The Unitarian - May 24, 2016

Sunday Worship - May 29

Talking About God - Rev. John Nichols
As an interim minister I have found that "God-talk" is a sensitive point in most congregations. This will be a reflection on what a theist means when he/she talks about God. It's not what most people think...

John Nichols has served as settled minister to three congregations: in Canton, Mass., Hinsdale, Illinois and, for 23 years, Wellesley, Mass. He is currently minister emeritus of the Wellesley congregation. He has served ten congregations as an interim minister, including Belmont from 2002 - 04. He has written two books and is finishing a third.

Welcome and Announcements: 9 a.m. Ana Hammock; 11 a.m. Jackie James

9 a.m. Ushers: Ana Hammock & Sara Oaklander
11 a.m. Ushers: Pam Andrews

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

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.
Bring A Flower on June 12
June 12 is our Flower Communion Sunday. Each person is asked to bring a flower to leave behind, and each will leave with a different flower. If you can, please bring an extra flower or twelve for those who will forget!
Rev. David Bryce
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister

Clash of Values

I have been reading a history of China which speaks to the conflict between Confucian values and the values of industrialization.
     The author of the book (John Fairbank) claims that Confucian values included moral self-cultivation, a belief that agriculture (particularly rice) was the basis of both economics and a good society, and tended to dismiss merchants (and by extension, business) because they only sold on items, they did not create things the way farmers did.
     But the author then goes on to say that at one point in the eighteenth to nineteenth century China attempted to combine Confucian values with western-style industrialization. And he dismisses (my word) this attempt.
     One point struck me in particular. The author says that industrialization (at the time, steam) brings its own values.
     I am enough of a Humanist to know that changes is society do bring changes in perception and in values and moral codes.
     I have referred in sermons (including a sermon just a few weeks ago) to the Axial Age when prophets of various religions declared a new morality: that all human beings, kings and paupers alike, are under the law of God (or the God equivalent in that religion) and therefore under the rule of moral conduct.
     So the general concept of change challenging old codes is something I recognize.
     However, I have long felt that there are eternal standards and that there is a moral code that we are working ourselves towards that is pre-existent even if not yet within our perception. Very theistic. And quite paradoxical for a non-theistic Humanist.
     And, it is what I believe.
     And so I have long felt that any economic system--whether capitalism, socialism or whatever else we may come up with in the future-must fall under and be guided by that moral code.
     And so to the extent that capitalism is founded in and encourages greed, self-interest and selfishness, these must be countered by an internalized social moral code which recognizes our common humanity, community and our need to care for one another. And I have believed that this should be expressed through individual behaviors based upon that internalized moral code of conduct, and through government regulation of business and through government provision of a welfare system.
     But if capitalism (or any other economic system) brings its own moral code, one that finally overwhelms religious moral codes, where shall we find ourselves?
     May it always be that true morality guides all of our actions and that we are able to combine our values with whatever systems of society we develop.
food_summer.jpg
Mark your calendar for the All Church Picnic: Sunday, June 12

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the annual All-Church Picnic immediately following the 11:00 service on Sunday, June 12. There will be delicious food including burgers, chicken, hot dogs and vegetarian options, lots of yummy salads, and of course, dessert. The cost is $5.00 per person, $20 max per family. Children 3 and under are free.

Salad Contest
Don't miss the annual First Church Salad Contest! Bring your favorite salad to share at the picnic - green salads, pasta salads, fruit salads; all types are welcome. We serve over 200 people at the picnic, so the more salads, the better!

Volunteers
Sign up at coffee hour to help with this fun annual event. If you have any questions, or would like to help out, please contact Melissa Irion at [email protected] or 617-571-9391

More picnic information here!
Sandy Island boathouse
Sandy Island Registration is Open!

12th Annual Sandy Island Retreat, September 16-18, 2016

The Fellowship Committee would like to invite you to join us for the popular First Church Sandy Island Retreat. This is a wonderful opportunity to kick back, relax, and meet new and old friends after a long summer. Sandy Island offers recreational opportunities for people of all interests and ages. Questions? Contact Ariane Frank and Martin Plass at [email protected].

Information and the registration link are online: uubelmont.org/sandy-island-church-retreat/
Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation
When I was a kid, I used to go to the cemetery on Memorial Day with my grandmother to place flowers on the gravestones of her parents. It is a ritual tradition that I remember with a sense of warmth and bright sunshine, peace-filled and colorful. My grandma's actions were measured and caring. Her son, my uncle, goes to tend the graves now, carefully clipping the grass around the edges and brushing the anthills away. Even though I can't go there physically each year, I still do so in my mind as I remember my father, grandparents, and other family members ... { click for more }
37th Annual Chamber Music Concert, June 5
Music for a good cause is the occasion on Sunday, June 5th at 8:00 p.m. at The First Church in Belmont Unitarian Universalist, as area artists present the 37th Annual Chamber Music Concert.
     Admittance is by donation and all proceeds will benefit the Pediatric SPARK (Supporting Parents and Resilient Kids) program at the Boston Medical Center. This program helps Boston's highest risk children (5 and under) whose lives are affected by significant medical, emotional and behavioral challenges.
     A very special program is planned, as once again The First Church celebrates the handsome harpsichord, built and given to the church in 1979 by Harrison Radford, a gift which marked the origin of the annual event. A dessert reception will follow ...
{ click for details }
"Aging in Community", June 5, Watertown Public Library
Since so many members of the congregation attended our many programs concerning of end-of-life issues, I thought you might be interested in this program. For more information contact Lillian Anderson at [email protected].

"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.
Upcoming Adult Programs

New Programs
  • New group forming in the fall - "Next Chapter"
  • Young adult programming discussion - Thursday, June 9, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room 
Ongoing Programs
  • Meditation -  Mondays, 8 p.m., Library
  • Jobseeker Buddy Group - Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Library
  • First Church Book Group - Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 p.m., Library
  • Hootenanny - Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
  • Caring for Older Adults - Thursday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
  • Fiber Arts Fellowship- Thursday, June 2, 8 p.m., Location TBD
Program & Committee News

Belmont Food Pantry
First Church members staff the opening of the Belmont Food Pantry on the second Tuesday of every month. There will be a sign-up table after Sunday's service to recruit volunteers for the months of June through September.
     Volunteers work for about 90 minutes, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. Please stop by the sign-up table in the Gathering Hall after services, to volunteer to help out one evening during the upcoming months.

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 Schulz, 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

Grow Clinic!
Here are a few of "their favorite things"... Baby Foods (Stages 1 & 2). Enfamil with Iron. Vegetable or Corn Oil. Boxed Infant Cereals. Cheerios. Flintstone Chewable Vitamins. Parmalat Milk. 
     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
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
Parish Board
Information and board minutes are online at uubelmont.org/parish-board.

Contact Us
  • 617-484-1054 ~ [email protected]Staff Directory
  • Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9 - 3
  • The church office will be closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day. 
  • 404 Concord Avenue | PO Box 113 | Belmont, Mass. 02478
Next issue: May 31
Please send your announcements, news, events, and other submissions to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, May 25. 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
Deadline June 8
Midsummer issue: July 26
Deadline July 20
Tuesday, September 6, 2016Deadline August 31

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