The Unitarian -
January 5, 2016

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Sunday Worship - January 10, 2016

Sermon: Contradictory Perceptions
A recent article in the New York Times states that how we view the economy may have little to do with reality and may depend upon which political party we adhere to and which party is in the White House.  Some thoughts about our varying visions of truth. -- Rev. David Bryce

Welcome and Announcements: 9 a.m. Peter Guthrie; 11 a.m. Downing Cless

Ushers: 9 a.m.   Ana Hammock & Ann Dexter; 11 a.m. Joanne Adamowicz & Claudia Nasson

Lay Pastoral Care: 9 a.m. TBA; 11 a.m. Martha Spaulding

The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by Sarah Cliffe and Peter Guthrie in memory of their parents - Patricia and Frank Cliffe, and Helen and Harvey Guthrie.
Rev. David Bryce
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
I write this column on the Solstice, that time in the year when, supposedly, we are at the least amount of light and when winter officially begins.
     A recent article in the paper dispelled that myth. Apparently the first time we will actually be gaining daylight will be on December 23. And it will be January 5 (the date you are scheduled to receive this newsletter) before sunrise begins to get earlier. (I will not go into the details of this; they are irrelevant for my column.) Also, it seems that meteorological winter began on December 01.
     The point here is that many of the things we take for granted as "true" simply are not. Or are true, but only partly.
     How disturbing.
     So disturbing that there is a human tendency to reject genuine truths, facts or complications that challenge what we "know". That is so in many fields: politics, religion, society, etc.
     In this new year, may we pledge ourselves to be open to new ideas, new facts, new ways of seeing.
Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation
8th grade Our Whole Lives (OWL) begins on January 10th. There is room for more participants, if you have friends and neighbors interested in a values-based sexuality program. Please contact [email protected] for more information. Parents are required to attend an orientation session. A fee is charged for OWL programs at FCB to cover costs.
     Registration for OWL 5-6 will open soon. Start thinking now about whether your 5th or 6th grader will participate. CRE is delighted to be selected as a field test site for the upper elementary level OWL curriculum revisions ...

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Youth Group Reunion Potluck, January 8
It's time for another Youth Group Reunion and we hope you can join us on Friday, January 8th at 6:00 p.m. in the Upper Hall. We will have a potluck dinner and goodies for dessert to entice you.
     The Youth Group Coffeehouse will take place after our dinner, so feel free to stay for the show or if you'd like to perform send me a quick note to let me know! We miss you and want to catch up!
  • What: Youth Group Reunion Potluck
  • When: Friday, January 8, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Upper Hall
  • Contact: [email protected]
January 8: Youth Group Coffeehouse
Join us for performances by our talented Youth Group members and alumni.
  • Admission $10 adults, $5 seniors and youth
  • Friday, January 8, 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall
Winter Clothing Drive Begins January 3
The 9th grade COA group will be volunteering with homeless people in the Boston area and learning about poverty and homelessness in January.  Please help us with a clothing drive in advance! { click here to see a list of items needed! }

The complete calendar of church events is online.
Upcoming Adult Programs

New Program
  • Spiritual Renewal through Poetry - Join Peter Guthrie on Sundays, Jan. 10, 24, 31, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. in the Parlor
  • Small Group Ministry welcomes new members - Wed., Jan. 13 & 27, 7:30 p.m., Library and Parlor
Ongoing Programs
  • Caring for Older Adults - Thursday, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
  • Fiber Arts Fellowship - Thursday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m., Classroom #4
  • Belmont UU Alliance Lunch and Program - Wed., Jan. 20, 12 noon, UH
  • Living Positively (formerly Living with Serious Illness) - Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m., Tinkham Room
Program & Committee News

Grow Clinic!
Thirty five bags of food and $1,045 were collected for the Grow Clinic. Thank you for opening your hearts and your wallets to the Grow children and their families.
     We're starting off the New Year with the 9th Annual GREAT JANUARY JAR RACE. 

January 18: Belmont's 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast at Belmont High School
Please join the community for this multi-age gathering, including Belmont Schools' families, Belmont Town and School officials, the Religious Council, and others from Belmont and Boston, and surrounding communities, for community, conversation and celebration.

Caring Connection
The Caring Connection provides support to members of our community who need short-term help. Please let us know if you or someone you know would benefit from our support. Contact Laurie Graham at [email protected] or Janice at the Church, 617-484-1054, ext. 201.

Lay Pastoral Care Team
The Lay Pastoral Care Team works with and supports the senior minister in reaching out to members and friends of the First Church 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. Please contact us through the Web site or the church office if we might be of help or comfort.

{ click here for more information & details }
Connect with UU actions, events & resources
Contact Usontact Us
617-484-1054 ~ [email protected] ~ Staff Directory

Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9 - 3

Mailing address: PO Box 113, Belmont, Mass. 02478

All First Church groups & committees

In Case of Severe Weather
If a Sunday service is to be cancelled due to inclement weather, a message will be put on the church voicemail system. We will also post a message on our Facebook page, the church's web page, and send a church-wide e-mail. Please use your judgment as to whether you can safely get to services or programming.

Next Issue
The next issue of The Unitarian is Tuesday, January 12. Please send your submissions to Janice Zazinski at [email protected] by Wednesday, January 6 for the January 12 issue.


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