The Unitarian - September 20, 2016


Sunday Worship - September 25


Freedom to be Me and the Ties that Bind - Andrea Spencer-Linzie, Ministerial Intern
This services centers on the spiritual work that we do for ourselves - to know and understand ourselves deeply, where we come from, what motivates and hinders us - so that we can be free to be authentically ourselves in community.


Prelude: Larghetto from Partita on "Deo Gratias," Michael Burkhardt (b. 1957)


Senior Choir Anthem: Come Before the Lord with Singing, Dave Dunbar (contemp.)


Postlude: "Minuet Finale" from Music for the Royal Fireworks, G.F. Handel

(1685 - 1759)


The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by Jean Dickinson and Neal Winston. 
Rev. David Bryce
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister

Each year at our Ingathering service in September, and again at our membership service in the spring, I make a point of reading our congregation's Behavioral Covenant.

     Covenant is important in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Most immediately we take the concept from our Puritan forebears; though it dates back at least to Biblical times. The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association begin by stating, "We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote..." (italics mine.)

     We UU's are not held together on the basis of creed. We believe in "a free and responsible search for truth and meaning" by individuals. And we celebrate those life affirming truths that each of us find for ourselves.

     But we also function in community. We do not yield our individual beliefs, but we do agree to be with one another in particular ways.             

     Generally speaking, a congregation's Mission states what it is and what it exists to do; it's Vision Statement expresses what it hopes to be and achieve moving into the future; and its Covenant expresses how people will treat one another within the congregation. So: who we are, where we are going and how we will be with one another.

     A covenant is not a contract, it is a calling. When we fail to live up to a contract, the ties that connect us to others may be dissolved. When we fail to live up to a covenant, the ties remain and we are called to seek to re-establish good, healthy relationships.

     As Unitarian Universalists our goal is to live out the Principles of Unitarian Universalism and the Mission and Covenant of The First Church In Belmont within the congregation and-I would hope-in the world at large. May we do so intentionally and mindfully.


From Andrea Spencer-Linzie, Ministerial Intern

The way from God to a human heart is through a human heart. - Samuel Gordon[1]


God, Goddess, the divine, the great mystery, that which is sacred, can often feel unknowable, inscrutable, distant. Yet, we can and do experience the sacred, the divine, or the mystery in many ways.

     At least for me, my deepest experiences of the sacred are through the connection with other humans - as fallible, cranky, loving, humorous, friendly and unbearable as we are.

     A touch, a word, a hug, a connection of the eyes, a shared understanding, a letter, a laugh, a long conversation, a drive, a walk, a need fulfilled. This connection is sacred. Each of us embodies the divine. And to authentically connect with another is to experience the divine, to know that we are not alone, but a part of the sacred wholeness of life.

     Share your heart and experience the power of divine connection. 

[1] Reading for Sept 20 in "Awakening the Soul: A Book of Daily Devotions," edited by John C. Morgan.

Reverend Bryce's Spring 2017 Sabbatical

This fall we begin preparations for our minister, David Bryce, to take a well-earned sabbatical leave, an established tradition for Unitarian Universalist clergy. The sabbatical is intended to offer an extended time for rest, renewal, reflection, and study for our minister.

     Please visit uubelmont.org/sabbatical for details about its purpose, the schedule of services, and both pulpit and pastoral coverage while David is away, from January to June 30, 2017.


Among Us

Our best wishes for continued recovery to Mike and Jeanne Widmer, who were in a very serious automobile accident over Labor Day weekend. Mike and Jeanne would greatly appreciate "virtual visits" by e-mail and telephone.



Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of former member Gladys Allen, who passed away on August 29.

Music Notes, by Ian Garvie
As rehearsals continue for The Magic Flute, I find myself thinking about music, and the impact it can have on both participants and listeners. Music can give people chills, it can make people laugh, cry, and dance. There has been a lot of research done about the effect music has on listeners ... {more}

Adult Programs News


New Programs
  • Next Chapter Support/Discussion Group
  • Defying the Nazis: the Sharps' War - Friday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m., Parish Hall
  • Reflections from General Assembly - Sunday, Sept. 25, 10:15 a.m., Parlor
  • Together We Walk: Reflections on a Summer Pilgrimage - Sunday, Sept. 25, 12:15 p.m., Parish Hall
  • Theatre Discussion Group - Sunday, Oct. 2, 3 p.m., Library
Ongoing Programs
  • Meditation - Mondays, 8 p.m., Library
  • Jobseeker Buddy Group - Tuesdays, 10am, Library
  • Belmont UU Alliance - Wed., Sept. 21, 12 noon
  • Beyond Ferguson - Sunday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Library
  • Hootenanny/Jam Session - Wed., Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
  • First Church Book Group - Wed., Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., Library
  • Women's Fall Potluck Supper - Friday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m., Upper Hall
  • Caring for Older Adults - Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
  • Fiber Arts Fellowship - Thursday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m., Location TBD
  • Men's Fall Potluck Supper - Friday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m., Upper Hall
Program & Committee News in Brief: Click Here for Details


Second Friday Coffeehouse 2016 - 17 Season
WOW!!! What a start! As of September 12, 38 Coffeehouse Season Tickets have been sold!!!  With your help, we really want to hit our goal of 70 tickets and we really want to get there as fast as we can! If we can sell eight/week, we'll be done in four weeks. October 16 could be an amazing new sales and speed record and a full moon to boot! Write a check (fully deductible) for $119 made out to First Church in Belmont with "Coffeehouse" written in the memo line. Submit it in one of three convenient ways:
  • Mail: Check to First Church in Belmont, 404 Concord Ave., P.O. Box 113, Belmont, MA 02478
  • Drop-off: In a clearly labeled envelope, put your check (or cash) into the secure drop-box immediately to the left of the door to the church office, Janice's office.
  • Face-to-face: Bring your check (or cash) to any Coffee Hour in September or October or to the 10/14 Coffeehouse, or hand it to Janice or a Coffeehouse Committee Member.    
  • In any case, please include your contact information (name, address, email, phone).  P.S. Do it now, as soon as you can! Thanks!
  • Click here for a full, updated schedule.
SAC to host benefit concert for asylum-seeking Central American Families: October 1
Bev Freeman, who has helped organized the benefit concert, says, "Our church is the first organization in Boston area to raise funds for these families. They have to live "under the radar" and thus most people here are not even aware they exist. Previously incarcerated in Texas for crossing the border, Central American families like those now in Boston have recently been released, thanks to successful litigation in their behalf. Other families are still being detained in Texas and in a prison in Pennsylvania for the same reason."
     We are delighted to present The Loomers, The Blood Mountain Brothers and a special guest appearance by The Yellow Room (Jon Svetkey and Heather Quay). Tickets will be $25 at the door.
     Donate online easily at: iiicenter.org/2016/02/case-manager/. For more information, email Bev Freeman at [email protected].


Interfaith Winter Clothing Drive and Rummage Sale for Refugee Families

Clothing Drive begins October 3

Rummage Sale: Saturday, October 15, 9am-2pm at the Plymouth Congregational Church, Pleasant Street, Belmont

The Belmont Religious Council, members of Plymouth Congregational Church and Belmont residents are holding a Rummage Sale and Winter Clothing Drive to support legal refugees who have settled in Massachusetts.

     By partnering with the International Institute of New England based in Lowell, we will be providing goods and resources directly to people and families who are now calling Massachusetts "home." 

     How can you help? Volunteer! Donate gently worn winter clothing! Donate Rummage Sale items. Shop the rummage sale! Click here for complete information. 


Embodied Speaking: The Art of Presenting with Heart, Mind, and Body, September 28
On September 28, FCB will host "Embodied Speaking," a program for speakers, interfaith clergy, seminarians, social activists and religious leaders, in the Parish Hall from 9 - 3:30. Speaking without a manuscript, from the heart, is an essential art for communicating with authenticity and power. Fortunately, you can learn! Here's your chance. Register at www.preachingbyheart.org.



New Name Tags

We have new name tags this fall and if you haven't gotten yours yet, come by the Upper Gathering Hall where they are available on the Membership Table.



Ushers Needed

Please consider helping out with the worship services by signing up to be an usher. You can sign up online (tinyurl.com/fall-ushering) or on the Ushering sign up poster in the Upper Gathering Hall during coffee hour. Thanks for your help.



Grow Clinic!
Grow Clinic doctors write prescriptions for their patients to the Preventive Food Pantry for high calorie, protein rich foods. Pick up a food list for shopping or bring a Special Request:
  • September and October: Protein Power!!! (peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, canned stews, infant strained chicken, beef, and turkey). Collection baskets are in the Lower Hall and Sanctuary vestibule.
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


Next issue: September 27
The next issue of The Unitarian is Tuesday, September 27. Please send your announcements, news, events, and other submissions to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, September 21. Please note that announcements may be edited for space and clarity. Click here to download the 2016-17 Unitarian editorial calendar.

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The First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist | 404 Concord Avenue | Belmont | MA | 02478