The Unitarian - May 24, 2016
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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.
- Services at 9 & 11 a.m.; childcare is provided.
- Sermon archive: uubelmont.org/sermons
- Directions & parking
- Sunday, June 5: Justice Sunday - Rev. Dr. William Schulz, President, UU Service Committee
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!
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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.
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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 ContestDon'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! VolunteersSign 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!
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Sandy Island Registration is Open!
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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 }
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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 }
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"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.
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- 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
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Program & Committee News
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
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
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
- 617-484-1054 ~ [email protected] ~ Staff Directory
- Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9 - 3
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The church office will be closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day.
- 404 Concord Avenue | PO Box 113 | Belmont, Mass. 02478
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
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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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