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News & Events
February 2, 2016
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The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart
Sarah is typically in the office on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am to 4:30pm; Friday 10:00am to 2:00pm. To schedule an appointment please call the church at 508-757-2708, ext. 107. She can also be reached at
My Adult Faith Development offering this year is a book and movie discussion group on race and racism held in the Landers Room at 7pm.. The next meeting is Sunday, February 7 - a movie screening of "Caesar Chavez" (rated PG 13); followed on Monday, February 8 by a discussion of the movie. Click here for details about the Race and Racism Discussion group.
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Sunday afternoon during Annual Meeting at First Unitarian Church of Worcester , in the sanctuary, a family came in carrying candles to light in prayer. Mom, dad, g randma, 1-year-old, infant. The women wore the hijab, and the dad and the babies had dark, curly hair. One of our members welcomed them in, and then I led them to the front of the sanctuary where people light candles of joy and sorrow before our service every Sunday. It turned out that grandma had just arrived in the United States from Egypt. I couldn't understand exactly what the candles were for--maybe for the baby, who was only 12 days old--but I did understand that it was important to light them, that they had lit these candles in Egypt and this was the first chance they had had to light them in the United States. They were Muslims, the mom said, but they also wanted to know when our services were. After they lit their candles, they left.
Annual Meeting carried on all the while, their candles burning brightly at the front of our sanctuary. I think it's because of the signs on our pillars that this family felt they would be welcomed in to our church, in their new city and new country, to light their candles in peace: our signs that say we respect everyone's right to religious freedom, and that we support our Muslim neighbors. We met today to pass a budget, elect leaders, pass a mission statement, but it all comes down to this: that we are there when people need us. I'm proud of you, First U.
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Choral Concert A Huge Success
Over 150 eager audience members enjoyed the Winter Baroque Festival
concert in our sanctuary last Saturday afternoon. The superb young musicians from the Worcester Youth Baroque Orchestra accompanied our Festival Choir joined by Arlington's First Parish UU Choir.
Bach Magnificat and Galuppi Dixit Dominus (a great Italian work from the baroque period) were featured.
Thanks to all who participated, especially the logistics crew headed by Steve Knox and Matt Ronn (those risers are heavy!)
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Our best wishes to Claire Gurney for a speedy recovery. Claire took a fall last week and broke her hip. She has been in the hospital for the last few days and will now be moving to the Jewish Health Care Center for rehab. She has asked for visitors to wait a few days but we imagine a card or note would be welcome.
Claire Gurney
Jewish Health Care Center
629 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA 01609
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A Message From Your Sextons
Lately we have noticed various tools missing from the church. Some of these missing items are owned by the church and others are our own personal tools.
We don't mind people borrowing, but these are the tools we use to do our work. If you would like to borrow a tool, please let us know by leaving us a note in the kitchen. If you have borrowed a tool please return it to where you found it.
Thanks in advance,
Sten & Bob
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First Unitarian Artists in Residence Appointment
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Artists in Residence at
First Unitarian/Worcester for a period of two years: Worcester Youth Orchestra Honors String Quartet and Woodwind Quintet - nine young people from the Central Mass area who are among the best upcoming musicians in New England. A part of our music program's mission is to develop and encourage young talent both within our church and in the larger Worcester community. There will be rehearsal and performance space and several opportunities to perform with 1st U's Festival Choir.
First Unitarian has a long history of presenting fine music for its parishioners and the community. We are fortunate to have among our membership fine professional instrumentalists, and great musicians in our community. We are proud to present them with the honor of Classical Music Artist-In-Residence - to elevate/promote their talents with the appreciation and visibility they deserve.
Launched in 2015, the Honors Program is WYO's most competitive and elite program for students wanting to take their music education to the highest level. A highly competitive chamber group that performs 2 concerts per season (1 each semester).
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Focus Groups for Parents and Teachers
Faith Development for children, youth, and adults (parents) is a
cornerstone of our church. We would like to hear from parents and teachers about how we are doing. What are we doing well? What do you wish for our ministry to children, youth, and parents? What are ways we can support parents and families beyond Sunday morning? Come share your thoughts, joys, frustrations, and ideas. Come to either one of two sessions.
Wed. Feb. 3 in the Chapel from 7-8:00pm or
Sun. Feb. 7 in the Chapel from 9-10:00am
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First Friday Fun Nights start Feb. 5th
Come dance the (early) night away at our all ages Dance Party. No reservations necessary. Bring your friends and neighbors, too. Pizza at 6. Dancing from 6:30-8:30pm.
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First Aid and CPR for Teachers and Parents
The safety and security of our youngsters is an utmost priority of our staff and leadership. Heaven forbid that there would ever be an injury or accident to any of our children or teens here at church. With this in mind, we are excited to offer First Aid/CPR training for parents and teachers this winter. This free course will be on 2 Sundays, February 7 and 28 from 12:00-2:00pm in the Mirick room. Led by church member and cardiologist Cliff Browning, the sessions require pre-registration. Register by emailing dlevering@firstunitarian.com
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Worcester Pride & the First Unitarian Church
Invite you to a Family Friendly Dinner
Feb 13th, 2016 * Multiple Seatings * from 4 to 7 pm
At: First Unitarian Church 90 Main Street, Worcester MA
Pasta & Meatballs, Salad, Bread $10 Adult,
$5 Children under 12
Janine Beratta will have tickets for sale after worship this Sunday.
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We Can Really Help Right Here, Right Now
Want to take positive action during this worldwide refugee crisis?
Our church social action committee is working to partner with Ascentria Care Alliance (formerly Lutheran Social Services) in their immigrant resettlement support program. They provide services and support to empower new families in our area transition toward self-sufficiency. They are looking for teams in area churches willing to volunteer for 6 months to provide a Community Circle of support for a new family in the Worcester area.
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To all of you who have enjoyed Circle Suppers in the past or may be joining us for the first time, welcome! Circle Suppers are a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and get to know those folks you never really get to talk to during Fellowship Hour. Those who sign up for these suppers commit to attending or hosting a small dinner party in one another's homes. Singles as well as couples are invited to sign up! Please note, currently these are adults only functions.
There is no requirement to have gourmet culinary skills since the main objective is to get to know each other while having a wonderful evening in a relaxed atmosphere. You may also want to consider a Circle Supper Plus + Event. More information and forms will be available at the Welcome Table.
Sign up deadline is February 14, 2016.
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If you've ever gazed at a sweet and familiar face,
and forgot the name that goes with it,
you value a name tag.
Tucked in the corner on your left as you enter the Bancroft Room is our Welcome Table. It's really a beautiful old desk that some generous soul probably gave to the church years ago. It continues to provide a happy and useful purpose. Next to it gently rests Edward Everett Hale's chair. (Learn more about Edward Everett Hale here.)
If you are new or visiting, just stop by and say "hello". You'll find friendly faces and answers. You'll also find information about the church, CDs from earlier sermons, details on Sunday school, materials on Unitarian Universalism, membership information, a way to receive the church's newsletter, and the sign-up sheet to request a name tag.
Lee Reid
Sue Shaw
Linda Carney
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Everyone heads to the dining room after worship happily looking to see what edibles might be on the table. One person said..."it's either feast or famine" about what we may find. Sometimes we enjoy a bounteous spread and other times a few bits and pieces. Always we appreciate that others have thought of us and brought delicious edibles. Providing refreshments for your church friends is a lovely and much appreciated service. Why don't you ask others to share a date to help provide food with you? It doesn't have to be fancy. The Caring Circles have already signed up for dates. Please use this online sign-up calendar so that others will know available dates to bring goodies. We all enjoy something to eat after worship and we can all contribute to the offering at some time.
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Upcoming John Henry's Hammer Concerts
Save These Dates
Open Mic Friday, February 12 at 7pm
Open Mic Friday, February 28 at 7 pm
February 27 - Youth Talent Show Fundraiser - 7pm March 12 - "Jazzin' About Town"
featuring Jean Gough - 7pm
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Special John Henry's Hammer
Youth Concert
February 27th - 7:00pm
Remember our First U Talent Show last Fall? Well--here's another chance to see our talented youth perform! Members of the First U Youth Group are presenting a concert at John Henry's Hammer, Saturday, February 27th. It's a fundraiser for First U youth programs.
Tickets are $5/person or $15/family. Tickets will be on sale on Sunday's following the service.
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Jean Mancini Gough and Jazzin' About Town
March 12th - 7:00pm
Jean Mancini Gough has worked for First Unitarian Church for
approximately twenty years as a soloist for classical, gospel, folk, and more genres. Jean is delighted to have the opportunity to bring my jazz to the First U.
Jean is accompanied by some wonderful musicians:
Ed Conley, drums
Joey D'Angelo, bass
Mauro DePasquale, piano
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Workshop Invitation
Real. Good. Embodied. Worship For Religious Professionals, Worship Committees, Youth Worship Teams and Lay Worship Leaders More info here.
Other UUA NE Region Learning Events here
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Important First U Links -
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