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The Unitarian - May 17, 2016
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Sunday Worship - May 22
Called To Love - Rev. David Bryce
Our Universalist forebears proclaimed God's universal love for all, and the universal salvation of all. That was a declaration of freedom from fear. But it was a declaration that also came with a burden: since God loves all of us, each and every one, then we in turn should all love all of us-each and every one.
In our heritage we are called to accept and love those who agree with us and behave like us, and those who do not. We are called to accept and love those whose actions and politics and religion we despise.
Prelude/Postlude: Dylan Sauerwald, organ
Offertory solo: Du Bist die Ruh; Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
- Melanie Bacaling, soprano
9 a.m. Nova Choir Anthem: Amazing Grace; arr. Marguerite Shaw
11 a.m. Senior Choir Anthem: Measure me Sky; James Mulholland (contemp.)
Welcome and Announcements: 9 a.m. Peter Guthrie; 11 a.m. Jackie James
9 a.m. Ushers: Bethany Allen & Ann Dexter
11 a.m. Ushers: Laurie Graham & Judy McSwain
Lay Pastoral Care: 9 a.m. Steve Saar; 11 a.m. James Hencke
The flowers on the Chancel Table this Sunday are given by Pat Paul in loving memory of her husband, Bill, and her friend, Mary Harsch.
- Services at 9 & 11 a.m.; childcare is provided.
- Sermon archive: uubelmont.org/sermons
- Directions & parking
- Sunday, May 29 - Rev. John Nichols
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Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
Sabbatical
As most of you know, I will be taking a sabbatical next year.
It is standard in Unitarian Universalism-as in a number of other religious traditions - for ministers to take sabbaticals.
Sabbatical is meant to be a time of study, reflection and renewal of ministry; a renewal that then serves both the minister and the congregation and its needs and functions. That can happen in a variety of ways.
In my first sabbatical, in 2002 (when I served a different congregation) it was clear to me that we (both the congregation and I) needed to think about growth issues and also that I wanted to hone my pastoral counseling skills. That clarity made it obvious to me what to do on my sabbatical. So I used my sabbatical time to serve in chaplaincy in a local hospital and to study factors in congregational growth that either hinder or help - including recognition of structural changes that are needed for growth and of attitudes that can keep a congregation small.
Upon my return from that sabbatical I was able to bring visions and information that helped us to break through a natural plateau that often occurs in membership.
In preparing for next year's sabbatical, I have spent much time pondering what would serve both the congregation and me. That assessment, that sense of questioning, continues.
What would resonate for me - what would feed that place in my soul where my need for growth meets my passion - and also would meet some need or challenge or dream of the congregation?
The answer to that last question is not yet clear to me. I have been thinking about a number of options, and may well spend my time engaged in two or three different kinds of activities.
I will keep you apprised as the sabbatical time draws near.
Meanwhile, you know that during the sabbatical the congregation will be served by our incoming Intern Minister, by the Sabbatical Committee and by other leaders in the congregation.
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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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Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation
Spring really is here at long last and summer weather won't be far behind! Please bear in mind that the Church is not responsible for the children's health and safety when they are playing unsupervised on church grounds or adjacent property ... { click for more }
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Music Notes
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In 1977 the late Harrison Radford, Alfa's husband, built the beautiful harpsichord thatsits in the Sanctuary. He gave it to the church, and it has been the source of much beautiful music ever since.
This spring the Music Committee has elected to have the instrument professionally refurbished. This will include replacing the strings, re-voicing all of the plectra, and replacing old and worn leather and felt throughout the instrument ... { click for more }
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Healing wishes to Howard Hunter, who has been ill.
New Church History Committee
A new initiative committee has been approved by Parish Board to take on the role of maintaining church history. Lauraine Dalton, Lanier Smythe, and Martha Spaulding volunteered to be a team of church historians, working with Jim Landfried who unofficially was the sole historian for the last 11 years.
The congregation owes Jim great appreciation, and now can look forward to the committee's excellence in documenting major events and in archiving historical materials.
~ Downing Cless, Parish Board Clerk
Marian Melnick Reprises "Meet Fannie Barrier Williams" - May 18 at the Arlington Library For those who missed Marian Melnick's wonderful in-character presentation of "Meet Fannie Barrier Williams" at the March Alliance meeting (left), there's a new opportunity to see her.
On Wednesday, May 18, Marian will reprise her presentation at Robbins Library Community Room, 700 Massachusetts Ave. in Arlington, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Marian portrays a black woman activist - and Unitarian - from the early 20th century. The event is free.
Marian originally created her characterization for the FCB children's RE program. She has embedded Fannie's story in the historical context of 1855 - 1944, Fannie's life span.
Aging in Community - a Community Conversation
Since so many members of the congregation attended our many programs concerning of end-of-life issues, I thought you might be interested in attending this program. For more information contact Lillian Anderson at landerson@uubelmont.org.
"Senior Cohousing: Taking Charge of the Rest of your Life"
June 5, 2-4:30 p.m., Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown
Senior cohousing is an innovative model for housing seniors that started in Denmark and is now taking off in the USA. Cohousing enables seniors to take control of the inevitable and live as independently as possible, as long as possible, within a community of peers. It's an entirely new way to house ourselves as we age-with dignity, independence, safety, mutual concern, and fun. Register at eventbrite.com/e/senior-cohousing-taking-charge-of-the-rest-of-your-life-tickets-24805533017.
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- New group forming in the fall - "Next Chapter"
- Meditation - Mondays, 8 p.m., Library
- Jobseeker Buddy Group - Tuesdays, 10-11:30am, Library
- Fiber Arts Fellowship - Thursday, May 19, 8 p.m., Location TBD
- UU Alliance - Wednesday, May 18, 12 noon, Upper Hall
- Facing Illness Together - Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m., Tinkham Room
- Science and Spirituality - Thursday, May 19, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
- First Church Book Group - Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 p.m., Library
- Hootenanny - Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
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Program & Committee News
Help Jobseekers in Our Congregation
UUSC.org: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Team Monthly Note (May)
The UUSC invites you to attend Justice Sunday on June 5th. Not only does this yearly event inspire us through the stories of UUSC's work, but it also reminds us of First Church ties to its origin in the thirties.
This year's Justice Sunday is especially meaningful as our guest, the Rev. Dr. William Schultz, is preaching one of his last sermons as the outgoing President and CEO of the organization. His distinguished career also includes directing Amnesty International and the presidency of the UUA among many other accomplishments.
Special refreshments and UUSC literature will be available at both coffee hours. For a very easy way to help the UUSC today, go to the website action center to sign one of its important petitions. ~ Alice Trexler for the UUSC Team
Polyvisol with Iron Liquid Vitamins. Canned Fruits Packed in Syrup. Canned Vegetables. Carnation Instant Breakfast. Peanut Butter. Thanks for your generosity!
May and June Special Request: Your favorite items from the shopping list - pick one up in the Lower Hall or outside the Sanctuary.
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
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Parish Board
Information and board minutes are online at uubelmont.org/parish-board.
Contact Us
Please send your announcements, news, events, and other submissions to office@uubelmont.org by noon on Wednesday, May 18. Please note that items may be edited for space and clarity.
Unitarian Deadlines through August 2016
| June 7, last "regular" issue | Deadline June 1 | |
June 14, "Lay Led Service" issue
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Deadline June 8
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Midsummer issue: July 26
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Deadline July 20
| | Tuesday, September 6, 2016 | Deadline August 31 |
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