Many people have asked to have these continue this year; they were so much fun the last few years, and we thank Kris Johnson still for initiating and organizing them. This year they will be 4 to 6 pm, when gardens aren't quite to wilted-should be really lovely and a nice chance for community. They'll occur any week it isn't storming.  Our hosts so far include:

June 14, Nancy Riggs

June 21, Diane Mandile

July 12, Marjorie Connelly

July 19, Mary McALister

July 26, The Miricks

August 30, Kate O'Dell

So there are several open Sundays for this fun event-you don't have to have a perfect garden; it mostly about being together outside. Please email Christine Samuelson (csamuelson@hammondre.com),  Mary McAlister (maryalmc@gmail.com), or Kate O'Dell (odellkk@gmail.com) to sign up, and hope to see you June 14th!  

You are invited to attend our Ferry Beach 2015 weekend, a getaway for our UU church community to the beautiful sandy shore of Saco, Maine.  We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend of relaxation, laughter, good conversation and great food.  Come enjoy the fun, play games, walk the beach, take a hike, or simply sit on the porch by the beach with a good book or a good friend. 

Ferry Beach is a UU camp and conference center located on the beach in Saco, Maine.  It offers dorm-style rooms with bunks in the buildings and camping for tents or campers in Hersey Grove.  Delicious meals are catered and include a variety of foods to suit every dietary need.

Click here for all of the details and the registration form. The deadline for registering is June 14.

Jazz Trane, an advanced jazz ensemble from Joy of Music, will perform Modern Mainstream Jazz with fresh and innovative improvisations in the Young Artists Showcase concert series at First Unitarian Church. Andrew Bedard, tenor sax; Gabe Cain, guitar; Tucker Antell (jazz coach), bass; Sam Palermo, drums
. 

Last year these musicians (mostly the same personnel) gave a performance that would rival an internationally acclaimed group!  We have some rising stars among us! 

The Worcester Chorus, under the direction of Christopher Shepard will present a selection of choral music that celebrates and pays tribute to those who have served our great nation at First Unitarian Church of Worcester. Presented by Music Worcester, Inc., the 2015 season will have its final concert celebrate and honor Memorial Day with works from Randall Thompson, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Paul Moravec. Pay tribute at the show on Saturday, May 30th from 8-10pm 

I value the opportunity to learn wonderful music from a variety of sources.  Especially challenging are the requiems that we perform for All Souls Day.  It is thrilling to sing these beautiful works accompanied by talented members of the orchestra.  We learn so much musically from Will Sherwood and he makes it fun.  I also appreciate the camaraderie of the choir members.

Music touches the spirit and moves us.  It provides comfort and beauty and soothes the soul.  The music we sing enhances and reinforces the other aspects of the church service.  The Music Program is an additional source of excellence in our very special church.
--Cathy Levine

I value the choir for the deep and lasting friendships I have made over many years . The creative act of readying new music for performance is a bonding experience.  Each vocal part is a range of sound colors, and only by listening to each other is the full texture of the music realized.  It is then that Will interprets and shapes the music into an expression that is rich with meaning.

Music has been an integral part of the worship experience in all religions from the very earliest days.  It is the universal language of the human spirit, a language which brings the listeners and performers into a communal experience.  First Unitarian has long been recognized within the Worcester music community as a special place to perform, and our many musical offerings are our cultural contribution to the city.  --Steve Knox

Wiogora School of Wonder and Wisdom, First Unitarian's own Harry Potter inspired summer program running July 27th to August 7th continues to accept registrations for students and applications for adult staff and volunteers. For more information, and to register or apply, go to  http://www.wiogora.org/. See Alison Barrows Ronn or Seth Popinchalk for more information.