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The Unitarian
January 8, 2017
Vol. 71, No 16
Join Us for Worship This Week
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Worship With Us This Sunday
Prelude at 10:15 a.m.
Sunday Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Bancroft Room
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Sermon: Life on Life's Terms
Preaching: The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart
As we begin a new year, we'll explore the things we hope to change in our lives for the better. Some in our community may be looking for simple self-improvement,
while others are struggling with addiction or self-destructive habits. The wisdom of recovery and the spiritual grounding of our Unitarian Universalism are tools for all of us in changing our lives for the better.
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Before and After Worship
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9:00 a.m.
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New Member Gathering in the Chapel.
BYKOTA Meeting in the Youth Lounge.
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10:15 a.m.
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Prelude in the Sanctuary.
Nursery Care in Classroom 3.
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10:30 a.m.
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Worship Service in the Sanctuary.Sunday School Classes after dismissal from worship.
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11:30 a.m.
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Fellowship Hour in the Bancroft/Dining Rooms.
Hosted by the Green Caring Circle.
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12:00 p.m.
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Sermon Discussion in the Chapel. See details below.
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4:00 p.m.
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Wiogora Potluck in the Kitchen and Dining Rooms.
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6:00 p.m.
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YRU2 Meeting in the Youth Lounge.
Men's Group in the Mirick Room 1.
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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.
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Final Mission and Ministry Workshop!
Next Monday, January 9 at 7pm
In the Chapel and Unity Hall
Next Mon. Jan. 9 is the final Mission and Ministry meeting with Rev. Sarah Stewart. Come to imagine together what it would look like to accomplish our congregational goals. Rev. Stewart will be presenting an implementation plan to the Prudential Committee this spring based on information from our committees, from this meeting, and from the listening session the Prudential Committee conducted in the fall.
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Justice and Values Meeting
Sunday, January 15 at 11:45 a.m.
In the Chapel and Unity Hall
Gather with other members and friends of First Unitarian Church to discuss how we can live out our values in our community. We have two goals as a church that speak to our commitment to justice and our community. We have said that we will "Build relationships with diverse mission partners in Worcester" and that we will "expand and deepen opportunities for charity, service and justice." On this day set aside by our nation to honor anti-racism and civil rights, we will come together to think about what we can do to achieve these goals. All ideas and all creativity are welcome at this brainstorming and priority-setting meeting. Led by the Rev. Sarah Stewart
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John Henry Hammer's Coffee House
Concert Featuring the MudChukkers
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Come to a romping concert with the MudChukkers on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at John Henry's Hammer. Doors open at 7:00 and the concert begins at 7:30. Tickets are $15 at the door or online at brownpapertickets.com.
The MudChukkers include the folk and acoustic rock duo Chuck and Mud (12 and 6 string guitars and vocals), Dan Nowlan on mandolin and guitar and Ken Taylor on stand-up double bass and guitar (both of The Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band), and Walter Crockett (of Valerie and Walter Crockett fame) on acoustic lead guitar.
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50/50 January Collection
As part of the 50/50 collections sponsored by the Social Justice Committee, the Rise
Above Foundation was selected by the committee to participate in the collection for January 2017. The Rise Above Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to providing Massachusetts children in foster care with enriching activities, opportunities and experiences. Rise Above provides opportunities for the over 10,0000 youth in Massachusetts foster care, giving them a sense of normalcy, providing comfort and building self-esteem. By funding individual wishes for requests like prom expenses, soccer registration and clarinet lessons, Rise Above provides positive experiences for children in foster care.The presentation will be made this Sunday, January 8, and the collection will occur on the following Sunday, January 15. If you would like more information about Rise Above, please look at their website: weriseabove.org.
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First Unitarian Sunday Readers Sign Up
Spaces still open
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 sanctuary 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.)
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"Good Morning, Nice To See You"
These six words have the power to change the day. Put them together 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.
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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.
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Important First U Links -
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