News & Events
January 10, 2017 
The deadline for newsletter submissions to this enews is noon on the Monday before Tuesday publication.
Men's Group February Adventure
men's group
 
Our next event will be Sunday evening, February 5.  We will be going to one of the Escape Game Adventure locations in Worcester:
 
Escape Games, 108 Grove Street, https://escapegamesworcester.com/
 
or Live Action Escapes, 1 Exchange Street, http://liveactionescapes.com/
 
Essentially, we book a room, get locked in the room and have 45-60 minutes to find and interpret clues and escape.  Rooms can accommodate 6 - 10 people, depending on the room. The cost varies by room from $20 - $26.50 per person.  Both locations have open reservations for around  6 PM - 6:30 PM  on February 5.
 
If you are interested in going, please contact Rick Silva by email ([email protected]) before Sunday, January 15.

Faith in Action
January 22

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest has been a highly-regarded non-profit organization in the Worcester community for over 50 years.  BBBS is a one-on-one mentoring program which pairs youth facing adversity with caring, adult mentors. Children in the program are matched between the ages of 6 and 13 years.  In the program, they make life-long friends with their mentors and experience unique opportunities together. There are dozens of children in the Worcester community and other nearby towns that are patiently waiting to be matched with mentors. 
 
BBBS seeks responsible, caring adults that can spend 2-3 hours a week and can commit to at least a year mentoring a child in their community. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the life of a child who needs a mentor.  Bigs and Littles share fun experiences together like going to a park or museum, cooking a meal, doing crafts, playing sports and much more.  We have a particular shortage of male volunteers.  On January 22, Angela Martano, Community Program Director, will be at the Faith in Action session after the service to share information about our community mentoring program.  We hope you will come and consider this volunteer opportunity.  Anyone interested is welcome!
 
If you have any questions, please contact Mary Frandsen at 508-852-8122 or [email protected]

Help Riley Get to Nationals
 
Riley, a member of our BYKOTA youth group has been bouldering since the age of 8. This Sunday she will be at Divisionals in CT. Next stop: Nationals in Salt Lake City Utah in February! On Sunday, Jan. 22 there will be a fundraiser at Central Rock Gym, with all the proceeds from day passes and gear rentals purchased from 1-4 PM going to Riley's Nationals fundraiser. BYKOTA youth plan to attend the event and support Riley. If you are interested in supporting this effort please visit the BYKOTA table during this Sunday's coffee hour. The money you give will defray the costs of day passes and gear rentals for our youth group (which in turn supports Riley's fund), and allow all our BYKOTA youth to participate in this outing regardless of their own financial circumstances.
Justice and Values Meeting
Rev. Sarah Stewart

Sun., 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.
Mission & Ministry is becoming
Harvest the Power

Sign up for this year-long class (meeting monthly) to focus on leadership development in the context of spiritual life. Become a stronger, more self-aware leader in our time of cultural change. This program is useful for leadership roles within the church, at work, and in the community. Led by Rev. Sarah Stewart. The first meeting will be Mon. Feb. 13 and will continue to meet one Monday evening a month. Sign up here.
Mint Tins Needed  


Linda Wyatt requests congregants to collect Trader Joe's green tea infused mint tins for a Wiogora Camp project.  Please place them in the plastic container on the far left back counter in the kitchen.
John Henry Hammer's Coffee House
John Henry's Hammer

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.
Brother Sun in Concert - This Friday

UUCW on January 13 at 7pm
 
On Friday, January 13, the fantastic folk trio BROTHER SUN will perform at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester (90 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606).  Tickets are $20 ($15 Student/Senior.) 

From their online biography, "National Touring Artists Greg Greenway, Pat Wictor, and Joe Jencks have made their mark as veteran touring singer-songwriters, but Brother Sun is no songwriter's round. The trio's harmonies, as much as their lyrics, tell what they are about: warm as a campfire, stirring as a gospel church, rousing as a call to arms. Fusing folk, Americana, blues, pop, jazz, rock, and a cappella singing, Brother Sun is an explosion of musical diversity and harmony, in the finest of male singing traditions."

Become a Member
 
If you are considering becoming a member of First Unitarian Church, here is the process.  According to our bylaws: you need to meet with the minister, complete a pledge card, sign the membership book, and have your membership affirmed by the Prudential Committee.
 
A good way to begin is to stop by the Welcome Table in the Bancroft Room after worship.  There you will find information on the church and on our denomination.  You can sign up to receive our e-newsletter, get a name tag, and let us know if you are interested in membership. We will then let Rev. Stewart ([email protected]) know of your interest and then you will be invited to attend a New Member Meeting usually scheduled for the first Sunday of the month.  Or, you can speak with or send an email to the minister indicating your intention. 
Here's Looking at You

wire-bound-pad.jpg
It was a dark and stormy night...
and then what happens?
I was running late one morning...
My grandfather was...
Nothing is ever lost...
We all have stories.  Pick your brain and jot down some thoughts.  Let them sit for a while and then work them a bit more.  Your story might be enlightening or entertaining to others. 
 
We are a creative congregation and we have much to share.  One way we can do this is by putting together a booklet.  Content will be poems, short stories, reflections, meditations, humorous and learning experiences, prayers, and artwork.  Original submissions from all ages are welcome. 

 
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
"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
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.   
Community News and Events
 
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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