The Unitarian - April 26, 2016



Sunday Worship - 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.

Welcome and Announcements: 9 a.m. Betsy George; 11 a.m. Jackie James

9 a.m. Ushers: Ana Hammock, Sara Oaklander & John Kolterman
11 a.m. Ushers: Connie DiCocco, Katharine Canfield, Karsten Kueppenbender & Mariko Findell

Lay Pastoral Care: 9 a.m. Janet Amphlett; 11 a.m. Tom Neel

The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by Evelyn Corsini Alcorn and Tony Alcorn to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their marriage at First Church Belmont.
Rev. David Bryce
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister

Energy

Last Tuesday (April 13) I spent the day in Boston with other Unitarian Universalists from around the state who were lobbying their representatives in the legislature.
     There is something very energizing about being with other people who share your values and are actively engaging in expressing them.
     Something happens in that setting. When we are with others and are feeding off of each other's presence, we become much more committed to our goals and much more able to express them.
     We truly are a communal species.
     That doesn't mean we always like being with other people, or always like the people we find ourselves with; but it does mean that we become more filled with the spirit of optimism and more fully capable of action when we are with others.
     I know that for me that is part or the reason for congregations. While I can find "God" or can connect with the Ultimate Source when I am out in nature on my own, somehow being with others who are engaged in seeking the spiritual deepens my sense of the worship experience.
     I know there are those for whom the solitary connection with the All is what is most important-or even is the only important path to spirituality.
     Solitary moments are important, but I am grateful for--and better suited to--the collective endeavor.
     And I am especially grateful for a collective endeavor like ours which allows me the freedom to explore various beliefs.
     Whether our Unitarian Universalist gatherings take place in Societies, Fellowships, Churches or Congregations they all provide the same opportunity for communal worship. And for that I am deeply thankful.
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
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 ([email protected]) or Mark Thurber ([email protected]).
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 [email protected] immediately; registration fees increase after May 1.
Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation
On Sunday, April 24th our combined grades 1-6 class celebrated a second Jewish holiday this spring: Pesach or Passover. Our lesson began with prayer such as, Baruch atta Adonai, eloheynu meleh ha-olom, she-heh-he-yanu, ve-kiy'manu, ve-higi-an la-z'man hazeh. Praised be Thou, our God, who hast kept us alive and sustained us, and brought us to this season ... { click for more }
Youth Group News - Upcoming COA Ceremony: Sunday, May 8
This is a great chance to get a glimpse into ninth grade. The Coming of Age program creates a supportive environment where youth are able to explore big questions, reflect on their beliefs, and ultimately to have the confidence to make decisions based on their values. In this program, participants explore their UU roots alongside the personal beliefs and values that they are developing. Together with adult mentors, youth put their faith into action through community service projects, social action and by working to develop language to express their personal beliefs. The Coming of Age culminates when the youth share their personal credo statements with the congregation at the COA Ceremony ... { click for more }
Upcoming Adult Programs


  • Salsa Sensation - Tuesdays, April 26, May 3, 7-9 p.m., Parish Hall
  • Film and Discussion - "Pariah" - Wed., April 27, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
  • Women's Spring Potluck Supper - Friday, April 29, 7 p.m., Upper Hall
  • Men's Spring Potluck Supper - Friday, May 6, 7 p.m., Upper Hall
  • Jimmy Tingle for President - Sat., May 7, 7:30 p.m., Belmont HS
Ongoing Programs
  • Meditation - Mondays, 8 p.m., Library
  • First Church Book Group - Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., Library
  • Hootenanny/Jam Session- Wednesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., Parlor
  • Caring for Older Adults - Thursday, May 5, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
  • Fiber Arts Fellowship - Thursday, May 5, 8 p.m., Location TBD
Program & Committee News

Belmont Religious Council's Annual Meeting: Belmont a Partner in Refugee Resettlement
The Belmont Religious Council's Annual Meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2016 at the First Church of Belmont from 7 - 8:30 p.m. The theme is a kick-off for a potential consortium of faith and community groups to work together to help resettle refugees coming to Massachusetts. Organizers will provide information and open dialogue about the feasibility of Belmont's residents becoming a partner in the Resettle Together - Partners in Local Refugee Resettlement program led by the International Institute of New England (IINE).
     IINE's Director of Partner Engagement, Cheryl Hamilton, will describe the resettlement process and discuss actions concerned Belmontians can take to help locally alleviate the consequences of the world refugee crisis. Cheryl and her staff will speak for 45-minutes, following the BRC's business meeting, and then there will be Q&A for an additional 30-minutes. At the conclusion, interested people can meet to explore getting to work, i.e., next steps. Participants do not need to be a Belmont citizen or a member of a faith-based organization in order to join in this discussion.          ~ Sam James

Payson Park Church invites FCB to its Gospel Concert to support City Mission - 
Saturday, April 30, 6 - 8 p.m.
This will be a lively evening of joyous song and praise music by the choirs of Myrtle Baptist Church and Union Church of Waban, The Wilson Family Gospel Singers and a group of Payson Park singers. The master of ceremony will be The Rev. Dr. Emmett Price III, an expert on African-American music and Christian worship. Order tickets online at: citymissionboston.org/lift-every-voice

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. 

Mother's Day Walk for Peace, May 8
Please join a group from Belmont that will be walking in the 20th Annual Mother's Day Walk for Peace on Sunday, May 8 to support the work of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. To register for the 6.8-mile walk go to mothersdaywalk4peace.orgBelmont walkers will meet at the Alewife T station, in front of the entrance to Bertucci's, at 7 a.m. to take the T to Fields Corner. For more information or questions about walking with the Belmont group, contact Priscilla Cobb at [email protected].

Pilgrim Window Update
Many of you are looking forward to seeing our beloved Window in full daylight. We're currently waiting for the plans for the exterior glazing frame to be finalized by the fabricator and reviewed by our engineer. Then the frame will be fabricated and installed with protective glazing over the Window. The process has been agonizingly slow, but we're confident that by doing our research and taking our time, the Window will be protected for and enjoyed by many generations to come.

Grow Clinic!
Thanks for your contributions of vitamins to help nourish the medically fragile infants and toddlers at the Grow Clinic. Flintstone Chewables. Polysol with Iron Liquid Vitamins. What generosity of spirit and pocketbook! Thanks very, very much!

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Team Monthly Note (April)
From the UUSC.org web site:
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
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

Connect with UU actions, events & resources
  • 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!
  • From Rev. Hinds - Seeking Congregational Leaders
    The UUUM would like to try forming a UU network of congregational leaders in Anti-Racism work. We imagine quarterly meetings that serve primarily as a way for UU's to gather around this important issues and figure out how to stand with organizations and groups run by and in support of people of color in Boston. It may be educational or oriented towards action. We will figure it out together. Either way, we hope by coming together lay leaders will create a resource network that will strengthen the capacity of each individual congregation and the movement towards racial justice.
         Can you think of 1-2 people from your congregation that would be a good fit for this group? We are looking for strong, creative, and thoughtful anti-racism leaders from each congregation and I welcome your suggestions.
         Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 17th from 6-8pm. Contact [email protected] for information.
Contact Us
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9 - 3

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

Next issue: May 3
The next issue of The Unitarian is Tuesday, May 3. Please send your announcements, news, events, and other submissions to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, April 27. Please note that announcements may be edited for space and clarity.

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