Calendar
Next Issue: March 10
Deadline: 3pm March 5
Wednesday, March 4
7:30pm Women's Group. Lib.
Thursday, March 5
6:45pm Nova Choir. Sanct.
7:30pm Caring for Adults.cl5.
7:30pm SGM. Library.
8:00pm Knitting Circles. cl4.
Friday, March 6
4:00pm SGM. Library.
Saturday, March 7
12:00pm Path to Caring. PH.
Sunday, March 8
9:25am Sr. Choir. Parish Hall.
2:00pm Parenting Kids. Lib.
4:00pm Memoir Writing. cl5.
4:00pm Men's Group. cl5.
4:15pm COA. Parlor.
4:30pm OWL. Library.
6/7pm YAC/YG. Parlor/UH.
Monday, March 9
6:30pm Jr; 7 Chan; 7:45 Youth.
7:15pm Parish Board. Lib.
8:00pm Meditation. cl5.
Tuesday, March 10
7:30pm Breast Cancer
Journey. Library.
7:30pm Membership Cte. cl5.
Wednesday, March 11
6:30pm Nominating Cte. cl7.
7:00pm CRE Cte. cl5.
7:30pm Facilitators. Library.
8:30pm LPC. Study.
Looking Ahead
March 13: Coffeehouse
Link to church calendar
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This Sunday
Music: March 8, 2015
(Multigenerational Services)
Prelude: Wondrous Love
- American Folk Hymn, arr. AJR
Alfa Joy Radford, organ
9:00 Jr. Choir:
I'm Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing! -Trad'l Spiritual
Let There Be Peace on Earth
- Sy Miller & Jill Jackson
9:00 Offertory: Bagatelles No. 12 & 15 -Robert Vandall (contemp.)
Mariko Findell, piano
9:00 Postlude: O Gott, du frommer Gott -Brahms
Mary Beekman, organ
11:00 Chancel Choir:
My Heart Ever Faithful
-J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
To Make a Difference in Our World -Joseph & Pamela Martin (contemp.)
11:00 Sr. Choir Offertory:
Il Bianco e Dolce Cigno
(The White, Sweet Swan)
-J. Arcadelt (16th c.)
11:00 Postlude: Fantasy in d minor -J. S. Bach
The flowers this Sunday are in celebration of a caring church community and days filled with more light and warmth!
Ushers:
Mary Louise & Jim Landfried
Martha Courant & Ann Dexter
Welcome & Announcements: Peter Guthrie and Catherine Claypoole
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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, 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!
Thanks so much to all of you who are putting the MAC & CHEESE boxes in your shopping cart. Cruise by our basket downstairs and look at all the boxes. Just imagine all the kitchens where YOUR boxes will end up. Keep up the good work!
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Buckle Your Seat Belts!
You are in for a fabulous ride! Twisted Pine is a red hot Boston-based five-person bluegrass band of five award-winning young musicians who found each other at Berklee and have stunned the local bluegrass community and themselves with an extremely well-deserved and meteoric rise in popularity and success. Join us at the Coffeehouse March 13 at 7:30 and you will see why! Be treated to a wild unpredictable affair delivering powerful vocals, foot-stomping rhythms, and hot instrumental pickin'! Our featured beneficiary is Berklee City Music Boston, a non-profit educational program working with music to reach underserved Boston youth and support them in building their musical talent, their self-confidence, and the strength of their community. Many thanks to Roger Brown for making this rare suburban appearance possible. QUICK! Mark your calendars now! Make Friday, March 13, your lucky day! Click here to see flyer!
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Spring Housecleaning
At this time of the year we have a lot of activity related to our church annual pledges (thank you!). In order to keep accurate records, we need to know exactly which pledge period your check covers. Our current church year is July 2014 - June 2015, next year's pledge year is 2015-16. Please indicate on your check whether it's for the current church year (2014-15) or prepayment for next year's pledge (2015-16). Many thanks.
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Musica Sacra
Come experience Bach's b minor Mass, a work Edwin Taylor thinks should be sent into space with the query: "Can you top this?" Mary Beekman leads Musica Sacra, soloists, and orchestra in the consummate expression of humanity's aspirations and fallibilities on Saturday, March 14, at 8pm at 1st Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St. Free parking provided with ticket purchase. For tickets, contact Mary Beekman or go to www.musicasacra.org
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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
- Stewardship Drive Update
- Belmont's Path to Caring, March 7
- Second Friday Coffeehouse, March 13
- Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography, March 15
- Prequel to Major Music, March 18
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Sunday, March 8
Multigenerational Service: Making a Difference
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.)
Remember Daylight Savings Begins!
First Church is in the midst of this year's major Social Action Committee project -- "A Path Appears in Belmont: A Campaign to Make a Difference." Through word and sound, our multigenerational service conveys the same message: that regardless of our age or stage in life, each of us can make a world of difference by giving of ourselves individually and collectively, locally and globally. The Junior, Chancel, and Sr. Choirs will sing. Come be inspired to make a difference in the lives of others.
** Next Sunday, March 15 **
Rev. David M. Bryce preaching, Selma: Fifty Years On
Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons
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Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
In searching on-line I found an 1873 map of the Town of Belmont, Massachusetts. (The town would have been less than twenty years old.)
On Concord Avenue (labeled "Concord Turnpike"), wedged in between the avenue and the railroad tracks (the Fitchburg R. R.)--about where the Post Office is today--there is a little squarish blob labeled "Unit. Church." And where the FCB building stands today there is a little squarish blob labeled "Unit. Parsonage," though it is difficult to tell which of two blobs this refers to. There is no Leonard Street on the map, and because this was before the railroad was raised above street level, Concord Avenue runs straight across the top of Common Street to what today is Pleasant Street.
As I look out of my office at the intersection of Concord, Common and Leonard, I think of how complex that intersection is, and how difficult it can be to get through it.
According to an on-line site, the railroad was raised above street crossing in 1907. This was no doubt because of the safety issues involved in running through crowded intersections, and no doubt also due to the fact that street level crossings would slow the speed of the trains.
Someone came up with a brilliant solution: raise the level of the tracks. And generally speaking that is a brilliant solution. I am not sure it was brilliant for Belmont; at least, not for the Concord, Common and Leonard intersection. (And let us not forget the extra complication of Channing Street.) But overall the raising of the tracks was a good thing to do.
And there is a point: the right thing to do may be a bad thing for particular people. In fact many of the political and social choices we make as states or a nation are choices between the allocation of sacrifice.
So there are times when a town or state uses the right of eminent domain to seize property for the general good; or taxes are raised to serve the general welfare by providing an education to all; or one community gets a confusing intersection, but lives and property are safer elsewhere because the railroad tracks were raised. [On the other hand, imagine that intersection if the tracks had not been raised!]
In the Christian tradition Jesus sacrificed his life for the salvation of others; and in the Buddhist tradition, Bodhisattvasdelay (some say renounce) their own entry into nirvana in order to bring other beings to enlightenment.
Am I willing to sacrifice some things or to be a sacrifice (even if the selection of me or my interests for sacrifice is not my own doing) in order for others to be well or to live full lives? That is a practical and social question, but it is also a religious and spiritual question. How I respond to social issues says something about my spiritual being. What it says may vary from circumstance to circumstance, but it does say something.
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 Music Notes from Alfa Radford
OUR MUSIC PROGRAM - LOOKING AHEAD:
JR & CHANCEL CHOIRS sing in church March 8.
Jr. Choir (K-Gr4) arr. 8:30am. Sing at 9:00 Service.
Chancel Choir (Gr5-6) arr. 10:15. Sing at 11:00 Service.
Choristers should be sure to attend upcoming Monday night rehearsals.
Note: Youth Choir (Gr7-up) sings on March 22 at 11:00.
FUTURE DATES for CHOIR PARENTS' CALENDARS: Chancel Choir (Gr5-6) sings at 9am Service May 10 Youth Choir (Gr7-up) sings 11am March 22 & May 10 Jr. & Chancel Choirs sing on June 9 PALM SUNDAY SPRING MUSIC SERVICE: MARCH 29, 10:30am Franz Josef Haydn - "THE CREATION" with choir, soloists, and orchestra
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Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation
In mid-February, I took a UUA New England Region Master Class for religious professionals called "Multigenerational Worship - Moving From Exception to Norm." One of the basic ideas shared during this class is that all of our worship services are multigenerational. Think about it. Who is sitting around you in the pews? At FCB, the children start in the sanctuary on most Sundays and there is a "Story for All Ages" that is tied to the theme of the sermon, but even after they have left for their classes there are probably at least 3 generations gathered together for shared worship.
Another important concept from the workshop is that it doesn't matter how young you are, everyone has one or more preferred learning styles. There are multiple intelligences, 8 according to Howard Gardner's theory: musical-rhythmic, visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. Each person is a unique blend of these modalities. The more of them available during a worship service, the more ways for everyone, not just children, to engage with and relate to this sacred time each week.
Several times each year FCB invites the youngest generation of the community to experience the entire worship service during what are labeled "multigenerational worship services." These services are explicitly planned with the above in mind and take into account music and language that is accessible to all ages.
Coming up on March 8 is just such a worship service. Tying into the significant work this year of the Social Action Committee, the theme is "Making a Difference." Successful multigenerational worship includes multiple voices as well as multiple intelligence modalities. You can make a difference by participating in the worship service. Would you like to tell one of the stories that have been selected to convey the message? Or perhaps play one of 5 simple percussion instruments during another one of the stories? Your help is needed, and it doesn't matter how old you are! There are two services; so plenty of spots available. Contact me soon to be involved: clehmann@uubelmont.org.
It really does take a congregation to worship together. ~ Charlotte
Highlights from Our Religious Education Wing
Grades 1-6 Social Justice curriculum shifts to the theme of "Poverty" in March. Kathy Crawley is our special guest on the first Sunday of the month to talk about the Grow Clinic. The monthly children's offering will be received; instill a sense of stewardship in our children by helping them remember to give each month. They will choose the recipient organization in late May.
Other special worship themes during March are: "Making a Difference" multigenerational services (3/8 - FMI see above), "Selma Sunday" (3/15), UUSC "Climate Justice Sunday" (3/22) and "Cantastic Food Sculptures" (3/29 - one service only at 10:30am). For each of these, connections can be made to the four pillars of the Social Action Committee: Human Rights, Poverty, Environment, and Peace.
Our Whole Lives sexuality education programs: Grades 5 & 6 OWL - during 9 am service - starts March 1. (Classes for non-OWL grade 5/6 continue at 9 & 11am.) Grade 8 OWL meets Sundays from 4:30-6:30pm in the Library, with the exception of 3-day weekends.
Be sure not to miss the Social Action Committee's special event on March 7: "Belmont's Path to Caring" featuring a non-profit organization fair with hands-on activities for children and adults, alike, as well as keynote talk by Richard Weissbourd entitled "Raising Caring, Ethical and Happy Children." CRE is helping SAC to provide childcare during the talk. Send e-mail to apathappearsinbelmont@gmail.com to sign up for childcare. FMI: see SAC information elsewhere in this newsletter.
~ 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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| Stewardship Update: Learn - Reflect - Decide - Respond
March 1, Celebration Sunday, marked the first day in the active "RESPOND" phase of this year's March Stewardship Drive, with an outpouring of support as parishioners came forward with their pledges at the Offertory during our worship services. If you have not yet decided on your pledge, we ask that you please do so before Sunday March 15. And if your pledge is received in the church office by Thursday March 12, your name will appear in our annual honor roll of timely pledge respondents, to be posted in church on Sunday morning the 15th, and you will be eligible for a drawing to win a scrumptious Black Forest Torte made by our own Ariane Frank! Timely pledging is essential to support orderly budget planning in April, and this year's appeal focuses on the need for strong across-the-board increases as we seek to broaden and deepen our support among all generations of our members and friends. Please join your fellow parishioners in giving as generously as you can to support First Church. Visit www.uubelmont.org/stewardship for information and pledging materials. In gratitude, The Stewardship Committee (Roger Read, Chair)
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Welcome! ... to Sarah Marie & Aaron Jette and Yolanda Aliberti who signed the Membership Book on Sunday, February 20!
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BELMONT'S PATH TO CARING
Saturday, March 7, 12-4pm, Parish Hall
A gathering of local non-profits. Each organization has a direct link to Belmont, either by its location, the people it serves, or by Belmont resident involvement. Learn about what it means to be a Gleaner, how to help others learn English, making Quilts that are donated to Victims of Violence, finding Homes for Kittens and Cats and more.
Richard Weissbourd, Senior Lecturer and Co-Director of Making Caring Common Project (MCC) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education will speak at 3pm. The title of his talk is "Raising Caring, Ethical and Happy Children."
Childcare provided during the talk. Please e-mail apathappearsinbelmont@gmail.com by 5pm on March 6th to sign up for childcare.
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WRITING YOUR SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Jean O'Farrell, Sunday, Mar 15, 22, 29 & Apr 12, 4-5:30pm, cl5
This course is based on Dan Wakefield's book and course, "Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography." The willingness to write from the heart will make writers of all participants. That will guide them in the formation of beautiful personal accounts of their journeys that may have been solitary, even secret, but have led them to search for greater meaning in their lives and, ultimately, to make fulfilling connections with others. No one is pressured into sharing, and everyone is urged into active listening. It is entirely voluntary and what is read and said is confidential to those who are there to listen. It is a fulfilling process to anyone who comes with an open heart and a desire to quiet the mind through writing so that we can give voice to what the heart is trying to say. Please register with Jean at jofarrell@uubelmont.org.
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ALLIANCE LUNCH & PROGRAM AT FIRST CHURCH,
Wed, March 18, 12:00 Noon - All Women and Men Welcome!
The Alliance lunch and program will be here at The First Church in Belmont. The Alliance lunch begins at 12:00 and the program at 1:00pm. Our program will be a talk by Gladys Unger about her trip to Turkey last year. All men and women are invited to join us.To help us prepare and set up for the number of attendees, please call Susan Street, 617.484.1054 x201 and let her know that you will attend and also the number of guests you will bring. Bring your own sandwich; we will provide soup, beverage, and dessert. The suggested lunch donation is $1.00 per person.
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PREQUEL TO MAJOR MUSIC
Ian Garvie - Wednesday, March 18, 7:30pm, Parish Hall
Inspired by The Messiah during his second London visit, Haydn vowed to compose his own oratorio. Based largely on Paradise Lost, "The Creation" is a masterpiece of the form, both luminous and powerful.
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"FIELDS OF BLOOD"
Doris Hunter & Edwin Taylor - Sun, March 22, 12:30pm, Library
Karen Armstrong's book "Fields of Blood" - The relationship between religion and violence" notes that not until the 1700s was religion ejected from political life in the West. "When, therefore, people claim that religion has been responsible for more than any other human institution, one has to ask, "More than what?" . . . John Locke believed that the separation of church and state was the key to peace." Modern wars have proved him wrong too. What is the source of the evil of war? Doris and Edwin will start our discussion.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
ALL-CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE, SATURDAY, MAY 9
The Sale provides critical funds for the Stained-Glass Window Fund (e.g. Tiffany repair and new exterior storm), the Partner Church Committee (travel expenses), and the Social Action Committee (interfaith programs). As you sort and clean out during these cold days, please save your saleable items for donation: 3-season clothing for all, jewelry, household goods, small working electronics, tools, small furniture, books and media, toys, etc. Thanks!
(Recycle TVs and monitors, computers, and peripherals through the Town of Belmont in April.)
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Ongoing Groups:
CARING FOR OLDER ADULTS
Miriam Baker and Deborah Blumberg - Thur, March 5, 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 for you.
KNITTING CIRCLE
Eva Patalas - Thursday, March 5, 8pm, Classroom 4
Come join us in the fun and fellowship of knitting with a genial group on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. Projects could include knitting for non-profit organizations such as Caps for Kids, making small gifts for the Holiday Fair or working on personal projects. Everyone is welcome and no commitment is necessary. Contact Eva with any questions.
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PARENTING KIDS WITH CHALLENGES
Andrea Prestwich - Sun, March 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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THE BREAST CANCER JOURNEY
Melanie Deveikas - Tues, March 10, March 24, 7:30pm, Library
An educational series focusing on life & wellness during and after breast cancer treatment. Melanie Deveikas, PT, MHA is a physical therapy graduate of the University of Vermont. For more information or to sign up, please contact Melanie at mdeveikas@uubelmont.org.
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LIVING WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS
Kathy Lind - Thur, March 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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MINDFUL YOGA
Jessica Hicks - Sat, March 14, 1-2:30pm, Parish Hall
Due to popular demand Jess has offered to continue the class on the second Saturday of each month. Please note the time change. Slow flow, mindful yoga for adults of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Come experience embodied awareness in motion while stretching and strengthening your body in a supportive community. Jess is a registered yoga instructor with a lifetime of practice and a love of both the movement and still aspects of yoga practice to share. Drop-in.
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