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The Unitarian - April 19, 2016
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Sunday Worship - April 24, 2016
Sermon: Passover - Rev. David Bryce
9 a.m. Nova Choir: Songs of Nature, Antonin Dvorak 11 a.m. Senior Choir will sing a lovely choral arrangement of Eliyahu Hanavi, the song that welcomes the prophet Elijah into the room during the traditional Passover meal. The ushers will open the doors during the song, in keeping with the tradition of the song. Offertory: a Passover prayer; Chuck Claus, cantor Welcome and Announcements: 9 a.m. Peter Guthrie; 11 a.m. Deveaux Duckworth 9 a.m. Ushers: Barbara Terry & Cathy Olofson
11 a.m. Ushers: Jeanne Johnson & Michelle Johnson
Lay Pastoral Care: 9 a.m. Steve Saar; 11 a.m. Martha Spaulding
The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by Jeanne and Michelle Johnson in memory of their beloved Jessica Johnson McKeen. - Services at 9 & 11 a.m.; childcare is provided.
- Sunday, May 1 - Youth Group Sunday
The senior class will share personal reflections on their time at First Church, the junior class will give a musical tribute to the graduating seniors and the sophomore class will share a story for all ages. This is an opportunity to learn what our church community has meant to our youth over the years. - Sermon archive: uubelmont.org/sermons
- Directions & parking
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Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
Moments of Failure
I recently spoke with someone (not part of this congregation) who had faced a moment of failure, an event that changed the course of their life. They had plans that were set aside, as it were, by someone else.
Imagine (as a hypothetical) working hard to enter a career and then finding out that you are blocked from doing so.
This is not an unheard of experience. Sometimes it is because the "gatekeepers" of a career path turn someone away.
Sometimes it is because of external events.
Women and minority groups (ethnic, religious or other) have faced this in our country throughout our history.
In Unitarian Universalist history there was an effort made about one hundred years ago to professionalize our ministry by ensuring that all of our clergy had graduated from seminary. A great idea, unless you were a woman or part of a racial minority: at the time, our seminaries were not accepting either.
The blacklist of the nineteen-fifties destroyed or severely curtailed the careers of a number of actors, writers and directors. And sometimes they were not even aware that they were on the blacklist.
When life changes on us, whether in our career plans or in some other area, how do we respond? I am not going to give the true but glib answer that we search for the silver lining or assume that another door will open. Life is not always so simple. And in the moments when this has happened to me, I do not want to hear that "everything works out for the best" or that "this will be the beginning of something better." I need to grieve first.
We human beings need to allow our grief to live in us; we need to allow ourselves to process what has happened. Then we can make some decisions about the future course we will follow.
Yes, every failure can be turned into a success-or at least into a path that takes us to some other kind of success. But that takes time. It is acceptable to mourn what has been lost.
And then, when we are ready, it is right to see the possibilities that have opened up before us because of the failure.
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A Call to the Annual Meeting at The First Church In Belmont: Sunday, May 22, 2016, 4 p.m.
Pursuant to a call by Todd Schatzki, President of the Parish Board, you are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of The First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 4 p.m. in the Parish Hall for the election of officers, status of next year's budget, committee highlights, and the transaction of such other businesses as may lawfully come before the meeting.
Hereof, fail not, and make due attendance at said meeting and time.
Only active adult members, who have had standing as such for not less than seven days prior to the meeting, may vote. No proxies will be accepted: you must attend the meeting in order to vote.
- Downing Cless, Parish Clerk
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Stewardship Drive - please pledge today
Hi everyone - If you have not yet pledged or responded, please let us hear from you ASAP. The Parish Board is working on the budget right now. We need pledges or responses from everyone now to fund essential church programs for the coming church year. Please visit www.uubelmont.org/stewardship today to make your online pledge. Questions? Please contact Roger Read ( rread@uubelmont.org) or Mark Thurber ( mthurber@uubelmont.org).
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Among Us
Our deepest sympathies to Kate Searle on the recent death of her father, in Arizona.
UUA General Assembly 2016: June 22 - 26, Columbus, Ohio
What is General Assembly?
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone may attend; congregations must certify annually to send voting delegates. The theme for GA 2016 will be "Heart Land: Where Faiths Connect." General Assembly 2016 in Columbus, Ohio will assemble leaders and communities of many faiths to worship together, learn from one another, and create a new vision of faith that no longer divides us, but connects us to an interdependent future that works for all.
How do I become one of First Church's eight delegates?
First Church Membership is required to represent our congregation. For more information about GA go to www.uua.org/ga. If you are interested in attending, e-mail Rev. David Bryce at minister@uubelmont.org immediately; registration fees increase after May 1.
"Housing the Homeless: From Crisis to Shelter to Home," presented by the Tri-Community Coalition to End Homelessness
- When: Sunday, April 24, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:00 for refreshments and opportunity to meet exhibitors.
- Where: St. Joseph Parish Hall, 130 Common Street, Belmont
- Keynote speaker: Chrystal Kornegay, Undersecretary, Mass. Department of Housing and Community Development
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Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation
One day during the winter months, as I walked across the parking lot of my apartment complex, I found one of those jelly bracelets with these words on it: "KINDNESS MATTERS." I decided to put it in my car in a place where I could see it while I driving the 250-300 miles that I do each week. I did this not because I need to be reminded to be kind, but because there are an awful lot of people on the roadways that need to be reminded. By keeping this mantra in view, I intended to energize a kinder, gentler driving experience for myself and for everyone else around me ... { click for more }
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Youth Group News - Upcoming Youth and COA Services
These services are a celebration of the values that we are passing on to the next generation and can also be a wonderful opportunity for those who are interested in learning more about our church community and the role it plays in the lives of our youth.
Seventh- and eighth-graders and their families are especially encouraged to join us so they can learn more about what lays ahead for them. ... { click for more }
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- Solar Flares - Sunday, April 24, 12:30 p.m., Library
- Salsa Sensation - Tuesdays, April 26, May 3, 7-9 p.m., Parish Hall
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Film and Discussion - "Pariah" - Wed., April 27, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
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Women's Spring Potluck Supper - Friday, April 29, 7 p.m., Upper Hall
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Men's Spring Potluck Supper - Friday, May 6, 7 p.m., Upper Hall
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Jimmy Tingle for President - Sat., May 7, 7:30 p.m., Belmont HS
- Meditation - Mondays, 8 p.m., Library
- UU Alliance Lobster Roll Lunch/Annual Meeting - Wed., April 20, 12 noon
- Facing Illness Together - Thursday, April 21, 7 p.m., Tinkham Room
- Science and Spirituality - Thursday, April 21, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
- First Church Book Group - Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., Library
- Hootenanny/Jam Session- Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., Parlor
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Program & Committee News
Resettle Together - Partners in Belmont's Refugee Resettlement
I am pleased to announce that the Belmont Religious Council's Annual Meeting will be held at First Church Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 7:00 to 8:15. Cheryl Hamilton, Director of Partner Engagement, from the International Institute of New Englander will discuss the resettlement process and what concerned citizens in Belmont can do to help alleviate one of the greatest crises in the world.
Our meeting will also provide the opportunity to assess the possibility of developing collaboration within Belmont. Cheryl and her staff will speak for 45-minutes followed by Q&A for an additional 30-minutes. At the end, there will be a brief follow up meeting for those who want to explore getting to work. Please save the date and join us in the Parish Hall. I look forward to seeing you then. ~ Sam James
FCB Green Meeting on Gas Leaks, April 27
Did you know that within its 4.6 square miles Belmont has 80 gas leaks, the oldest dating back to 1996? Only 7 are scheduled to be fixed within the year. The methane they leak is 84 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide over a 20 year period, contributing to climate change.
Join FCB Green Group, Sustainable Belmont, and Mothers Out Front for a gas leaks presentation on April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Belmont Library Assembly Room.
Grow Clinic!
Our campaign to help the GROW babies and toddlers GROW by sending them lots of Vitamins is nearing its end. Won't you please make a note to put Flintstone Chewables or Polysol with Iron Liquid Vitamins on your shopping list this week? Many, many thanks for your generosity!
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Team Monthly Note (April)
In the wake of the Flint lead poisoning disaster, we need to ask ourselves and our elected officials: how can we let this happen? Today, one in five U.S. families are forced to spend more than they can afford - between 5 and 20 percent of their income - on water. Black and Latino communities are often hit hardest by these staggering expenses - and even at these outrageous prices, that water isn't necessarily safe.
Sign the petition on UUSC.org in the Advocacy section of "Take Action" to tell the EPA: ensure access to safe, affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation. The Obama Administration won't do it unless they hear from us.
UUSC is also working with partners in Michigan, including the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, the Detroit People's Water Board, and Michigan UU Social Justice Network, to pass legislation led by state representative Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) that aims to begin restoring justice in Flint and prevent water disasters in the future.
~ Alice Trexler for the UUSC Team
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
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Connect with UU actions, events & resources
UU Urban Ministry, uuum.org
- Annual Meeting, Sunday, May 15 at 1 p.m. We have moved this important event to Sunday in the hope that more of our friends will be able to join us. Same great gathering, different day! We'll see you there!
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Contact Us
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9 - 3
404 Concord Avenue | PO Box 113 | Belmont, Mass. 02478
The next issue of The Unitarian is Tuesday, April 26. Please send your announcements, news, events, and other submissions to office@uubelmont.org by noon on Wednesday, April 20. Please note that announcements may be edited for space and clarity.
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