This Sunday
May 31, 2015
All music this Sunday to be a surprise, as we honor Rev. Alfa Joy Radford.
The flowers on the Chancel Table this Sunday are given by Nancy and Mark Davis in celebration of their 45th wedding anniversary.
Welcome & Announcements
9 a.m.: Doug Burden
11 a.m.: Catherine Claypoole
Ushers
9 a.m.: Betsy Klimasmith & Debora Hoffman
11a.m.: Lanier Smythe & Anne Dexter
Lay Pastoral Care
9 a.m.: Abby Jacobs
11 a.m.: Martha Spaulding
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Next Issue: June 2
Deadline: May 28
Tuesday, May 26
End of Life Issues Meeting - Library, 7:30 p.m.
Program Council, Classroom 3/4, 7:30 p.m.
Worship Committee, Conference Room, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 27
Chamber Music Reh., Sanctuary, 7 p.m.
FC Book Gr-Lib, 7:30 p.m.
Men's Group - Classroom 5, 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 28
DRE Support Committee - Classroom 5, 4 p.m.
Belmont Against Racism Community Meeting - Parish Hall, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 29
Folders - Conference Room, 10 a.m.
Small Group Ministry (CS)-Lib, 4 p.m.
Saturday, May 30
Gr9&10 Retreat (Camp Nihan)
Sunday, May 31
Nova Choir-Sanct, 8:15 a.m.
CRE-Library, 8:30 a.m.
Senior Choir - Parish Hall, 9:25 a.m.
Alfa Radford Recognition Event - Sanctuary & Parish Hall, 12:15 p.m.
Men's Gr-Parlor, 4 p.m.
OWL-Lib, 4:30 p.m.
Social Action: Beyond Ferguson - Library, 7 p.m.
Monday, June 1
Jobseekers-Library, 9:30 a.m.
Yoga - Parish Hall, 9:30 a.m.
Junior Choir (K - Gr. 4), Sanctuary, 6:30 p.m.
Chancel Choir (Gr. 5 - 6), Sanctuary, 7 p.m.
Caring Connection - Classroom 5, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Programs-CR, 7:30 p.m.
Meditation-Lib, 8 p.m.
Chamber Music Rehearsal - Sanctuary & Parlor, 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2
Partner Church Comm. - Conference Room, 7:30 p.m.
Small Group Ministry(PS)-Lib, 7:30 p.m.
The complete church calendar
Room assignments may change at the last minute for a variety of reasons -- please check online or "This Week's Calendar" on the easel in the Lower Hall for updates.
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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 [email protected] or Janice at the Church, 617-484-1054, ext. 201.
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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
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Note
The UU College of Social Justice is offering some very worthwhile
July and August programs for young people who were in high school during 2014-2015.
Please bring these opportunities to the attention of those who might be interested in
leadership development and hands on social justice work. This summer's locations are Boston (application by 5/17), the Southwest Border (by 5/31) and New Orleans (by 5/31). For program descriptions, costs, scholarship options, exact dates, and more, go to uucsj.org, and find the details in the drop down menu under "Youth."
-- Alice Trexler for the UUSC Team
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Grow Clinic! Grow Clinic!
Stock The Shelves For Summer!
Last chance for good deeds! Please remember to add something for the GROW CLINIC in your cart this week. You'll be glad you did.
Food: One Of The Most Important Medicines
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Rummage Roundup 2015
The First Church does it again - $7,100 net Rummage Sale proceeds - a new record!
Beautiful weather and road construction on Concord Avenue didn't distract our customers. They came in a steady stream all day - thanks to great community publicity by section leader Bill Z.*, with the help of Jean D., Jackie N., and Margaret L. The bargains were so compelling and the late crowd was so big that we had a delayed closing.
The Rummage Sale wouldn't happen without your fabulous donations, FCB. Thank you!
Strong section leaders* and their teams went above and beyond to ensure our success: Kathy C.* with Lauraine D. and Mark D. (finance); Jeanne and Joel M.* (set up); Pam A.*. Cam A.*, Dawn A.*, Becca A. (books/signage); Mary B.* (women's); Sherry J.* and Dianthe E.* (jewelry); Sara O.* (Adopt-a-Non-Profit); Caroline S.* (linens); and Downing C.* and the FCBGeen team (super fast cleanup and imminent sainthood).
Nearly 90 volunteers made our big sale possible. Thanks to: Phil M., Gerri S., Josh L., Naomi S., John L., Eleanor A., Tony A., Matthew D., Priscilla C., M.L.L., Marian M., Frances M., Roger M., Martha R., Steve G.B., Nicole B., Michele P., Laura C., Catherine S., Diane L., Justine U., Cally A., Janet A., Mary B., Deborah H., Lanier S., Cheryl B., Patricia G., Beth W., Julia C., Debora H., Eva P., Laurie G., Jen M., Ed Y., Lindi D., Jenna R., Melanie D., Sheri K., Siobhan O., Melissa I., Kennady J., Andrea P., Andree V., Heli T., Sandy N., Katie S., Kim, Penelope R., Betsy G., Deveaux D., Lynn R., Livia R., Martha C., Mont F., Kristin P., Carla K., Todd S., Karl K., Debbie P., Steve S., Barbara T.. Tom N., Leslie T., Brian K., Janice B., Martha M., Bill T. and Greg D. And thanks to Louise B. for her donation. Please let us know if we forgot to mention your name!
Our wonderful staff helped in various ways: Luis C. deserves special thanks for his deep knowledge of the church and helpful, yeoman service setting up, breaking down, and cleaning up; Janice Z. and Lillian A. for great FCB communications and publicity: Alfa R. whose sales techniques rival none; Jim St. for everything, especially parking lot management; Julie E., Charlotte L., and Wendy C. for all their help with various tasks.
We deeply appreciate the Youth Group's graceful acceptance of our intrusive presence in their big weekend.
Thank you everyone for making the Rummage Sale a success!
With sincere and humble thanks,
Evelyn C. and Nancy D., Co-Chairs
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The Unitarian Newsletter
Please submit items to Janice Zazinski:
- Photos as JPG files
- Attachments as PDF files
- Note that all listed e-mail addresses and phone numbers in The Unitarian are public on our Web site
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Social Media
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First Church Office
617-484-1054
Monday - Friday, 9 - 3
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Sunday, May 31 --
Music as a Means to Spirituality
Reflections on music and its enhancement of our spiritual lives and worship.
-- Rev. Doris Hunter, Rev. Alfa Joy Radford, Rev. David M. Bryce
Service of Installation
The First Church In Belmont will install Rev. Alfa Joy Radford as our Minister of Music Emerita in a special service at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2015. Come celebrate with us as we acknowledge fifty-five years of faithful service.
Sunday, June 7
Reverend David M. Bryce preaches
Bring A Flower on June 14
June 14 is our Flower Communion Sunday. Each person is asked to bring a flower to leave behind, and each will leave with a different flower. If you can, please bring an extra flower or twelve for those who will forget!
- 9 & 11 church service
- Childcare for infants and young children
- For weather-related service and RE class cancellations, please call 617-484-1054, ext. 250
- Sermons in text and audio format can be found at uubelmont.org/sermons
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Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
Minister of Music Emerita
You will receive this newsletter a few days before our congregation bestows the title of Minister of Music Emerita on Rev. Alfa Radford in recognition of her fifty-five years of service to this congregation.
The bestowing of this title, Emerita, is always a recognition of long and faithful service. In this case it is more than well earned. There is no set definition of "long term ministry," but most people would say that a ten or fifteen year ministry meets the qualification. I don't think there is a proper term for a length of service of fifty or more years. The phrase "long term" falls short, so to speak.
We will be engaging in what is probably a once-in-a-church-lifetime event. I cannot imagine anyone else serving this congregation for that long ever again -- or at least, anytime soon.
Emerita status is often both conferred and celebrated at an annual meeting with a vote and a standing ovation (Alfa has received that), or sometimes in a regular Sunday service as a small portion of the service.
However, in recognition of the extraordinary length of time that Alfa has provided music ministry to The First Church in Belmont we felt that a special, albeit brief, service of installation was appropriate. As you know, we will be having that service on May 31, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary followed immediately by a joyful celebration in the Parish Hall.
I hope everyone will join in this celebration.
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Join the celebration of Alfa Radford, May 31
Join us on Sunday, May 31, as we celebrate Alfa Radford's long tenure at First Church. Both services that day will have lots of music and reflections on role music plays in the life of our church community.
The recognition for Alfa will begin at 12:30 p.m. with a brief ceremony in the Sanctuary where she will be installed as Minister of Music Emerita, followed by a party in the Parish Hall with socializing and tributes.
If you would like to donate towards a gift for Alfa, please send a check to Janice at the church office, made payable to First Church in Belmont, with "Alfa gift" in the memo line.
We are also creating a memory book for Alfa. If you and your family would like a page, please send your photos and memories by mail to the church office or by e-mail (preferred) to [email protected].
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Music Notes from Alfa Radford
MUSIC AND SOCIAL ACTION: CHAMBER MUSIC BENEFIT CONCERT:
Sunday, June 7th, at 8:00 pm, for the benefit of children at the Pediatric
Division of the Boston Medical Center. Concert attendees will be treated to
a very special evening of music for flutes, piccolo, voice, harpsichord, and bassoon.
Admission is by donation, and there will be a delicious Strawberries and Wine
Reception. You won't want to miss this gala occasion!
ALERT! REGISTRATION for YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS
and The Wizard of Oz, directed by Ian Garvie.
Welcome to all children and youth who enjoy singing.
Gr. K thru High School. (Please see article immediately below.)
Next Fall promises to be a very exciting season!
Joyful blessings, Alfa
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NOW OPEN! REGISTRATION for YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS
Welcome to all who enjoy singing!
We are now taking registrations for all the YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS for the upcoming church year, Sept 2015-June 2016; and for the Fall musical "The Wizard of Oz."
You may register ONLINE by clicking on the link. All interested choristers should register, whether or not they plan to participate in the musical play.
QUESTIONS? Contact Ian Garvie: [email protected].
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Welcome to new member: Debora Hoffman
Congratulations to Rebecca and James Hencke on the birth of their fourth grandchild on May 19 in Maryland: Evelyn Susanna Fox, born to their daughter Teresa and David Fox.
Our deepest sympathy to Linda Rice and Emma Jones on the death of their beloved husband and father, Doug Jones. A memorial service was held last Thursday evening. Doug's obituary and guest book remain online here.
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Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation
CRE has just sent out a survey to families who have children in the CRE program and the 10-12 other volunteers who have taught or presented a special program during the course of this year. We are seeking their feedback about what's working, what needs improvement, and what dreams they may have for CRE.
I would be delighted to hear a bit more informally from others in the congregation about your impressions, desires and hopes for the CRE program. If you have any thoughts that you'd like to share, please send them via e-mail, drop a written note into my mailbox in the conference room, or stop in to talk with me. These conversations are the start of what I hope will be many such conversations during the coming year.
One idea I am considering for next fall and spring are some small group spiritual direction-inspired groups to share how the Spirit is stirring here at FCB with respect to CRE. These would be deeper conversations that do not analyze, make judgments, or aim to solve problems, but rather share in a supportive space the movements of Spirit in our CRE program. These would be separate from the CRE Committee meetings.
Speaking of regular CRE committee meetings, being on the CRE Committee is one of the ways you can contribute to the healthy functioning of the CRE program in particular and the life of the congregation as a whole. Membership in voluntary organizations, such as churches, carries responsibilities as well as benefits. Please consider joining the CRE Committee and offering your ideas, energy and support to the CRE program. You do not have to have children in the program to be an asset to CRE.
~ Charlotte
Highlights from Our Religious Education Wing
Spirit Play for the pre-S/K classes continues through June 14th.
Grades 1-6 will have their last regular class on 5/31. On June 7th, the kids will get the classrooms cleaned up and ready for summer. They will also be hosting an Open House in the CRE wing that morning during the coffee-hour following each worship service. Come down and talk to the children about what they have learned and enjoyed this year. Coffee-hour will take place in the Lower Gathering Hall that morning, with treats in the classrooms.
The 7th grade Neighboring Faiths class wraps up their year of visits down the street with a Friday night Shabbat service at Beth El Temple Center. They pick up their learning about other faith traditions in the fall term. Kate Searle will be coordinating the next class of Neighboring Faiths, and CRE has decided to bring the program up-to-date by using the latest version of this classic UU curriculum, which is now called "Building Bridges." The lessons can be found on the UUA web pages for Tapestry of Faith.
The final Sunday of the regular church year is a multigenerational service. The traditional Flower Communion is followed by a fellowship picnic. Plan to bring a flower, attend worship and stay for fellowship on June 14th.
~ Charlotte Lehmann, Acting Director of Children's Religious Education
Office hours (generally): Sundays 8 am-1pm, and Tues/Weds/Thurs 10am-6pm. E-mail: [email protected].
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Upcoming Events
New Small Group Ministry Forming
Small Group Ministries provide a spiritual practice that encourages members to engage more fully with their own faith, with each other, and with the larger world. Beginning in Fall 2015, Joan Loewenberg and Robert Donaghey will facilitate a new group which will meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays during September and October, and on the second Wednesday of the month beginning in November.
If you are interested in joining or would like more information please contact Lillian Anderson at [email protected]. If you are interested in joining a small group ministry but Wednesdays don't work for you, let Lillian know.
First Church Book Group - Karl Klasson and Anne Stuart
Wednesday, May 27, 7:30pm, Library
Our book for May is Marisa Silver's Mary Coin: A Novel. From the Booklist review:
"Inspired by Migrant Mother, the iconic Depression-era photograph snapped by Dorothea Lange in 1936, Silver reimagines the lives of both the photographer and the subject....The luminously written, heart-wrenching-yet never maudlin-plot moves back and forth through time, as history professor Walker Dodge unpeels the layers of the photograph's hidden truths." -Margaret Flanagan, Booklist
The Social Action Committee and Belmont against Racism invite you to Criminal Justice Reform
Thursday, May 28, 7 p.m., Parish Hall
- Will Brownsberger, Chair of Senate Judiciary Cmt.
- Leslie Walker, Esq., Exec. Director of Prisoners Legal Services
What is being done in Massachusetts to address mass incarceration?
Light refreshments will be served from 6:30-7 pm. Belmont Against Racism will have a brief presentation at 6:45 pm. Sponsored by the Social Action Committee.
Knitting Circle - Eva Patalas
Thursday, June 4, 8pm, Classroom #4
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.
Beyond Ferguson: Bridging Class, Cultural, And Racial Separations - Dorothy Stoneman
Sunday, May 31, 7:00 pm, Library
Please join the Social Action Committee, the Belmont Religious Council, Belmont Against Racism, the Belmont police department and graduates of YouthBuild USA as we continue our discussion about how to end racism in Belmont and the wider world. Our guests from the YouthBuild program will return to share with us their experiences growing up and facing challenges related to class and racial bias.
Caring for Older Adults - Miriam Baker and Deborah Blumberg
Thursday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
Many people are juggling jobs, families and their parents' or other family members' medical needs. How do we cope with the needs of our loved ones and find some balance in our own lives? If you're 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.
Creating a More Peaceful Society by Confronting the Origins of Violence - Ronald Goldman, PhD
Sunday, June 7, 12:30pm, Parish Hall
Why is the U.S. one of the most violent developed countries in the world? We recognize the problems of violence but generally seek to treat its symptoms with, for example, better gun control, security, and protection. While these are important, is there a better way? What about prevention? What makes people violent? You will learn the root causes of violence and how to contribute to peace in your family and society. Be prepared to question some of your cultural assumptions.
Ronald Goldman, Ph.D. is a psychological researcher, speaker, and writer. His work includes hundreds of contacts with parents, children, and medical and mental health professionals. He has a particular interest in perinatal psychology and serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology and Health.
For more information visit ronaldgoldmanphd.com. Co-sponsored by Adult Programs and Social Action. Refreshments served.
Annual Chamber Music Benefit Concert
Sunday, June 7, 8 p.m.
This very special occasion combines music with social action! A wonderful concert is planned, as we once again celebrate the handsome harpsichord built and given to The First Church in 1979 by Harry Radford; a gift which marked the origin of this annual event. The exciting and eclectic program will include music of the Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, and Contemporary periods, performed by Susan Jackson and Terry D'Errico, flutes; Robin Hillyard, bassoon; and Alfa Radford and Ian Garvie, harpsichord. Melanie Bacaling, soprano and Irina Kareva, alto, will sing various period pieces, including Elizabethan Songs, Russian folk music, and a lively G & S finale.
Admission is by donation, and all proceeds will benefit children at the SPARK (Supporting Parents And Resilient Kids) Center of the Boston Medical Center's Pediatric Division. We hope you'll join us for this delightful event!
-The Music Committee
All-Church Picnic, Sunday, June 14th
Mark your calendar and plan to attend the annual All-Church Picnic immediately following the 11 service on Sunday, June 14. There will be delicious food including burgers, chicken, hot dogs and vegetarian options, lots of yummy salads, of course, dessert. The cost is $5 for adults, $5 for children 4-12 years, and $20 for families.
Don't miss the annual First Church Salad Contest!
Bring your favorite salad to share at the picnic - green salads, pasta salads, fruit salads, all types are welcome. Please bring your salad to the kitchen the day of the picnic and enter your name to be part of the contest. At the picnic everyone will vote for their favorite. We serve over 200 people at the picnic, so the more salads, the better!
Volunteers
We will have a sign-up sheet at coffee hour listing opportunities for help at this fun annual event - volunteers needed to run games for kids, grill, sell tickets, set-up, clean-up, shop, etc. If you have questions, or would like to help out, please e-mail [email protected]
SAVE THE DATE -- REGISTRATION STARTING SOON
11th Annual Sandy Island Retreat, September 18 - 20, 2015
The Fellowship Committee invites you to the popular First Church Sandy Island Retreat. This is a wonderful opportunity to kick back, relax, and meet new and old friends after a long summer. Sandy Island offers recreational opportunities for people of all interests and ages. Join us for a fabulous weekend of relaxing, kayaking, games, tennis, ping pong, shared meals, interesting conversation, bocce, swimming, volleyball, fun and fellowship. Questions, contact [email protected].
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