News & Events

November 8, 2016 
The deadline for newsletter submissions to this enews is noon on the Monday before Tuesday publication.
Thank you to everyone who has pledged to support First Unitarian Church for 2017! If you pledged online but have not received a confirmation e-mail from our office, please e-mail [email protected] to check on the status of your pledge.
Pipe Organ Tour This Friday, Nov. 11
Aeolian-Skinner Pipe Organ First Unitarian Worcester UUA


Beginning at 1:30p.m., Will Sherwood will be demonstrating First Unitarian's Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ (one of the finest in the city) for the "Fall Crawl" which is a series of visits Friday afternoon to area organs.  On the tour after us are Wesley United Methodist, Holy Cross, and Pakachoag Church. Bob Gordon, timpani, will be assisting for the mini-concert part of the presentation, which includes works by Copland, Strauss, Bach, and a festival hymn.
Missing Person

The Social Justice Committee is seeking the person who has been coordinating the mittens and caps Christmas project. These items appear on the tree and we understand they then go to Abby's House and Jeremiah's Inn. If you have information, please write [email protected] or call 508 304-8005.
Chamber Music - This Friday, Nov. 11, 7pm

 
Amici e Musica at First Unitarian Worcester UUA
The Amici e Musica chamber ensemble returns to Worcester to perform the Mozart Gran Partita and the Adolphe Blanc Septet, a Romantic-era piece, not too much of a diversion from the Classical style. It's always a pleasure to hear Amici's fresh approach to classic repertoire. 
Worship Arts Collaborative

November 13 at 12 noon in Mirick Room 1

 
Worship Arts
The Worship Arts Collaborative is back! The group that brought you collaborative sculpture during Advent, improv theater during a sermon, klezmer music, and a palm creation on Palm Sunday is back for another year of deepening the arts experience in worship. This group thinks together with our minister and staff to thoughtfully contribute art of all kinds to upcoming worship services. If you are an artist, love art, or love thinking creatively about worship, this group is for you. Our first meeting this year will be this Sun. Nov. 13 at 12 noon in the Mirick Room. Email Rev. Sarah Stewart at [email protected] with any questions 
Chapel Art
 
If you have been in our Chapel in the past couple of weeks, you know that we have once again been blessed by the opportunity to exhibit some wonderful works of art.  Our new exhibit features pastels and oils from First U member Gene Johnson. Gene says this about his art:


"Most often my paintings have been inspired during traveling when I have observed an individual or groups in an activity I found moving and memorable. I took photos and made sketch notes. The completed canvas becomes a composite of this information that has been altered by my memory of that time and space, and to which I have added intense color.  My style is realism but I do like some ambiguity so that the viewer might ask, "What's going on here."  I have studied at studios, art museums, universities in Washington, Oregon, Mexico and Worcester." 
On Sunday, November 13, there will be a reception for Gene in the Chapel immediately after services.


Almost all of the work in the exhibit is for sale.  20% of any sales will go to First U.
Ministry and Mission: Your Mission in Life

November 14-15 at 7pm in the Chapel or Online

 
Join our minister, Rev. Sarah Stewart, for an opportunity to talk about your personal mission in life. Sarah has identified her own mission in ministry as "Connecting people to the source of their being so that we can lead lives of greater purpose and lower anxiety." This mission gives her ministry energy and joy. Whether you already know your mission in life or whether you have just begun to think about mission in the context of the church's mission and goals, this evening will give you a chance to explore your mission more fully. E-mail Sarah at [email protected] to sign up. The same meeting will take place twice: once at the church on Mon. Nov. 14 at 7 p.m., and again online on Tues. Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. When you sign up, Sarah will provide instructions for joining the online conversation.
It's Pumpkin Pie Time, Again



The UU Sisterhood has made a fresh batch of it's delicious Pumpkin Pie  
Filling just in time for your Thanksgiving Celebration.



This is a yummy and very easy way to make a great pie (you add the crust of your choice), or pudding base for parfait. We did the work, now you take the compliments!



Our filling is frozen, in pie sized amounts, with easy to follow directions.
Sale dates are Sunday , Nov 13 and 20. Cost is $10.00 a bag.



All proceeds, over production costs, benefit the UU Sisterhood Retreat Scholarship Fund and help with program expenses. Come by our table and sample!!
Something New Is Coming Our Way



wire-bound-pad.jpg
On Sundays, words of wisdom, challenging ideas, and new visions are offered to us as we warm the pews.  During the week we read, and contemplate, and converse.  This energy suggests that another path of communication and connection might be open to us.  We have a very creative congregation.   We would like to offer a way of sharing material from our members, by publishing a booklet of creative works.
 
Content would be poems, short stories, reflections, meditations, humorous and learning experiences, prayers, and artwork.  Submissions from all ages are welcomed. This is one pathway to know others through their original offerings.
 
Folks are working on guidelines and schedules and they will be published later.  For now, just give this idea some thought.  Think about something would you like to share? We all have stories. Look for more details in upcoming newsletters.
 
Lee Reid
Madeline Silva
Deborah Levering 
Invitation from Holden Street
Sunday, November 13

12:00 noon
Holden St. UU Church
 
"Escalating Inequality" is a congregational study issue of the UUA, and we are in the third year of offering together opportunities for study, reflection and action. On Sunday, Nov. 13, the Holden Street Escalating Inequality Task Force is offering a film and discussion of Rev. Dr. William Barber's stirring address at General Assembly. Rev. Barber is one of the prophetic voices of Moral Mondays in North Carolina, action which has harnessed the power of thousands who come to witness and advocate for progressive issues. During the hour of discussion after the film, there will be time to choose additional social justice topics and tie-ins to UUMass Action's advocacy work in our community.
Voices Among Us - Monday, November 28

"As we recover from the bruises from this year's Presidential election, perhaps a different perspective on citizenship will speed the healing." Ken Mandile


Other voices and visions offer ideas that help guide us throughout our lives. Their messages can suggest direction and meaning. Come for the potluck at 6 PM and/or the program from 7-8 PM in the Chapel.



Ken Mandile will discuss some views on what it means to be a good citizen, with particular focus on Teddy Roosevelt's "Citizenship in a Republic" speech...read more here. 
First Unitarian Sunday Readers Sign Up
Rev. Sarah Stewart is inviting members and friends to sign up to read the scripture passage during the service every Sunday. That same person (with their family, if they want) could light the chalice at the beginning of the service. Sign up to be the reader on an upcoming Sunday here or at the Welcome table in the Bancroft Room after services. (Note: You do not have to register for a SignUpGenius account to sign up to be a Sunday Reader, just skip that question in the sign-up process.)
Is Your Name Listed Here??
 
Your name tag has been waiting for you at the Welcome Table. It needs you. 


Chris Bates, Heather Brook, Sarah Carlson, Susan Chlapowski, Jennifer Daly, Cathy Dunphy, Edward Fernald, John Fronczek, Karin Goins, Michelle Goodrich, Lydie Guilbert, Matthew Mullaney, Kate Mullaney, Tatiana Mullaney, Mariel Njuguna, Amy Sands, Jim Savage, Clara Savage, Cynthia Steil, Gil Steil, Michael Taylor, Bret Thompson. 
Early Bird Coffee & Conversation

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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 News and Events

 






 
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First Unitarian Church of Worcester, MA | 90 Main Street | Worcester | MA | 01608