News & Events
February 7, 2017 
The deadline for newsletter submissions to this enews is noon on the Monday before Tuesday publication.
Think Snow!   

Mark your calendar for Sunday February 26! 
 
That's the date for a Winter Fun Afternoon at the Mirick Farm on the slopes of Mt Wachusett in Princeton.  If we finally get some significant snow, there will be sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing for all ages.  Even if there's only skimpy snow cover, there will be a bonfire, and a cooking fire by the Mirick lean-to for make-your-own s'mores, and hot drinks. 
 
Plan to leave the Church about noon.  Bring your own picnic lunch, which you can eat in the dining room before leaving, in your car on the way (the drive is about 25 minutes), or around the fire after you arrive. 
 
This is an intergenerational event!  Bring your own sleds, toboggans, snowshoes, snow boards, and  skis.  There are lots of slopes - some steep and some gentle - all kinds of fields and lanes through the woods for cross-country skiing, and lots of walks through the woods or across the meadow for those on snowshoes.  You can stand on top of a beaver lodge, follow animal tracks through the snow (moose tracks if you're really lucky), scout for places where the deer have bedded down, probably hear a pileated woodpecker hammering away at a dead pine tree, and just enjoy an afternoon outdoors.   When you get chilly, you can warm up at the cooking fire at the lean-to or around the bonfire. 
 
When we get closer, there will be suggestions for dressing for the winter weather, directions to the Mirick Farm, and instructions on where to park.  For now, save the date.  It's always a fun event - and even more when there's good snow cover.
 
 
Questions?     Speak to John or Diane Mirick during coffee hour, or call them 978-464-2313  

Music Director Honored at Mechanics Hall
 
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Will Sherwood to the position of Principal Organist, Mechanics Hall. Will has been associated with the hall in various capacities for the last three decades, the most recent being that of Artistic Director of the Worcester Organ Concert Series, which he is continuing to produce several concerts each year to showcase the 1864 Hook pipe organ as well as local and young talent. Will has also been involved in some aspects of the maintenance of the organ, consulting when necessary, and helping with emergency problems prior to concerts. In this new role, he will continue to help promote live music at Mechanics Hall and the preservation of this great instrument.
 
Having been involved in church music since age 12, Will moved to Massachusetts in 1975 after graduating with engineering degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University, and has served numerous area churches as organist and director of music, most recently for 30+ years at First Unitarian.
 
He has been Dean (president) of the Worcester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists since 2010, and has been a strong proponent of music education for church musicians as well as promoting/supporting budding young talent. He holds the Choirmaster and Associate degrees from the AGO, and has performed both in the US and Europe, and has been a guest soloist with the Boston Pops.
 
His next appearance at Mechanics Hall will be this coming Sunday afternoon where he will be the featured organist in "A Symphonic Merger" a free concert with the Worc Youth Symphony including the Saint Saens "Organ" Symphony in C.
 

Young People's Faith Development
Deborah Levering Faith Development Ministries First Unitarian Church Worcester UUA
 A conversation about what matters
Sunday, February 12, 12-2:30pm
In the Landers Room
 
Parents, teachers, members of the congregation at large are invited to come together to consider the fundamental goals and highest priorities of our ministry to and with children and youth. How best do we fashion a young people's program that supports and affirms the child and the family, the teacher volunteers, that instills the values of our liberal faith, offers opportunities for peacemaking, justice, education/action, connections, and spiritual nourishment? Especially when we are all too darn busy. Come, gather together. Let's see what matters. To you. To your children.To our faith.

Childcare will be available by advance reservation. Email Deborah at  [email protected] by Thursday, 2/9. 

Special Offering, February 12
50-50 Offering
 
 
The Regional Environmental Council will be the recipient of our special 50-50 offering for February.  The work of the REC has been visible in the Worcester community since 1971, first for their iconic Earth Day clean-ups and then through other programs, among them community gardens, farmer's markets (including the mobile market ) and work with the Worcester County Food Bank.  Each summer they employ and mentor 30-40 low-income high school teens for their YouthGROW program which includes professional development and leadership training skills, along with their work maintaining 2 urban organic farms.  Please give generously on Sunday.

Art Show Reception This Sunday
 
On Sunday, February 12 at 11:30 a.m., a reception will be held for the artists participating in our latest exhibit in the Rev. Barbara Merritt Gallery in the Chapel and in Unity Hall.


"Open Spaces Art Show" is a collection of collages, paintings, photography, and assemblages by four different artists.  Please join us for this unique exhibit.


Sunday Meeting of the Social Justice Committee
 
The charge to the Social Justice Committee is to provide opportunities for all First Unitarian members and friends to become active in the "service of all" piece of our covenant.  Our February meeting will be held Sunday, February 12 in the Morgan classroom (behind the stage in Unity Hall) at 11:45.
 
The Social Justice Committee meets monthly, typically at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.  We plan to vary our meeting times on alternate months so that more of you can participate.
 
Currently, our volunteer activities range from short one-time commitments (Christmas gift bags for children, overnights at the IHN shelter, dinners at Dismas Family Farm) to ongoing commitments such as mentoring and befriending through Big Brothers Big Sisters or working with the Refugee Circle team.
 
You are needed, to share your interests in projects to consider and to let us know how we can make our meetings more accessible for your participation. Please join us for our February meeting.  If you can't make the meeting on the 12th, but want to join us, contact Vivian Shortreed at [email protected]
 
It's:  Sunday, February 12
        Morgan classroom @11:45

Voices Among  Us
The Jesus Known by History

In first-century Judea, and in particular the area of Galilee, numerous claimants to being the long-awaited messiah arose:  healers, magicians, rain-makers and rebels.  All but one of these claimants are known only by a footnote in the historical record.  The lone exception is an illiterate Jewish peasant from the hilltop village of Nazareth.  What made the difference? 
 
For the February 27th - 7 PM installment of our Voices Among Us discussion group, Steve Knox will present a high-level overview of findings from research into the known history of Jesus of Nazareth. 
 

A 6 PM potluck dinner precedes the discussion.  This event is open to all and everyone is welcomed to attend and participate.
 
Upcoming: Lee Bona, March 20 and April 17, Linda Tartaglia
Interfaith Hospitality Network News
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Hosting February 19 to February 26

First Unitarian will be the hosts at the Interfaith Hospitality Network from Sunday, February 19 to Sunday, February 26.  We have three responsibilities: to cover an evening shift from 5:30-8:30 p.m.; to cover an overnight shift from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.; and to provide money to cover grocery expenses for the week. There are 21 people (six of them under five years old) at the shelter--you can imagine the size of the grocery bill each week!  I will be selling cinnamon rolls after church for the next few Sundays and asking for donations for this.
 
We have a number of people in the congregations who are regular volunteers and we welcome people who may be interested.  I like to partner first-volunteers with experienced ones, and I am always willing to train people who have not been there before.  Please see me or contact me if you would like to help!
 
Thank you,
Liz Gustavson, IHN coordinator 
Supporting Community by Lending Professional Skills
Jericho Road Worcesster

Jericho Road Worcester (JRW), a nonprofit serving the greater Worcester area, provides professionally skilled volunteers at no cost to organizations that deliver services that support vulnerable populations and improve the quality of life in our communities. We are looking for volunteers.
 
The nonprofits JRW serves have important missions and passionate leadership and program staff, but lack the operational resources need to help then stay viable and grow. Their limited resources are spent on direct services, not on the professional expertise.
 
JRW relies on a network of volunteers who are experts in areas critical to non-profits' sustainability and success including, but not limited to, financial planning & accounting; the creation of a business plans and development strategies; executive coaching; website assessment; and the development of marketing & fundraising plans.
 
JRW matches a volunteer's skills with a non-profit's needs, work with the team for the duration of the project, and assess the project's success and impact at its completion. Projects are short-term, and do not demand long-term commitment though, oftentimes, volunteers sign on for additional projects.
 
To become part of the JRW network and support the nonprofits that serve your community, contact Pam Guild JRW Program Manager at 508-757-5631 x215  or at  [email protected].
 
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.
"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
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Shir Joy Chorus will present its Winter Concert, "Love Songs and Lullabies," on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 7 pm at Congregation B'nai Shalom, 117 E. Main St., Westborough, MA.  Come hear beautiful love songs and sweet lullabies from ancient to modern times in Ladino, Yiddish, Hebrew, and English.
 
Shir Joy, an adult community chorus under the direction of Nan A. Kaipainen Gibbons, is dedicated to learning, sharing, and performing music from the rich and varied Judaic cultures of Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. Founded in 2011, the chorus is open to all people regardless of ethnicity or religious background.
 
Tickets: $15. May be purchased at the door, or ahead of time from a chorus member.  Shir Joy Chorus is an independent nonprofit funded by Jewish Federation of Central MA, the Westborough Cultural Council (which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council), and private supporters. For more info send email to [email protected] or visit www.shirjoychorus.com  or "Shir Joy Chorus & Fans" on Facebook.

Important First U Links -
First Unitarian Church | Ph 508.757.2708 |F 508.753.9332
[email protected]  |  www.firstunitarian.com

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