The Unitarian - February 23, 2016



Sunday Worship - February 28, 2016

Sermon: Celebration Sunday - Rev. David Bryce
Let us gather to celebrate our congregation, our community, our history and our future.

9 a.m. Anthem: The Linden Singers
11 a.m. Senior Choir Anthem: Cry Out with Joy, Christopher Walker (b. 1947)

Solo: Every Time I Feel the Spirit, African-American Spiritual; Davron Monroe, tenor, and Richard Curzi, piano

Offertory: When the Saints go Marching In, arranged and performed by Richard Curzi

Welcome and Announcements: 9 a.m. Sara Oaklander; 11 a.m. Jackie James

9 a.m. Ushers: Peter Guthrie & Mark Thurber
11 a.m. Ushers: Alan Cantor & Margaret Marks

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

The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by Mary Harrison in celebration of and gratitude for her five grandchildren and their parents.
Rev. David Bryce
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
I have just begun reading a history of China. The book speaks of a cavern which was quite large (500 feet by 150 feet with a ceiling 120 feet high in one section). This cavern was used by people (Homo erectus) beginning somewhere around 400,000 years ago. Two points struck particularly struck me about this cavern.
     The first point is that the cavern was continuously inhabited for about 200,000 years.
     That is an immense period of time.
     Might there have been a time when there was a hiatus of fifty years with no one in the cave? Or 100 years? Or even 1,000 years? I suspect this is possible. However, let us assume that it was, indeed, continuous habitation. Astonishing. For the people living there, this had "forever" been home.
     Second, the cavern was inhabited "until the interior was completely filled up with layers of their debris." They literally garbaged themselves out of their home. That fact ought to challenge any romantic notions that our ancestors knew how to live with nature. They were just as messy as us. Maybe more so.
     The debris included animal bones, human bones and other items beloved by archaeologists; a reminder that one person's garbage is another's treasure.
     Of course, "debris" is not necessarily garbage. Really, it can be anything that one does not fully recognize or appreciate. We human beings become used to what we do and to the things around us and take them for granted. That is just human nature.
     This got me to wondering what "debris" we leave behind in our lives. What are the unknown treasures -physical or emotional - that we are casting off around us right now that will give joy, comfort and knowledge to others in the future?
     And what "debris" is our spiritual community leaving behind that will do the same?
     That is, what are the things about this our congregation and our religious tradition that we have become so used to that we take them for granted when they really are special and valuable treasures?
     Look round, I think you will find them.
2016 March Stewardship Drive
Stewardship 2016 - Celebration Sunday, Feb. 28 - Please Make Your Pledge
Hi everyone - Did your pledge form and supporting materials just arrive in your mail? Please keep them handy, as this week is the time to decide on your pledge for the coming church year. As you decide on your pledge, please remember the following:
  • Our pledge target is $601,000. Please especially consider increasing your pledge over last year, which will strengthen our church's financial foundation immeasurably and lead us forward with an expanded base of support.
  • Our pledging kick-off is this Sunday, Feb. 28, Celebration Sunday! Please join us at the festive and uplifting Sunday morning services when all are invited to present their pledge envelopes during the Offertory.
  • You can also mail your pledge, or pledge online here. And if you are not able to make a pledge by this Sunday, please do so no later than Thursday, March 10. Regardless of how you choose to pledge, we hope you'll join in for Celebration Sunday services and a special coffee hour featuring treats thanks to Kay Wiggin of Quebrada Bakery.
  • For more information, visit www.uubelmont.org/stewardship.
Thank you for giving high priority to supporting First Church.
− The Stewardship Committee
Appeal from the Social Action Committee, the Partner Church Committee, and the Stained-Glass Committee
We're looking for a few people to step into vacant leadership roles and to step up to managing the Rummage Sale! 
     Over the last 24 years, the Rummage Sale has  raised $65,000 for the work of The First Church (much of it "outside" money), funding leaded-glass and stained-glass repair, Partner Church exchanges, and social action outreach.
     Please consider volunteering for this important work. See Patricia Garcia, SAC Chair, or email Patricia Garcia at [email protected].
Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation
I grew up in a UU congregation in the Upper Midwest. For complicated reasons, I went to "Sunday School" only into the sixth grade; so I missed out on a UU history class, About Your Sexuality (AYS) and the experience of youth group - although I did go along on some LRY (Liberal Religious Youth) camping trips and other events that my older siblings went to because my mother was a parent-chaperone. I imagine that my life would have been different somehow if I'd continued to be involved with our local UU congregation, but I know that those six years of religious education profoundly shaped my life, what I am doing, and my reflections on how I might do things even better ... { click for more }
Youth Group Multigenerational Event, March 13
Transcending the Gender Binary: How to be an Ally and an Activist; Facilitated by translategender.org
Sunday, March 13, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Parish Hall
How do you gender yourself and others? This workshop utilizes experiential activities to investigate the gender binary through informative conversation and an introductory deconstruction of interlocking forms of systemic oppression.
     We will explore the connections among gender identity, biological sex, and sexuality in an effort to unravel the complexities and meanings of gender. Participants will be offered tools to aid them in becoming an activist and an ally in the gender justice movement. Light refreshments will be served. { click here for more }
Upcoming Adult Programs
Click to view all upcoming events.



New Programs
  • Breast Cancer Wellness Journey - Wed., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., Parlor
  • UU Principles - Sundays, Feb. 28, 12:30 p.m., Library
  • Solar Workshop - Sunday, Feb. 28, 12:30 p.m., Parish Hall
  • Film & discussion - "Lena: My 100 Children" - Mon., Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m.
  • Perspective on the Presidential Campaign - Thurs., Mar. 3, 7:30 p.m.
  • Parenting Discussion - Sunday, March 6, 10:15am, Library
  • Boston School of Painting - Sunday, March 6, 12:30 p.m., Library
  • Theatre Discussion - The Convert - Sunday, March 6, 4 p.m., Parlor
Ongoing Programs
  • Meditation - Mondays, 8 p.m., Library
  • Hootenanny - Wed., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
  • Caring for Older Adults, March 3, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room 
Program & Committee News

Hang onto your hats!
Friday, March 11 is Berklee College of Music Night at the Coffeehouse! Once again, the ever genial and generous Roger Brown has lined up a truly phenomenal act for us. Ellie Buckland and Isa Burke, of Lula Wiles, a band of roots songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, will deliver original music with fearless energy, heart, and depth. Featured beneficiary is Bristol Lodge. Mark your calendar now!

UUSC.org - Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Team Monthly Note
We are delighted that First Church member, Sara Oaklander, became a full-time Executive Assistant at the UUSC on February 16. As an integral part of the Programs, Advocacy, and Action Department, she provides administrative, personnel, budgetary, technical, and logistical support to the Vice President/Chief Program Officer.
     Before joining UUSC, Sara worked for 11 years with the Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC), where she provided content and project management services to IISC and IISC's social sector clients. Sara's new position adds to the special bond we already experience with UUSC in relation to its founding.
     Also, go to UUSC.org to read more about Tom Andrews, former Congressman and human rights advocate, who has been appointed new President and CEO of UUSC.
~ Alice Trexler for the UUSC Team

FCB to host UU MassAction event on Feb. 27; attend for free by helping out at the event
In preparation for Advocacy Day, UU Mass Action is running a skill-building workshop led by Rev. Stephen Shick here at the First Church.
     "Speaking Your Truth: The Art of Being a Voice for Justice" will provide the opportunity to improve your ability to speak from the heart and encourage others to take action on the justice issues about which you are most passionate.
     The event organizers request a few helping hands with setting up and tidying after the event. Helpers can attend for free! Contact Executive Director Laura Wagner at [email protected] to assist.

From the UU Urban Ministry
Spirit and Action: A Three-Part Series on Structural Racism in Boston
Beginning March 1, "Spirit and Action" creates a sacred space for participants to learn about, and engage in, issues surrounding income inequality, environmental racism, and the impacts of urban renewal and gentrification on low-income communities. All sessions at the UUUM. For details on this and other UU Urban Ministry events, visit uuum.org.

Grow Clinic!
As February comes to an end, you still have a chance to Put Some LOVE in Your Cart by remembering the Grow babies, toddlers and their families. Thanks!
  • February Special Request: Baby Food and Formula. Collection baskets in the Lower Hall.
Caring Connection
The Caring Connection provides support to members of our community who need short-term help: uubelmont.org/caring-connection.

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: uubelmont.org/lay-ministry

If you use the church's linens ...
Please remember that if you use any of the church's tablecloths or dishtowels, you are responsible for washing and returning them soon after your event. We've had to throw away some mildewed linens that had been used but not washed. Thank you!
Connect with UU actions, events & resources
Contact Us
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9 - 3

404 Concord Avenue | PO Box 113 | Belmont, Mass. 02478

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: March 1
The next issue of The Unitarian is Tuesday, March 1. Please send your announcements, news, events, and other submissions to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, February 24. 

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