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The Unitarian - May 31, 2016
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Sunday Worship - June 5
Justice Sunday - Rev. Dr. William Schulz
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| | Rev. Dr. William Schulz |
Our Justice Sunday guest speaker is Rev. Dr. William Schulz. Bill was President of the Unitarian Universalist Association from 1985 - 1993 and Executive Director of Amnesty International USA from 1994 - 2006. On June 30, he will retire and complete six years as President and CEO of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
Welcome and Announcements: 9 a.m. Betsy George; 11 a.m. Deveaux Duckworth
9 a.m. Ushers: Ana Hammock & Ann Dexter
11 a.m. Ushers: Margaret Marks & Leslie Kolterman
Lay Pastoral Care: 9 a.m. Bethany Allen; 11 a.m. James Hencke
The flowers on the Chancel Table this Sunday are given by Linda Rice and Emma Jones in loving memory of their husband and father, Douglas Jones.
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
"Those who really study religion, cultivate their spiritual nature, preserve their souls, gather up their spiritual force, and watch their hearts. They believe that if the spiritual nature be not nurtured, it daily dwindles; if the soul be not preserved, it daily dies; if the spiritual force be not exercised, it is dissipated daily; if the heart be not watched, it is daily lost." Attributed to Zhang Yuanxu, 1862 - 1924, the 62nd Celestial master of Taoism.
One wise lesson of many religious traditions is that one should practice one's religion every day. Just as physical exercise strengthens the body so spiritual exercise strengthens the soul. So one builds up spiritual strength through regular use of spiritual things.
So why do Unitarian Universalists take the summer off?
The answer to that question is that we do not. There are services all summer long here at The First Church in Belmont.
It is true, however, that there was a long tradition of UU Congregations closing their doors for the months of July and August. (Actually, back in the 1800's the Unitarian Church in Yonkers, NY was open all summer long, but would close for the month of January; I assume this was not their practice alone.)
There were various excuses for this practice. In the Boston area it was said, "God goes to Maine in the summer". (There were several variants of that: God goes to the Cape, God goes to the shore.)
Another was that we Unitarian Universalists have to shut down "in order to give the Devil a chance to catch up".
There was also a class element to this. In the 1800's cities were places of heat, dust and sometimes illness. The upper classes (many of them were Unitarians, and most Unitarians were among the upper classes) therefore fled the cities and spent their summers elsewhere. So I surmise that during the summer many of our congregations had no congregation.
But spiritual growth happens in many ways, and can happen anytime and anyplace.
During the summer season to come, in vacation times or quiet afternoons, may we remember to build our spirits, to strengthen our souls, to take pleasure in and give thanks for all that is.
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Annual Report Update
FCBGreen's annual report was inadvertently omitted from the full annual report of the church. To see the work of this initiative committee for 2015-16, please click here to find the report: tinyurl.com/fcb-green-annual-report.
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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 fellowship@uubelmont.org or 617-571-9391. |
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| | | Sandy Island boathouse | |
Sandy Island Registration is Open!
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Children's Religious Education: It Takes a Congregation
Thank you for all of the heart-felt congratulations expressed over the last week. I am delighted with the new adventures on my horizon. Having spent two years with you here at First Church in Belmont working as the Acting Director of CRE, I feel well prepared to serve the UU Church of Tallahassee as their Interim Minister for the next 1-2 years ... 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 ... 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 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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- Meditation - Mondays, 8 p.m., Library
- Jobseeker Buddy Group - Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Library
- Caring for Older Adults - Thursday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
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An Evening with Richard Curzi & Positive Energy featuring the Belmont Roxx Orchestra
Mark your calendars for Friday, June 10 @ 7:30 when the final Second Friday Coffeehouse of the season will feature An Evening with Richard Curzi & Positive Energy featuring the Belmont Roxx Orchestra. Admission is $10 ($5 for students and seniors). Featured beneficiaries are UU Urban Ministries and Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center.
Purchase next year's Coffeehouse Season Ticket NOW and save 20% After two decades at the same rates, we are raising our price at the door and the price of our (two-people for the price of one) Season Tickets by 20%. This is still lower than comparable venues but closer to the norm.
As a gesture of gratitude to our loyal supporters, and in an attempt to shorten our fall Season Ticket sales season, we are offering 2016-2017 Season Tickets to early bird purchasers at 2015-2016 rates from now until midnight August 31st.
Buy next season's ticket at the June 10th Coffeehouses and by mail from now until the end of August. Don't miss out on this great bargain on great music and your chance to support ten great beneficiaries!
Program & Committee News
UUSC.org: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Team Monthly Note
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
Belmont UU Alliance Announces Fall Programming
The Belmont UU Alliance (for men and women) announces its exciting fall programming. All of these activities are preceded by lunch and socializing at the church unless otherwise stated. Stay tuned for all the details in future Unitarians and Adult RE listings:
- September 21: Concord River Boat Cruise with Lunch
- October 19: The Tufts Art Gallery with Interactive Guide
- November 16: Documentary: Merchants of Doubt
- December 14: Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain for Artists and Non-Artists
Stock the Shelves for Summer!
Last Chance for Good Deeds! Please remember to add something for the GROW CLINIC in your cart this week. You'll be glad you did.
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
Next issue: June 7: last regular issue of church year
Please send your announcements, news, events, and other submissions to
office@uubelmont.org by noon on Wednesday, June 1. Please note that items may be edited for space and clarity.
Unitarian Deadlines through August 2016
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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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