People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.
Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost.
-- Dalai Lama
Greetings,
For November we reflect on the theme of "SOUL". Like October's theme, "GOD", the word "Soul" has many meanings. Some think of "soul" as your essence or even consciousness that lives on after you die. It is hard to imagine that we just stop. Our bodies - yes. But our minds? Our awareness? How could we altogether cease?
On the first Sunday in November, we celebrate "All Souls" day as a way to remember precious family members and friends who have died before us. I know that even in the context of this ritual, there are different ways people think of "soul."
I ascribe the words "Soul Matters" to our Small Group Ministry groups and to these thematic resources, because we are invited to reflect on matters of our inner lives that give our embodied life meaning and worth. In Care of the Soul, Thomas Moore says,
"Soul is not a thing, but a quality or a dimension of experiencing life and ourselves. It has to do with depth, value, relatedness, heart, and personal substance. I do not use the word here as an object of religious belief or as something to do with immortality. When we say that someone or something has soul, we know what we mean, but it is difficult to specify exactly what that meaning is."
"We know what we mean, but it is difficult to specify exactly what that meaning is." And yet, this month we will try. We will reflect on what enlivens the soul and what crushes it. Beings who learn how to "care for the soul" thrive.
Explore our November Resource Packet on SOUL and the fabulous Family and Religious Education Resource materials. You will find satisfying nuggets for both adults and children there.
I wish you much insight, joy and peace in your explorations.
With love and blessings to you,
Barbara
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
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Sunday,  November 2 at 10:30am All Souls Sunday
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
During our candlelight All Soul's Service, we reflect on death, bereavement and other losses. We also remember loved ones we have lost by lighting candles and writing their names in our All Souls books. Please bring photographs and mementos of your loved one for the tables at the back of the sanctuary. After the service, we will celebrate the lives of all our lost loved ones by planting bulbs in their honor in our church gardens.
Sunday, November 9 at 10:30am Introducing Soul
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
This month we reflect on diverse meanings of "SOUL". How does your understanding of 'soul' affect your decisions about how to lead your life, how to treat others and how you relate to death? In our reflections, we acknowledge the diverse sources of our Unitarian Universalist faith. We honor each individual's spiritual growth and search for truth and meaning.
Sunday, November 16 at 10:30am Dark Night of the Soul
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
This Sunday, we explore the landscapes we travel through our dark nights of the soul.
Join us this evening for our program, "The Light Left On" led by Nancy Baker.
Sunday, November 23 at 10:30am Soul of Thanksgiving
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord and Cyn Fennelly, DLRE
The Soul of Thanksgiving is a deep gratitude for the people and plenitude of our lives. Please join us for this participative worship service, as we give thanks for our lives and enliven our hope for the future. As part of service, our traditional Thanksgiving cider and bread communion will be served.
Sunday, November 30 at 10:30am Soul: It's Not What You "Think"
Linda Goodman
Exploration of the "soul work" of getting self out of the way so that Self may fully manifest.
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From Our Music DirectorContact me (music@uucm.org or 978-772-5870) about these joyful musical events. Carolyn McCreary, music director
Christmas Season Singers: The Holiday Music Service is December 14th. The choir will sing a number of Christmas anthems, both traditional and new, including a composition by our own Nathan Schwartzberg. Join rehearsals for this service on November 5,12 and December 3,10. Thanksgiving Service Multigenerational Choir - November 23: Families are invited to sing together for our Thanksgiving service on November 23rd. Come that morning at 9:30am to rehearse. |
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Lifespan Religious Education
LRE Events for all ages -- children, youth, adults -- are listed here in order by date.
See other church events in the UUCM News & Activities section.
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UU & You - UU History
November 9, 12-1:30pm led by Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
This is a great way for folks who are new and those who have been around for awhile to learn about UU history and have a chance to get to know one another in the process. We will learn the stories of five turning points or movements in our American Unitarian and Universalist history - the arrival of John Murray and Joseph Priestly in America, the Unitarian Controversy and William Ellery Channing's Baltimore Sermon, the Transcendentalists, Consolidation, and James Reeb and Viola Liuzzo's work on Civil Rights. You are invited to bring a bag lunch.
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Popcorn Theology (Saturday this month!)
Saturday, November 15, 7:00pm-10:00pm in Emerson
On Saturday, Nov. 15th we will screen PG-rated Beetlejuice, a rollicking, 1988, Halloween comedy from genius director Tim Burton. When Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin find themselves new ghosts lacking in haunting skills, they hire Michael Keaton (in the title role) to help them scare away the annoying new owners of their house. Parents should know that while certainly a comedy and not a horror film, it does play with scary images. This movie will give us another view into November's theme of "Soul".
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The Light Left On: A Monthly Exploration of the History of Theology and the Search for Spirituality
Sunday, November 16, 5-7pm
Nancy Baker will lead us in a discussion of this month's theme of "Soul", looking at it from different perspectives and means of expression. This program is open to anyone high-school age and older who is interested in exploring ideas that shape the way we approach theology and spirituality. You need not know anything about the subject as the program is meant to stimulate rather than instruct.
Each session will include a simple shared meal, so please sign up each month so we know how many to expect for dinner. There's a sign-up sheet in Barnum.
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UUCM Family Resource Materials
The Religious Education Committee (REC) provides a UUCM Family Resource each month for parents to use to enhance our themed RE program. It provides information to parents on what the children/youth will be doing in their circles and classes as well as other events. It provides activities and resources that families can enjoy together related to the monthly theme. Read the November UUCM Family Resource on "Soul".
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Community Supper Outreach Projects
Another successful UUCM Community Supper was hosted Wednesday evening October 15th with continued UUCM commitment and support to Honor Each and Enrich All......truly living our UUCM mission. Thank you One and All especially to Barbara Smith and Dona Eaton. Their continued support and willingness to help each month wherever help is needed is gratefully received, valued and appreciated.
The next UUCM Community Supper - Wednesday, November 19th. Sandy Frades and Barbara Smith will serve turkey with all the trimmings and will need food preparation help on Tuesday November 18th 10am in the kitchen.
SHARE Supper - Tuesday, December 2........UUCM and Amherst Congregational Church will host the next Community Supper at SHARE. Details to follow.
UUCM's Community Supper Outreach projects boost our visibility in the greater Milford area community. Come join the fun as we cook and create community together. To volunteer for either of the following upcoming suppers, contact Nancy Danzinger 603-673-9561 or ndanzinger@comcast.net.
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Volunteer at the NEW Nashua Soup Kitchen - Nov 9th!
The NSK has moved to 2 Quincy St. where everything is fresh and new! On the second Sunday of every month, four volunteers from UUCM prepare and serve dinner there from about 10:30am to 2:00pm. Consider volunteering -- and experience the gift that comes from sharing the gratitude you have for your own blessings by serving others. To learn more or volunteer, contact Nancy Iannuzzelli (603-672-2701 or niannuzzelli@hotmail.com).
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UUCM News & Activities |
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Adult Potluck Supper
Saturday, November 8 at 6pm Potluck dinner for adults in Barnum Hall. Please bring food and beverages to share. "Adult" beverages are allowed. Please contact Susan Deschenes suzedesch@gmail.com by Sunday, November 2 if you need child care.
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 Church (inside and out) Clean-Up Day
Saturday, November 15, 9am-12pm
- Out-of-doors work - bring gloves and rakes
- Indoors - supplies provided
Make this a family time activity or your community service work.
Consider joining us. ~Barbara Smith (for the Property Committee)
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Save the Date - Holiday Fair - December 6
Many hands make light and joyful work!The UUCM Holiday Fair is December 6, 2014, from 8:30am - 2:00pm. There are many ways to contribute to this wonderful event, both before the Fair and on the day of the Fair.  - Ritzy Boutique: Donate your new or gently used household items, holiday decorations, and jewelry
- Gather materials for, and create laurel holiday wreaths
- Cook or bake tasty strata, soups, cookies, and pies for the Bakery and Cafe'
- Help the Brawny Bunch set up the tables, chairs, etc. the Thursday before the Fair, and clear them after the Fair
- Volunteer for a shift in one of the many areas of the Fair, either morning or afternoon
If you have been looking for a way to become more involved with the UUCM community, looking to get to know more folks here, or looking to reconnect with the spirit of the holiday season, this is a great way to do it! Look for sign-up sheets soon in Barnum Hall, and for more information contact Marti Kennedy (603-673-6164) and Betty Sweeney ( 575-636-4302). |
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Christmas Cookie Fundraiser
 Do you want a plate of delectable homemade Christmas cookies to serve or give as a gift? On Sunday, December 21, beautifully wrapped plates of cookies will be ready for you to pick up. How to participate:
- Bake one kind of cookie for the collection.
- Donate unwanted dinner plates (to be recycled with cookies)
- Place your order for one or more plates of yummy cookies (at $10 per plate).
Contact Dona Eaton (donageaton@gmail.com or 603-673-7526) to let me know what kind of cookie you will make for the collection, and to place your order.
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Trivia Night was a Great Success!
Approximately 68 people, members and friends of UUCM as well as neighbors, relatives and coworkers teamed up to solve the challenging questions offered by Nancy Baker, with topics covering science, art, music, sports, geography, etc. It was great to see how quickly the multi-generational crowd began working as teams when facing a problem. Much like a Thanksgiving feast, all contributions were treasured and made for an exciting evening. Assisting in the evening festivities were Leslie and Scott Bennett, Susan Deschenes and Fred Dyke, Nancy and Dick Danzinger, Ellen Groh, Debbie Maloney, Sue and Carl Olsen, and Cammie and Carolyn Opre.
Taking 1st place was "All of The Above", consisting of Sandy Frades, John and Lise Bigl, Graham and Barbara Smith, Al Landeck and Duncan Jalbert Landeck. The church netted $1,000.00 after expenses.
Please feel free to contact Debbie Maloney (djdmaloney@gmail.com or 603-801-4547) with any suggestions you may have regarding future Trivia Games nights.
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Possibilities for our Sanctuary and Emerson
Results of Congregational Discussion
About 30 UUCM folks met Saturday to answer three questions about our worship space (the Sanctuary and Emerson Hall): What do you love about our worship space? What currently doesn't work well about this space? What can you envision that would improve the experience in this space? The Sanctuary with its traditional, historic architecture, beautiful wood and stained glass, and piano and organ creates a warm, intimate feeling of simplicity and stillness. Emerson offers flexibility for dancing, showing films and other activities.
Suggested improvements to our worship space centered on five major areas:
- Stage: The raised "stage" area at the front of the Sanctuary is too small, is awkward and unsafe to get on and off. There is no good place for the choir to stand while singing. Expanding the "stage" could address these issues and provide a more open feel.
- Lighting: The lighting is too dim, and could be improved
- Audio/video: Both systems are outdated and do not meet today's needs. They should be replaced.
- Emerson: The worship experience in Emerson is entirely different from in the Sanctuary, and the space needs to be better integrated regarding visibility, sound and overall feel.
- Airflow: It is too hot in summer and the furnace is too loud in winter. Improvements are needed.
Next steps?
- Engage more of the congregation with an online survey and bulletin board in Barnum for communicating ideas and suggestions.
- Review recently created draft plans for stage changes.
- Seek professional input to investigate lighting enhancements and audio/visual improvements.
- Early 2015: gather to discuss proposals and decide as a community whether any of these ideas should be turned into reality.
It is a blessing to be part of such a wonderful community, and have this beautiful building to hold us. Please join in this process to make our physical space the best it can be in light of our shared ministry to Honor Each and Enrich All! If you have any questions or want to be involved in moving these ideas forward, please contact Ellen Groh (603-465-3947 or ellengroh@aol.com).
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UUCM Library News - Featured New Books
- Want to know what adaptive leadership is all about? Check out the new book in the UUCM library: The Practice of Adaptive Leadership:Tools and Tactics for Changing Your Organization and the World by Ronald Heifetz, Alexander Grashaw and Marty Linsky.
- Also new is Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky. Doris Kearns Goodwin says this book is "Chock full of political wisdom as well as wisdom for the soul. Anyone with passion to make a difference in public life ought to read this book before taking another step."
Thanks to David Wheeler for donating these new books. Direct questions or thoughts about the UUCM libraries to Erna Johnson efj3@cornell.edu
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2014 Minns Lectures in Boston, November 7-9
Bestselling author and UU minister Kate Braestrup talks about men, women, and children...and how to love one another in a complicated world. Kate will speak on the topic of "Men" at King's Chapel on Friday, November 7 at 7 pm, on "Women" at First Church Boston on Saturday, November 8 at 10 am, and on "Children" at First Church Boston on Saturday, November 8 at 12:30 pm. She will also deliver a concluding sermon at King's Chapel on Sunday, November 9, at the 11 am Morning Prayer service. Get further details and register to attend these free lectures at http://minnslectures.org/.
The UUA and Other UU Connections on Social MediaCheck out all the ways to stay connected here.
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Country Roads - Walk Safe
Help protect yourself while walking our lovely NH country roads:
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic. Watch oncoming traffic so you can jump off the roadway if necessary.
- Wear brightly colored clothes to catch the eye of passing drivers.
- If using electronic devices (phone or MP3 player), keep an eye on the traffic.
- During hunting season, wear brightly colored clothing.
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SHARE - Contribute to the Food Pantry
Please leave contributions in the SHARE basket in Barnum. This month's needs:Toothbrushes & paste, deodorants, shampoo & conditioner, bar soap Guidelines for Bringing Food to and Serving Alcohol at UUCM
Please observe UUCM's Food Allergen and Alcohol policies on the UUCM Policies page.
Parking at UUCM
Please park ONLY in marked spaces to allow for the 20' fire lane required by law. For more parking information (including a printable map) click here.
In the Members & Friends section on the UUCM website, you will find the latest directory, committee listings, and info about people who've moved. Or you can get a directory from the UUCM office. If your contact information is incorrect, email office@uucm.org with 'Directory Changes' in the subject line.
Services provided by UUCM members & friends, rides to the airport or bus terminal, recipes, how to buy or consign clothing and goods with the proceeds going to UUCM -- plus links to hundreds of shopping sites where your purchase benefits UUCM, and much, much more!
So Many Ways to Volunteer! See signup sheets in Barnum.
- UUCM coffee hour cleanup.
- Nashua Soup Kitchen, 2nd Sunday each month. Contact Nancy Iannuzzelli (672-2701)
- Contact Nancy Danzinger (673-9561 or ndanzinger@comcast.net) to help with:
- UUCM's Community Suppers, 3rd Weds. every month.
- Community Suppers at SHARE, 4 hrs. one Tuesday every 7 weeks.
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