News & Events
November 29, 2016 
The deadline for newsletter submissions to this enews is noon on the Monday before Tuesday publication.
Advent Series
Thomas Merton:  Welcoming Hope, Humility and Joy into Advent and Christmas  
Led by The Rev. Barbara Merritt  and
The Rev. Sarah Stewart.  

A Brown Bag lunch Advent Series on Fridays, from noon to 1:30  in the Dining Room, Dec 2, 9, 16 and 23. Please bring your lunch, and attend any or all of our meetings.
 
Advent literally means that something important is arriving, coming into our lives. It is the root of the word "adventure." While a Trappist, Catholic monk may seem like an unusual spiritual guide for free-thinking Unitarian Universalists, we will be discussing some of his writings which address all seekers after truth. We hope you will join us. 
 
The Readings are available here
The Time to Pledge is Now

First Unitarian Church's Stewardship campaign for 2017 is well past the halfway point.  We have raised over $200,000, and we have just over $100,000 to go.  The Stewardship team has been energized by the tremendous generosity of our fellow church members and friends.  The commitment and dedication to our spiritual community reflected in this year's giving are truly inspirational. 
  
As you might have guessed, it's time to pledge!  Our visiting stewards are still busy contacting church members and friends for visits.  But with the holiday season upon us, we would like everyone to make their pledge as soon as possible.  Please consider increasing your pledge by 20% to help us reach our goal of $310,000.
 
Pledging is easy:
Pledge by phone: call Jennifer in the church office: 508-757-2708
Pledge by e-mail: send a message with your 2017 pledge to Jennifer Bowes ([email protected])
 
Financial giving through annual pledges is just one of many ways that church members and friends give generously of themselves to our community.  We are grateful for all gifts that you bring to our shared mission of worship, connection, and justice. Thank you in advance for your generous support of the 2017 Stewardship campaign.
Funding Our Vision in 2017

The Finance Committee, the Stewardship Committee, and the Prudential Committee are developing a budget for 2017 to support the activities of the Church as we honor the sacred, connect with each other, and serve justice.  There will be a discussion of the working budget at noon this Sunday in the Mirick Room 1. If you have questions, suggestions, or are simply curious about the process, please come and give us the benefit of your thoughts.
Hook Organ Mechanics Hall
Brown Bag Concert- Tomorrow at Noon

The Worcester Organ Concert Series
Will Sherwood, Artistic Director
presented by
Mechanics Hall and Worcester Chapter American Guild of Organists

All That (Holiday) Jazz
A Festival Concert of Holiday Music

WPI Stage Band - Rich Falco, director
with Lucia Clemente Falco, organ and Will Sherwood, organ & piano

November 30, 2016, 12:00 noon
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street,
Worcester, MA 01608
508-752-5608
www.MechanicsHall.org
www.WorcesterAGO.org

Sermon Discussion
 
Rev. Sarah Stewart
Sun, December 4, 12pm - 1pm

Join our minister, the Rev. Sarah Stewart, once a month after church for a discussion of that Sunday's sermon. Bring your coffee to the Chapel on the first Sunday of every month for a chance to engage the sermon topic with other members and friends of First Unitarian Church. This is a chance for you to share what the sermon meant for you, how you are dealing with the spiritual issues it raises for you, and to listen to your fellow First Unitarians share what is meaningful to them. Dates: Dec. 4, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, Mar. 5, Apr. 2, May 7, June 4.
Wreath Sale to Benefit IHN
 
On Sunday, December 4, there will be an Interfaith Hospitality Network
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fundraiser to support the program and families living in the family shelter on June St. Liz Gustavson will be selling wreaths and swags for $25 each. There may be freshly cut holly as well. Last Sunday, the first of the two Sundays of the sale, the eight wreaths and four swags sold out quickly!  Checks may be written to IHN. Thanks!
Santas Needed
 
Wanted:  SANTAS for children in the care of the Department of Children
and Families.
 
Cards with the names of children, their ages, sizes and wishes will be available in the Christmas tree area Sunday, December 4 (and until all the children are chosen).
 
Gifts should be returned in gift bags, unwrapped, with the card attached, by NOON on Sunday, December 18.
 
Bring warmth, joy and caring to a special child this giving season!
 
The Social Justice Committee
 
P. S.  Socks, hats and mittens that appear on the tree will be delivered to Abby's House and Jeremiah's in by the Social Justice Committee.  These gifts also need to be on the tree by noon on Dec. 18. 
HELP: Handmade Sundays

On December 4 and 18th, children PreK-8th grade meet for a special
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gift/ornament making time. We would love to have any of the following donated items.

Small glass jars (with or without lids);  Washi or other decorative tape; candy canes; strawberries; vanilla frosting; battery-operated tea lights; magazines; newspaper; peppermint hard candies; white or blue card stock.
 
Thank you!
Here's Looking at You

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We are a creative congregation and we have much to share.  And one way we can do this is by publishing a booklet.  Content will be poems, short stories, reflections, meditations, humorous and learning experiences, prayers, and artwork.  Original submissions from all ages are welcome.
 
What does harmony mean to you?  Stew on this for a few minutes.  Jot down your ideas and feelings.  Let them sit for a while and then work them a little more.   What you think is unique to you.  And what you think might be enlightening or entertaining to others.
 
Send submissions to [email protected] or give them to one of us or leave it in the box on the Welcome Table.
 
For guidelines and other information click here.

Lee Reid, Deborah Levering, Madeline & Rick Silva, Abigail Hannaford-Ricardi 
& Sten Gustavson
First Night Volunteers Needed

This year, First Unitarian is an official venue for First Night with co-sponsors The Islamic Society and The Center for Non-Violence. Yes, folks,
First Night
we 
will be indoors and warm with our same focus on peace and justice!
 
Four programs in Unity Hall, from 5-9, will begin with outstanding music by Jim Scott and thoughtful Voices for Peace moderated by Paul Ropp, followed by two psychic programs. There will be Muslim treats, YRU2 fund raising with foods and beverages and free children's peace activities in the Dining Room throughout the evening.  
 
We will need many volunteers to make this a success and have the church ready for services the next morning.  All we need from you is a two hour commitment between the hours of 5 pm and 10 pm, leaving you plenty of time to dine, watch the fireworks and ring in the New Year feeling good. There is a sign-up sheet in the Bancroft Room for you to indicate your preferred shift.
"Good Morning, Nice To See You"

These six words have the power to change the day. Put them together
Sunday Greeters First Unitarian Worcester UUA
  with a smile and people feel welcome. The Welcoming Team is recruiting people and families to greet those coming through our church doors on Sunday mornings. The joyful job includes handing out Orders of Service and helping new people. New families can be directed to the Sunday school area to meet with family greeters.  New people can be directed to the Welcome Table for more information.  Please signup  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.)
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
 
UU Mass Action Newsletter November 28 Update here
   
Important First U Links -
First Unitarian Church | Ph 508.757.2708 |F 508.753.9332
[email protected]  |  www.firstunitarian.com

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