News & Events
April 6, 2016
The deadline for newsletter submissions to this enews is noon on the Monday before Tuesday publication.
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart     
Rev. Sarah 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 Monday, April 11  - a book discussion of "The Death of Josseline"

The schedule is:
April 11 - Book discussion of "The Death of Josseline"
April 25 - Documentary Screening and Discussion of "Race: The Power of an Illusion: The Difference Between Us"
May 9 - Documentary Screening and Discussion of "Race: The Power of an Illusion: The Story We Tell"
May 23 - Documentary Screening and Discussion of "Race: The Power of an Illusion:
"The House We Live In"
June 6 - Closing Worship Service

For details about this series click here.
Sermon Podcasts
Palm Sunday First Unitarian Worcester
 
We are beginning to podcast Rev. Sarah Stewart's sermons! You can listen to  "Ceasars Week, God's World" here:  
http://firstunitarian.podbean.com
Stewardship: a Ticket to Belonging  
 
Every year Lee and I have given generously of ourselves and our money, and in return we have experienced church life as focal to our family life. We have developed relationships that are worth far more than we can fully express. - Steve Knox

Lee and I feel so very fortunate to belong to the same church community as our daughters.  It was at First Unitarian where they received their religious education, then participated in the youth groups, and now also belong as members.  And we are filled with delight to see our grandson starting in the same programs our children started in.

What a gift First Unitarian continues to be for our family...find out why here
John Henry's Hammer Spring Concerts  
John Henry's Hammer

April 9 - THIS SATURDAY! Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards CD Release Party!  Hip Swayers Trio and Smith & Ryder, opening acts.  Come for a dynamic night of music.
 
Nick Noble, Host of THE FOLK REVIVAL, WICN,  describes Mark and Raianne as: "Blending distinctive voices and a wide range of accompaniment (guitar, harmonica, ukulele, clarinet, penny whistle, electric bass), their songs have been well-received by audiences around the eastern United States since 2010.Transcending the genre of folk Americana, their music echoes inspiration from traditional folk duos and singer/songwriters like Ian & Sylvia, Kate Wolf and Neil Young - combining beautiful harmonies and a lyrical intensity, while establishing a unique sound of their own.

May 21--Cosmic Slim and His Intergalactic Plowboys, opening acts-Arny Spielberg and Melody Sizer.

Next Year at John Henry's Hammer Coffee House

SAVE THE DATE:  SATURDAY APRIL 8, 2017  Bill Staines plays JHH!
 
YES! That's right! John Henry's Hammer Coffeehouse presents Bill Staines NEXT YEAR.  He writes: "It's nice to know that JHH is up and running... I'd love to play there again...Thanks...You're in the book for April 8th, 2017.  Bill Staines"
 
The JHH Committee has most of next year's season booked.  It is diverse and exciting.  More to come
Please Join Us For Our 20th Annual Passover Seder 
Passover Seder First Unitarian Church Worcester UUA
 
Our Seder is done in a cooperative family style. As such it is free for adults willing to bring a requested dish. (We have a list of needed store bought items for those reluctant to cook). $10 if you just want to come and enjoy the evening. This is a family event. All ages welcome. Children 12 and under are always free.
 
Come enjoy an evening of storytelling, music, food and friendship.

The Seder is a moving, participatory celebration in memory of the Hebrew people escaping from Egyptian slavery, with the rituals of the service intertwined with a wonderful meal cooked by members of the parish.
Held in the Dining Room. Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 4-6:30 PM
Reservations are required. Please sign up by contacting Abigail at ahannaford-ricardi@firstunitarian.com
And Still We Rise
Saturday, April 9 - 7pm
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester
 
Please join the Worcester Friends Meeting and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester for a special performance, next Saturday of
"And Still we Rise" a collaborative theater project dedicated to healing, public awareness, and social change through empowering the voices of formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones. 
 
This unique theatrical event is partially sponsored by the Worcester Friends, UUCW and a generous grant from the Worcester Arts Council.
Volunteer Fair - This Sunday
 
After church service on Sunday, April 10th, the Social Justice Committee is hosting a Volunteer Fair in the Bancroft Room featuring representatives from the following local organizations that are looking for volunteers:
  • Alternatives is a non-profit human services agency currently serving over 2,000 adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities in 55 residential, employment, and day programs throughout Central Massachusetts.  Alternatives is looking for volunteers to provide occasional companionship for individuals with a mental illness.
     
  • Rise Above Foundation supports foster children in the local community. Too often foster families and the state do not have the financial resources to provide the children in their care the extracurricular activities that help them improve their physical and emotional well-being.  Rise Above endeavors to provide the financial assistance to enable children to pursue their talents, passions, and interests (sports, music, literature, and drama to name a few).  And, 86% of donations to the Rise Above Foundation go directly to fulfilling these youth activity requests, while 14% goes for operational expenses such as insurance, postage, and website fees. The Rise Above Foundation is looking for volunteers to "buddy" with foster children.
     
  • Department of Children and Families (DCF) is responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect. The DCF is looking for foster parents and families.
Annual Food Drive to Support Carty Cupboard
at Wesley United Methodist Church
BYKOTA FOOD DRIVE 2
 
After the holidays, many food pantries are depleted of many essential items; today's challenging economy has caused an increase in the number of people needing food stability. Your help is needed NOW!

 
We will collect non-perishable food items, toiletries and household items through May 1st.
 
Please bring in your donations each Sunday, and leave them at the donation location in the dining hall.  Items needed are:
 
Canned meat, soups, pasta, cereal, feminine products, baby food, rice, peanut butter, diapers, canned vegetables, canned fruit, spaghetti sauce. Please check the expiration date of all items!

 
Thank you for your support!
BYKOTA
UU Mass Action Advocacy Day
Tuesday, April 12, 10am to 4pm
Arlington St. Church, 351 Boylston St. Boston  
UU Mass Action
 
UU s Action Advocacy Day
When: Tuesday April 12, 10 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: Arlington St. Church, 351 Boylston St, Boston
 

Join our annual UU Advocacy Day at the State House! 
The day will begin at 9:30 AM with registration and the program will begin at 10:00 sharp!  We will begin by gathering at the Arlington Street Church in Boston.

Worship Leader:  where Rev Sarah Stewart, First Unitarian Worcester
Keynote Speaker: Senate President Stan Rosenberg D-Amherst
The Unity Band from Unity Church, No. Easton will lead us in song and make this a celebration!

This is an important opportunity for advocacy. The current legislative session ends July 31st.  We will need to work hard to have our priority bills pass into law!  Following the keynote address, participants will break into their issue groups and be briefed on the bills we will be advocating for at the State House.

Bring letters of support from those who cannot attend:  Download letters, HERE

Lunch will be provided before we depart for the State House at 12:45 PM
Transportation to the State House will be available if you have mobility limitations.


A Worcester Spring Concert Series
First Unitarian Church Sanctuary
First Unitarian Worcester UUA Dogwood
 
Friday, April 15 at 7:00 pm
Young Artists Showcase
Jazz Trane from JOMP
Tucker Antell, director

Friday, April 22 at 7:00 pm
Amicie Musico Chamber Ensemble
Beethoven and Wood septets

Saturday, May 7 at 4:00 pm
Young Artists Showcase
Worcester Youth Orchestra
Honors String Quartet
and
Honors Woodwind Quintet

Friday, May 20 at 7:00 pm
Coriolis Winds
Chamber Music Concert
Works of Mozart, Debussy, Ibert,
Stravinsky and Poulenc
Interfaith Hospitality Network Fundraiser
Interfaith Hospitality Network
 
Capital Campaign Fundraiser
Brunch & Celebration
Sunday, April 17 -   12:30pm - 2:30pm
Blessed Sacrament Church, (Phelan Center) 
551 Pleasant St.  Worcester
Tickets must be reserved in advance by April 10th
Adults $40 - Child $20
50% of ticket price supports the Capital Campaign
email for reservations: jalley@ihnworcester.org or call 508-755-2212.
Wiogora Registration Open Now!
Wiogora First Unitarian Church Worcester UUA
 
The Wiogora Council and Professor Veralyce Gibbons, Headmistress, are excited to announce that Registration is open for Wiogora's Summer program - July 25th to August 5th. Our fifth year's theme is Mystery: The Order of the Phoenix! Go to www.wiogora.org to sign up young scholars; After last year's success, we anticipate filling up quickly! Our program uses Harry Potter's story to teach the inherent worth and dignity of every person; Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth; A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the right of conscience and use of democratic process; The goal of peace, liberty and justice for all; and Respect for the interdependent web of existence by caring for planet Earth. 
Community Events

DATE AND TIME CHANGE
Community Briefing Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m.
Sponsored by Raise Up Mass 
Where: Rock of Salvation Church 829 Main St, Worcester
 Learn About the Legislative Action Happening This Session
to Support Economic Justice
Let Your Legislators know that you Support...
Click here for more info
Early Bird Coffee & Conversioon
hot_aromatic_coffee.jpg
 
Before worship on Sunday morning some friendly folks can be found enjoying coffee and conversation in the dining room.  They gather around 9:30 a.m. or a wee bit later.  That's when the coffee is ready.  So, show up, pull up a chair, join some talkers and help warm the place with enjoyable chatter on range of subjects. In the joyful rush for coffee and treats after worship, the busy atmosphere can inhibit opportunities to get to know others more deeply.  Early bird coffee is one way to engage with friendly people.  Church school teachers, those on church committees or in leadership roles are encouraged to show up periodically and converse with those  gathered.   
Important First U Links -
First Unitarian Church | 508.757.2708 | 508.753.9332
office@firstunitarian.com  |  www.firstunitarian.com

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