 |
News & Events
June 1, 2016
|
|
The deadline for newsletter submissions to this enews is noon on the Monday before Tuesday publication.
|
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 Monday, June 6 - see details below.
The schedule is:
June 6 - Book Discussion: "Waking Up White" by Debby Irving
|
..Some 'one' stands at the threshold facing an 'other' one.
On either side of potential, of possibility,
they stand.
Then - a hand, a word, a laugh, a look, a movement spans the gap.
Touch happens and a connection is made.
These words written by Lee Bona and excerpted from our closing ceremony reveal the spiritual richness which prevailed during our UUSisterhood's annual retreat in Kennebunkport, Maine over Labor Day weekend. Thirty-four women of the church deepened their connections to each other and to our larger community as they shared activities and enjoyed the pleasures of the charming seaside village. The Sisterhood thanks Lee Bona, Mary Fransden, Bonnie Prescott and Madeline Silva for all they did to create a meaningful and joyful retreat.
More UU Sisterhood 2016 Retreat photos here
|
Annual Church Picnic - Sunday, June 19th
Our annual church picnic is Sunday June 19th, to be held outdoors on the church grounds. In case of inclement weather, the picnic will take place in the Dining Room. Please bring a dish to share. A suggested potluck "rule of thumb" - bring enough for each person attending with you plus another ½ of that number (rounding up as needed), i.e. 5 attending + 3 more. First U's Men's Group will be providing and grilling some hamburgers and hot dogs. Drinks will also be provided by the LLPC.
If your last name starts with:
A-I - please bring a main dish
J-R - please bring a salad/side dish
S-Z - please bring a dessert
Please make up a little card that lets others know what's in your dish. Especially important if your dish contains any of the most common food allergens or preferences.
|
Ferry Beach Registration is Underway!
Many of us begin the church year with a weekend of retreat and reflection at Ferry Beach in Saco, Maine. The weekend is affordable and open to every-one. We join together with friends from UUCW for beach walks, dancing, polar dip, jumping rope, time to rest, a talent show, and a campfire! Mark your calendars now for September 16-18, 2016. We will be taking registrations during our coffee hour after services in May and June. Prices include dorm style accommodations, food and activities. Camping is also available! We hope you'll join us this year! On line registration is available: click here. We encourage you to register and pay online. You may also get a registration form from us at Fellowship Hour or email us for one. Please ask your Ferry Beach Coordinators, Jen Reidy or Phil Bolduc at bolducreidy@charter.net, if you have any questions.
|
Faith Development Collaborative Meeting
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in Mirick Room 1
Sunday June 5th is the 1st-Sunday-of-the-month open meeting of parents, teachers, and congregants. Our faith development families are a vibrant and vital part of the larger congregation and we are blessed to have church leader, Jay Lavelle, with us to elicit our families aspirations for the church's future programmatic, financial, and community life. Please bring your voice to the table. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
We continue to gather for the purpose of sharing joys, challenges, and the work of providing spirited and meaningful faith development opportunities for children, youth, and families.
At this meeting, we may consider-
- Guest from the Youth Ministry in 2016-17
- Coming of Age program for 9th graders
- Future Childcare
|
Next Garden Tour Is June 5
Sunday tours of church members' and friends' gardens are back! The tours will be 4 to 6 pm, when gardens aren't quite too wilted, should be really lovely and a nice chance for community. They'll occur any week it isn't storming. Questions? Email Mary McAlister at maryalmc@gmail.com
Sunday, June 5 - The Riggs, 337 Salisbury St., Holden. From church take Salisbury St.. towards Holden, past Salisbury Green on right. Approx. 2 miles later see #337 on left.
Click here for the May through June Garden Tours,
|
Spring Goal Planning Session
Sunday, June 5th at Noon in the Chapel.
The Spring Goal Planning Session will take place after church on Sunday, June 5th at Noon. All are invited, especially those who are in leadership positions.
Lunch will be provided. Please come and share in the process of planning for your church's future.
If you have questions or want to talk about the process, please call Wendy Innis, Moderator, at 508-341-4187.
|
For more information, you can
visit https://www.gofundme.com/jackcasey
Admission is free, donations welcome. |
Red Fire Farm at First Unitarian
We are hosting Red Fire Farm's CSA shares here in Worcester at the First Unitarian Church-starting the week of June 6th! Shares feature fresh, certified organic vegetables, with add-ons of local fruit, flowers, and eggs! You can sign up here:http://redfirefarm.com/CSA/join.html
Shares include free Pick Your Own crops for all members at farm locations in Granby and Montague.
Pick up your share on Wednesdays 3pm-7pm.
We are excited to partner with Wesley Methodist Church to provide excess produce to the community.
If you don't already, follow Red Fire Farm on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (@redfirefarm), RFF posts great photos, tips for produce and coupons!
|
Church Yard Sale - Saturday, September 10
When you are spring cleaning, save your gently-used stuff for the Church yard sale which will be the first weekend after Labor Day.
Toys, sports equipment, dishes, pots and pans, lamps, mirrors vases, tools, easily-moved furniture such as chairs, bureaus, occasional tables, lawn furniture are all welcome, as well as books and clean clothing, particularly children's clothing. No mattresses or upholstered furniture. No TVs or computers.
We'll also need volunteers to sort and price the donations, and to staff the sale in shifts. Look for our sign-up table during coffee hour.
John Mirick
Michelle Przekop
|
Wiogora Registration Still Open
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.
|
Early Bird Coffee & Conversation
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.
|
Community Events
Theatre District Block Party This Thursday - June 2
Come celebrate the developing Theatre District in Downtown Worcester!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (4:30pm) for 551 Main and Theatre District Block Party on Thursday, June 2, 5-7pm at the Francis Carroll Plaza in front of the Hanover Theatre. Enjoy music, food, a photo booth, a beer garden and The Hot Tamale Brass Band.
Open Door Award
Put it on your calendars! June 11th during the Pride Morning Worship at Old South Church in Boston, the prestigious "Open Door Award" will be presented to Senator Elizabeth Warren and Pastor Judy Hanlon, Hadwen Park Congregational Church. Get the details here.
|
|
Important First U Links -
|
|
|
|
|
|
