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What Does It Mean To Be A People of Grace?
Dear Friends:
A year of theological themes wouldn't be complete without GRACE. As Unitarian Universalists, we don't usually describe ourselves as a people of grace. Grace is the property of our good friends across the street at the Christian church. Grace is the theological concept we left behind. Or grew out of. Or were wounded by. We are uncomfortable with the old words "to be saved by grace alone." They sound to us like a prescription for passivity. And don't even get us started on the idea that we need grace. We are so done with the argument about whether or not we are hopeless sinners who need our dark souls wiped clean. And so, for a long time now, many of us Unitarian Universalists have treated the idea of grace with benign neglect.
But it doesn't take much to notice that a new openness is taking hold. We seem to be done with the work of criticizing the word and have turned to the joy of reclaiming it. Yes, joy! Despite all of its theological baggage, at its core the idea of grace simply celebrates a gift. Or maybe it's more accurate to say, it celebrates the giftedness of life. The deepest and most sacred experience of joy comes from encountering a gift you didn't expect, earn, create, or even deserve. And who of us hasn't been a recipient of that kind of gift? Reclaiming the word "grace" is our way, as Unitarian Universalists, of saying "Thanks!" It's our way of humbly and gratefully acknowledging that when we are at the end of our ability or at the end of a rope, life has a way of surprising us. It's our way of acknowledging the astounding fact that no matter how tragic or bleak things get, the bad simply can't shut out all the good, the dark can't squeeze out all the light.
Grace has also healed us as a faith community. Whether your personal theology leans theist or atheist (or somewhere in between), all of us find common ground around celebrating the gifts we didn't expect, create, or deserve. Whereas once we fought about who is the giver of grace and whether or not there even was one, we now are satisfied with simply coming together to celebrate the gift.
And not just celebrating it - but giving it a little bit of help as well. This is also what it means to us to be "a people of grace." Grace operates - often maddeningly - by its own set of rules. Independence and inscrutability are grace's hallmarks. But it also seems that grace enjoys pulling us in as its partner in crime. While we can't control it, we can collude with it. The rules of grace involve more than us just sitting back and waiting for grace to happen. We are asked to be open, to let go of our precious and preferred plans, and accept the gift in whatever form it comes. We are also asked to be givers of grace. Yes, grace frequently does its work in spite of us, but more often than not it finds a way of working through us, if we let it.
In fact, that's what this month is all about: asking ourselves what we need to do to enable grace to flow more freely. So what is your "grace work"? Looking around? Letting go? Trusting more? Accepting whatever comes? Sneaking a gift into someone's life without them knowing it? Forgiving someone when they don't deserve it?
Check out the Grace Theme Resource Packet or pick up a copy on the Garden Door shelf. Sandy Frades has authored a shorter version for families. Don't miss opportunities for conversations about grace: 1) after worship during our fellowship time in Barnum Hall, 2) Small Group Ministry sessions, 3) Popcorn Theology on Friday, March 13, and 4) The Light Left On program created and facilitated by Nancy Baker on March 15.
Love and abundant blessings to you in your reflections,
Barbara
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
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Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
Joanna Macy writes, "Deepening global crises surround us. We are beset by climate change, fracking, tar sands extraction, GMOs, and mass extinctions of species, to say nothing of nuclear weapons proliferation and Fukushima, the worst nuclear disaster in history. Many of us fall prey to despair even as we feel called to respond to these threats to life on our planet." This Sunday, Rev. Barbara will share how she was changed by her week with Joanna Macy and the "Work that Reconnects". (This week's service was rescheduled from February and concludes February's theme of Love.)
After the service in the Fireside Room: Newcomers' Meet & Greet with the Minister and a discussion of themes from this morning's worship service.
Remember to "spring ahead" to Daylight Savings Time the night before!
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
Our March theme of "Grace" merges with commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first attempted march from Selma to Montgomery, known as Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965. As Manning Marable said, "Grace is the ability to redefine the boundaries of possibility."
After the service: Congregational meeting to discuss sanctuary enhancements
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
Hindu teacher Ramakrishna said, "The winds of divine grace are always blowing; it is for us to raise sails." As Unitarian Universalists we long ago rejected the Calvinist idea of limited grace. Yet, that theology still lurks in our culture. How can we raise our sails to catch the winds of grace?
After the service in the Fireside Room: UU & You
Nancy Baker
Each of us has probably has had moments in life when we feel unexpectedly blessed and right with the world. This is grace at work -- a gift of unearned love paving the way for us. This service will offer some insights and images about the ways grace can transform our lives and suggest that moments of grace are unanticipated invitations to possibility.
After the service: Sharing Friends - All are invited!
Carolyn McCreary, Music Director & Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
Pete Seeger said, "A good song makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it makes you think." In this service we will invoke the spirit of Pete Seeger through stories of his life, his poetry, and his songs. The choir, musicians, and the congregation will share Seeger's music. Everyone will be invited to participate, as Pete would have us do.
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You can contact our music director, Carolyn McCreary (music@uucm.org 978-772-5870), for more information about our music programs.
Following the community supper, we will have our monthly sing along. This month, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, join Amy Conley in Barnum Hall to sing Irish songs.
Choir Rehearsals - Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm
Spring music season is upon us, and I invite singers to join us to prepare for our "Music Sunday" service. This year, we will share the music of Pete Seeger, activist and Unitarian Universalist. Invitation to Folk Singers If you have a Seeger song or story to share on "Music Sunday", please contact me and we will include it in the service. |
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Lifespan Religious Education
LRE Events for all ages -- children, youth, adults -- are listed here.
See other church events in the UUCM News & Activities section.
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As we consider the theme of Grace in March, I would like to add my thoughts. Grace to me is a universal presence -- of compassion, deep love, gentle caring, and comfort -- available to each of us all the time. We have only to open our soul-heart to let Grace in. We never can be filled with too much grace, for Grace will pass from us to our families, our friends, and our neighbors -- and they will pass Grace back to us, and Grace will move through us and around us. When you look for stories about Grace, think back to those stories and books that reached into your soul-heart, that warmed you and stirred feelings you wanted to share with others. Those are the stories to pass on. We can pass Grace along through kind words and actions, hugs and smiles, as well as through stories. If we try, maybe we can even melt the cold of winter and hurry spring a bit!
In Faith,
Cyn (dlre@uucm.org, 603-716-0327)
Children in the Purple People Circle and Green Youth Group continue to explore peace and justice with the In Our Hands UUA curriculum. I have asked you to ask the children about "elephants knees". Due to the lovely, snowy winter, the children haven't explored this yet. Keep asking - and perhaps you can figure it out together. Here is another hint -- chocolate cake!
The 7th and 8th graders, Our UU Lives (OUUL), are busy helping their congregation with food and childcare while earning money for the Middle School Youth Group. Sunday mornings they will be meeting to continue looking at the importance of cultural variations, UU identity, and how these feed into the development of their own identities.
New Nursery Care Provider: Please welcome Heather Trono on Sunday mornings. Julie Griffin will also continue her wonderful help in the nursery.
Saturday, March 7, 2:00-4:00pm at UUCM
Middle School Youth Group (Grades 5-8)
Friday, March 20, 5:30-7:30pm
Pizza and Games (mostly board games) for all ages
Sunday, March 22 - Sharing Friends (All invited!) - Directly following worship.
Southern NH Not Cluuster Multi-Church Senior Youth Group Meeting
Sunday, March 22, 5:30-7:30pm at UUCM (Snow Date: March 31.)
We are so happy to be hosting everyone at UUCM!
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The Religious Education Committee (REC) creates a Family Resource packet on each month's theme for parents to use to enhance our RE program. It is similar to what Rev. Barbara provides, but shorter and geared toward children and youth. It provides information on what the children/youth will be doing at church as well as other events. It includes activities and resources that families can enjoy together related to the month's theme. You can link to the March packet on Grace here.
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Save this date for an activity to raise funds for the group. Many youth had a great time swimming at Hampshire Hills, but we owe some money for that activity and we have more fun things planned. We really want to keep expenses for parents to a minimum. So the youth will be making soup and chili with Donna Ryan and some parents on Saturday to offer on Sunday to those attending the congregational meeting. Attendees can purchase soup or chili, bread, and dessert from the youth for a donation.
If you can help by making cookies/bars or want to help with the cooking on Saturday afternoon, contact Beth Soederberg (bsoederberg@sunriselabs.com or 472-3376) or Sandy Frades (sandyfrades@comcast.net or 673-2955).
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In keeping with March's theme of Grace, we will be screening Amélie. This R-rated, 2001 film is a schmaltz-free tale of an innocent and naive girl in Paris with her own sense of justice. She decides to help those around her and, along the way, discovers love. We hope you will join us for the film and some popcorn and lively conversation following the screening!
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Led by Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
Because Unitarian Universalists espouse no creed, it has been said that Unitarian Universalists can believe whatever they want. In this session, we will question that assumption. We will explore the diversity and unity of theology across our denominations and members, and our values as rooted in our Seven Principles.
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Keeping with the theme of Grace, we will consider the ways that unforeseen gifts transform our lives. We'll look at some of the seemingly conflicting ways that grace operates, from mystical theology to synergism to the three graces to the Annunciation. As always, there will be lots of art. There is a sign-up sheet in Barnum. All are welcome, but we'd like to know you are coming so we can plan food for a simple meal to share. Questions: Contact Nancy Baker at ntbaker@att.net.
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One way we deepen and broaden our connections is by entertaining one another in our homes; Circle Dinners give us a great opportunity to do that and get to know each other a little better. We hope you'll plan to attend a circle dinner of 6-10 people. There are enough hosts, so please sign up to be a guest by Sunday, March 1. Sign up in Barnum or email Sue Olsen. Guests and hosts will be matched up to ensure that each dinner includes a mix of people. Hosts supply the entree, and guests contribute appetizers, salad, dessert, and beverages. Questions? Contact Sue Olsen (sueolsen@comcast.net).
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Join us for a followup to our initial congregational discussion in October. This session we will get into specifics:
- We'll hear reports with specific suggestions for audio/visual equipment and enlarging the raised "stage" area around the pulpit.
- We'll hear perspectives from the Worship, RE, and Property committees about how the sanctuary does or does not currently meet our needs. (See note * below.)
- We'll all have an opportunity to share thoughts and reactions.
- We'll attempt to reach consensus among those attending as to whether changes are needed and should be pursued through more information gathering and/or a proposal to Council and to the congregation to be voted on.
* If other committees wish to present their perspective on whether or not the sanctuary currently meets our needs, please contact Ellen Groh (465-3947, elllengroh@aol.com) before March 2 so she can manage the agenda! This discussion is part of UUCM's Adaptive Leadership process, where the goal is that all opinions are heard, and each person's value is honored. Please join us! Lunch and childcare provided. Soup, chili, bread, cookies and bars will be available for a donation to the Middle School Youth Group. |
You are welcome to come and share your memories of Curt. Please bring any Curt Witt artwork you may have for our altar. You may also bring some lunch type food to share after the service.
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Here's what you can look forward to at the year's big fundraiser:
- Food and Beverages: Savories, desserts, and hot/cold beverages. Pay a pittance for wine and beer.
- Entertaining Auctioneer: Rev. Shayna - the auctioneer with pizazz!
- FREE giveaway raffles
- Childcare available!
- Silent auction: Starts at 7pm. Pick up your paddle and bid on items and gift cards from local businesses.
- Live auction: Starts at 7:45 with fantastic one-of-a-kind offers (services, gourmet dinners, getaways, one-of-a-kind experiences).
Check weekly enews on March 18 for a downloadable list of auction items. The bulletin boards in Barnum will have posters for vacation/getaway properties in March.
Contacts: Co-chairs Dona Eaton (donageaton@gmail.com, 673-7526) and Leslie Bennett (leslieyingling1@aol.com, 672-4865)
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Our newest addition is Unitarian Universalism: A Narrative History by David E. Bumbaugh, a UU minister. This book traces our history from its roots in Europe through to the issues of our denomination at the dawning of the new millenium. All books in the Fireside Room library can be borrowed simply by signing the card and leaving it in the little blue box. Please return all books to the nearby basket. Got questions or comments? Contact Erna Johnson ( efj3@cornell.edu).
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We need 5 volunteers each month on the second Sunday from 10:30am to 2:00pm. Contact Nancy Iannuzzelli for more information or to volunteer (672-2701, niannuzzelli@hotmail.com).
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Our suppers are becoming ever more popular! To learn more or to join the pool of volunteers, please contact Nancy Danzinger, UUCM Community Supper Coordinator, (ndanzinger@comcast.net, 673-9561), Barbara Smith (673-6629, brbsmith@me.com), or Dona Eaton (donageaton@gmail.com, 673-7526).
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March: Barbara Smith: (603) 673-6629 or brbsmith@mac.com
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Cancellations on Sunday It's Snowing - Are Church Services and/or Children's Programming Cancelled?
To find out whether church is closed: - Call the Church office at 673-1870. If church is cancelled, the answering machine will tell you.
- Check the uucm.org home page. Look for the RED banner at the top of the page and/or the word "CANCELLED" on the calendar item in Events.
- Check http://www.wmur.com/weather/closingsor WMUR-TV (News 9). Look for "Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Milford" under the letter U.
Closings on Other DaysIt is best to call ahead on any day to be sure someone will be in the office if you plan to stop by. For meetings or activities, check with the group leader.
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Please leave contributions in the SHARE basket in Barnum. This month's needs:Toothbrushes & paste, deodorants, shampoo & conditioner, bar soap
Please observe UUCM's Food Allergen and Alcohol policies on the UUCM Policies page.
Weekdays before 6pm and Saturdays before 5pm: Park only behind the church or in the circular driveway in front (and NOT in front of the Garden Door). For more parking information (including a printable map), click here.
(last updated on Feb. 3, 2015)
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!
- UUCM coffee hour cleanup, Sunday Greeters.
- Nashua Soup Kitchen, 2nd Sunday each month. Contact Nancy Iannuzzelli (672-2701)
- Contact Nancy Danzinger (673-9561, ndanzinger@comcast.net) to help with:
- UUCM's Community Suppers, 3rd Weds. every month.
- Community Suppers at SHARE, 4 hrs. one Tuesday every month.
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