeless on the streets of Boston. We are collecting winter hats and gloves, toothbrushes and toothpaste, mouthwash, wipes, candy, granola bars, socks, etc. If you or a group from your congregation would like to collect and donate some of these items we would greatly appreciate it!
Finally, our Roxbury Youth Program is going on a series of college visits over February School Vacation again this year. We are looking for congregations to donate bagged lunches for the youth on one or more of the following days: April 17, 18, or 19. If you or a group from your congregation would like to prepare bag lunches for the youth please let me know asap!
Thank you all so much! Rev. Rebecca Hinds, Director of Congregational and Volunteer Engagement 617-318-6010 x214 / www.uuum.org
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First Church Women's Retreat:
Looking for someone to take my spot.
This year's retreat - the weekend of March 13-15 - promises to be another great one and I am sorry I am unable to participate as planned. If you're thinking about it, please let me know as I'd like to offer you my spot so that I don't lose the $100 deposit. Contact me at saraoaklander@gmail.com or 617.504.3369. Many thanks. Sara
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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
- An Evening at the Oscars, February 7
- March Stewardship Drive: Update
- Winter Clothing Drive NOW through March 15
- Beyond Ferguson, February 8
- A Path Appears, February 12
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Sunday, February 8
The Sum of the Parts
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.)
Sometimes we perceive only a portion of things. That is true of our universe, of our world, and of almost any organization or group we are involved in.
** Next Sunday, February 15 **
Rev. David M. Bryce preaching
Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons
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Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
[Written in the snug warmth of my home during the Blizzard of 2015.]
There are things in our lives (events or circumstances) that are clearly within our control. For most Americans--though not all--that includes whether or not to have breakfast or what time to get up in the morning.
And there are things over which we have no control whatsoever. The direction of travel of the Milky Way galaxy comes to mind.
Then there are things in a broad undefined region, things over which we may or may not have influence. Some of us are more "optimistic" than others about our personal potential to affect these things.
In the Christian sacred writings it says: Jesus looked at them and said, 'For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.' Of course, the context here is a discussion about salvation, not a reference to controlling the elements. Still, those who believe that all things are possible are more likely to achieve great results than those who never try.
What are the things that you would like to achieve in your life that seem out of your control? And now, what if God or Divine powers or good fortune were on your side and would help you to achieve these? How much you would accomplish then.
There is an old saying, "Act as if."
Imagine what could be accomplished if we each decided to act as if some divine power were on our side.
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Music Notes from Alfa Radford
BOUQUETS to UNSUNG HEROES of the MUSIC PROGRAM:
To name just a few: Jen Deaderick & Carolyn Howard, for electronic communications; Richard Curzi and Ian Garvie accompanists; Roger Miller, for various choir tasks and sound amplification; Stefan Frank, Charles & Ed Yee for recording and sound assistance; Judy McSwain, for providing nametags for all Youth & Adult choristers; Eliza Burden & the entire Music Committee for attending to myriad matters (!); Cliff Backman, Joanna Dunn, Melissa Irion, Robin Hughes, Kate Searle, for Jr, Chancel, & Youth robe assignments, shepherding, and much more; Catherine Stalberg, Sr Choir snack coordinator; and very importantly: Bakers of goodies and all contributors of sustenance for our singers - before and between rehearsals and services. We are all grateful for these many gifts to the life of the music program!
CALENDAR ITEMS:
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS
9:00am (arr. 8:30) Jr. Choir (K-Gr4)
11:00am Chancel Choir (arr.10:15) (Gr5-6)
REGULAR MONDAY EVENING REHEARSALS:
JR. CHOIR (K-Gr4) Mons 6:30-7:00pm. Sing in church Mar 8 & Jun 14.
CHANCEL CHOIR(Gr5-6) Mons 7:00-7:45pm. Sing in church Mar 8, May 10, Jun 14
YOUTH CHOIR(Gr7-High Sch) Mons 7:45-8:30 pm
(Looking ahead: No Children's/Youth rehearsals on 2/16, 4/20, 5/25)
QUOTABLE: "Look artistic when you sing that." -Leonard Bernstein
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| Children's Religious Education Information
CRE grades 1 through 6 classes are exploring Social Justice during the second pillar of this church year. Social justice encompasses social education, social service, public witness, community organizing and advocacy for systemic change. The CRE program as a whole and the Social Justice pillar in particular provides foundational social education lessons for our children. Children participate in social service through hand's on activities that benefit organizations that FCB has developed relationships with such as Belmont Serves, the Grow Clinic, the UUSC Guest-At-Your-Table program, the annual FCB Holiday Gift Fair, and others. FCB member families also participate in public witness events. Community organizing and advocacy for systemic change tend to be the purview of adults, but it is possible to find examples of children and youth spearheading global causes.
As CRE works to integrate children into the multigenerational fabric of this congregation, alignment of the curriculum with the four pillars of FCB's Social Action Committee: Human Rights, Poverty, Environment, and Peace, seemed like a no-brainer.
"Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me." The first lesson will introduce the Social Justice pillar, how social justice and working for human rights are enshrined in our 7 Principles and 6 Sources, and that it starts inside each person's own heart and mind. The Golden Rule emphasizes the value of treating others as we wish to be treated: with kindness and respect. It is important that we apply that loving humankindness to ourselves first. Human rights begin with each of us having a healthy sense of self, and from that place of empowerment, every one of us can act with compassion to make our world a place of freedom, equality and peace.
The CRE Committee decided at its January meeting to re-introduce a children's offering in conjunction with the CRE Social Justice pillar. Charitable giving is one aspect of social service work. Through the monthly collection of a children's offering, the children will learn the importance of sharing our resources with others.
Every month, CRE classes meet together in a combined class on the first Sunday of the month; during this class, the children's offering will be collected. In May, the children will determine which organization they wish to support with their offering donation. The plan is to continue the children's offering on the first Sunday of each month throughout next year. Please plan to help your child learn through giving.
Share the love. ~ Charlotte
Highlights from Our Religious Education Wing
A Parent Orientation for Grade 5&6 OWL is scheduled for February 8 at 7pm in the Library. Please contact Wendy Conroy (crebelmont@gmail.com) for more information.
The 7th grade Neighboring Faiths will have a very special class visit to the Museum of Science to see the exhibit "Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed" on 2/8. Thank you to all who made this possible!
Eighth grade Our Whole Lives (OWL) meets Sundays from 4:30-6:30pm in the Library, with the exception of 3-day weekends.
~ Charlotte Lehmann, Acting Director of Children's Religious Education
Office hours (generally): Sundays 8 am-1pm; Tue/Wed/Thu 10am-6pm
E-mail: clehmann@uubelmont.org
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March Stewardship Drive: Update
Our March Stewardship Drive is approaching! In our annual funding drive, we all have the opportunity to support First Church. Pledges from our Members and Friends provide about 80% of the church's annual revenue. To help each of us decide our level of commitment for the July 2015-June 2016 church year, our campaign unfolds in four phases:
· LEARN (Sunday, February 8): How can we all be stewards of our church? Please come to church to hear David Bryce's stewardship sermon. The Stewardship Committee will provide information on the Stewardship website outlining the church's finances and its needs for the 2015-1016 fiscal year.
· REFLECT (during February): What is my connection to the church? What are all the types of ministry, programs, and intangible benefits First Church provides to me, my family, and our community? How does my annual pledge fall into the church's pledging guidelines and my own ability to support its mission in the coming year? Please visit the church's Stewardship website for more information.
· DECIDE (Target date: February 28): Your pledge packet, including pledge form and envelope, will arrive by U.S. mail during the last week of February. Do not put it aside! We ask all of you to come together and, through your pledges, promise the necessary financial support to sustain our valuable church operations and programs for the 2015-1016 year. On the pledge form, you will be able to select a payment schedule that works best for you.
· RESPOND (Celebration Sunday, March 1): We ask you to make your pledges in early March. In our new tradition, we invite all parishioners to bring your pledges to church on Sunday March 1 and present pledges during the Offertory. Like last year, it will be a memorable worship service and musical celebration, with special coffee hour treats supplied from First Church's own Kay Wiggin of Quebrada Bakery!
Our goal is to achieve as high a response rate as possible on March 1. If you are unable to make a pledge commitment by that date, we ask that you respond with your pledge no later than March 15. On-time pledging is absolutely necessary since the Parish Board has to finalize the budget in April for the congregation to approve in May. We request your timely response to our annual March Stewardship Drive, which we hope will be generous in light of your circumstances. Our church depends on all of us.
Thank you for your careful consideration of these important calendar dates and the church's financial needs.
The First Church Stewardship Committee - Roger Read, Chair
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The Silent Auction is under way at
www.biddingforgood.com/uubelmont with more than 200 items available for spirited bidding and friendly competition. First Church benefits no matter who wins! But you must register on the Bidding for Good website to participate. (Just click on the link above.)
Will you be one of the lucky 6 guests at Bev Gillette's Winter Lasagna Dinner?
How about a Tanglewood and Kripalu package to feed your body and soul?
Four seasons of desserts from Ariane Frank?
Some hand-knit socks, custom made by Eva Patalas?
There's simply no way to do justice here to the incredible variety of offerings that our members and friends and local merchants have provided for the benefit of the church. Log on and see for yourself. You're bound to find something you must have!
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Welcome! ... to Rick Hawkins who signed the Membership Book on December 21!
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Winter Clothing Drive 
Now through March 15th
DONATION BOXES in Lower Hall.
The 9th grade COA group will be volunteering with homeless people in the Boston area and learning about poverty and homelessness next month. Please help us with a clothing drive in advance!
USED items (for men or unisex), including:
* Winter coats
* Sweatshirts and sweat pants (especially hooded sweatshirts)
* Sweaters, Long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts
* Jeans, khakis, other casual pants and belts
* Waterproof boots, comfortable shoes and sneakers
* Hats, waterproof gloves, scarves
* All kinds of carrying cases such as backpacks, tote bags, fanny packs and small suitcases with wheels (in good condition)
* Sleeping bags and blankets (clean & in good condition)
NEW items, including:
* New white socks
* New underwear - size L, XL, XXL
TRAVEL-SIZE Toiletries, including:
* Soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, Chapstick, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream and razors. (Please no aftershave or mouthwash containing alcohol.)
*Please NO children's clothes, dress clothes, slippers, bathrobes, pajamas or out-of-season clothing. For questions, please contact Julie Ennis at jennis@uubelmont.org
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BEYOND FERGUSON: Bridging Class, Cultural, and Racial Separations Towards Creating a Just Society - Sun, Feb 8, 7pm, PH
Third post vigil conversation facilitated by Dorothy Stoneman, founder of YouthBuild. Please join members of the Social Action Committee, the Belmont Religious Council, Belmont Against Racism, the Belmont police department and graduates of YouthBuild as we continue our discussion about how to end racism in Belmont and in the wider world.
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PARENTING KIDS WITH CHALLENGES
Andrea Prestwich - Sun, Feb 8, 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.
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A PATH APPEARS IN BELMONT - A Campaign to Make a Difference, Thursday, Feb 12, 7pm at Temple Beth El, 2 Concord Ave, Belmont. Part Three of the Three Part PBS Series based on the book A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. This film series is about tough issues facing women and girls around the world and here in the United States. There will be a follow-up discussion moderated by Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MASSPIRG.
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THE BREAST CANCER JOURNEY
Tuesdays, Jan 13, 27, Feb 10, 24, 7:30pm, Library
An educational series focusing on life & wellness during and after breast cancer treatment. Each week there will be a wellness education topic for discussion. There will also be an opportunity for sharing your breast cancer journey and related concerns through and beyond treatment. For more information or to sign up, please contact Melanie at mdeveikas@uubelmont.org.
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THE CONVERSATION PROJECT - Part II
Tuesday, February 10, 7:30pm, Library
Please join the Rev. Rosemary Lloyd in this continuing discussion. If you weren't able to attend Part I, please contact Lillian (landerson@uubelmont.org) to receive the distributed materials. The Rev. Rosemary Lloyd has a life-long interest in end of life care and ethics. An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, Rosemary has led courses in congregational settings on aging and end of life choices for more than 10 years.
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER for AED/CPR TRAINING
AND CERTIFICATION!
Thursday, Feb 12, 7-9pm, UH (snowdate, Feb 14, 3-5pm)
First church has arranged to have Maureen Zuccaro, a certified American Heart Association (AHA) CPR trainer return to provide certification or re-certification in CPR and the use of the AED machine for those who would like to participate. The Heartsaver AED course is designed for Lay Rescuers by the AHA. It includes Adult child and infant CPR/AED and choking using individual mannequins with plastic barrier protection. The cost is $40 per person. Registration is required and space is limited to 10 people. If you are interested, please contact Lillian at landerson@uubelmont.org.
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LIVING WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS
Kathy Lind - Thursday, Feb 12, 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.
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2nd FRIDAY COFFEEHOUSE
Friday, February 13
Brighten up a winter evening by listening to some excellent acoustic music at the 2nd Friday Coffeehouse on Friday night February 13th! We welcome back two excellent acoustic performers in a split bill. Both Kenny Selcer and Eric Kilburn have both been absent from our stage for several years, although Eric did play mandolin for Diane Taraz at her CD release party at our October Coffeehouse this season. Kenny's band promises "a sizzling blend of Americana, folk, rock, roots, and everything in between..." Eric performs his own songs which cover a range of subjects, often with ironic twists, playful detours, and comical self-reflections that audiences resonate with. Our featured beneficiary for the month is Bristol Lodge, shelter and soup kitchen.
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3 SCIENTISTS PREDICT THE FUTURE
Jack Dennis, Jon Graves and Edwin Taylor
Sunday, Feb 15, 12:30pm, Library
People who predict the distant future have a bad record. H. G. Wells expected that television would appear in the twenty-third century. Who would have predicted that by 2014 a young couple could eliminate more than 500 genetic diseases forever from their children's bloodlines? Jack Dennis (a computer specialist), Jon Graves (a molecular biologist), and Edwin Taylor will make modest predictions about developments in the next five years and join you in thinking about the coming decade.
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ALLIANCE LUNCH & PROGRAM AT FIRST CHURCH
Wed, Feb 18, 12:00 noon - All Women and Men Welcome
The Alliance lunch begins at 12:00 and the program at 1:00pm. Alice Trexler, a retired Tufts University performing arts professor, will discuss "Viewing Dance" using selected video excerpts from Swan Lake and other classic and recent choreographic examples. This session follows an Alliance arts program on How to View Art and an outing to the Tufts University Art Gallery. All men and women are invited. To help us prepare for the number of attendees, please contact Susan Street (617.484.1054 x201) and let her know that you will attend and the number of your guests. Bring your own sandwich and we will provide soup, beverage, and dessert. Suggested lunch donation: $1.00 per person.
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SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY
Ken Bernstein and Edwin Taylor - Thu, Feb 19, 7:30pm, CR
Alice Trexler will lead us in a discussion of E. O. Wilson's latestbook, The Meaning of Human Existence. Wilson is known as the father of sociobiology and a major exponent of biodiversity. The reading is available for download at eftaylor.com/sands
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Ongoing Groups:
Caring for Older Adults
Miriam Baker & Deborah Blumberg- Thur Feb 5, 7:30pm, CR
Knitting Circle
Eva Patalas - Thurs, February 5, 8pm, classroom 4
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