What does it mean to be a people of transformation?
Just a few days ago, my second grandchild was born. So I've been thinking about how being a parent or a grandparent transforms one's perspective. As we view the world and make decisions, Wendell Berry implores us to ask:
"Will this satisfy
a woman satisfied to bear a child?
Will this disturb the sleep
of a woman near to giving birth?From "Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front"
In our community of all ages, we don't need to have children or grandchildren of our own to be reminded of the world all children will inherit. On Sunday morning, children are all around. Here we can provide some very important resources so they may grow with the resilience necessary to flourish. Last Sunday, Genevieve Coursey, a member of our Religious Education Committee opened our "R.E.-imagining" session with a reading about the traditional Masai warrior greeting, "And how are the children?" How would our congregation and the wider world be transformed if we shifted our perspective with this simple question? (The entire reading is in this month's Transformation theme resource packet available on our website.) During this month dedicated to the theme of TRANSFORMATION, let us reflect on moments or experiences that transformed us - changed our perspective and changed our way of being in the world. Let us reflect on how we, the Unitarian Universalists of Milford, will be a people of transformation. Supporting the transformation of our individual lives through connections and inspiration. Leading to the transformation of a community - indeed a world - infused with a fierce love that that aims toward life-giving flourishing of all on our precious planet. This reflection and discernment is central to this month of community life as we approach our annual meeting. What matters most to you in our ministry to the world? Don't miss the Transformation Resource Packet and the Family Resource Packet on our website. Many thanks to Sandy Frades for creating the family resource. May you find much growth, renewal, and joy in this journey. For you are not alone. With love and blessings to you, Barbara Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
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A Message from David Wheeler, President, Mark Schwartzberg, VP,
and Lynn Coakley, Treasurer
For three months our Council has been working to finish up the Stewardship Drive in order to present a budget for the next fiscal year at the annual meeting on May 31. The pledge drive is coming up short to fulfill the ministry of our congregation, so the Council has invited Rev. Olivia Holmes to review our situation and make suggestions as to how we might proceed.
Rev. Holmes lives in Temple, NH, and has been specializing in Unitarian Universalist interim ministry in the Northern New England District since moving here in 2007. She has been studying our northern New England culture and working on relating it to success in our congregations in the 21st century. Over the next few weeks, she will be reviewing our financial data and talking with members of the Council.
Rev. Holmes will lead worship on May 10 and conduct a 1-hour workshop after church. She will reflect with us on where our particular fire comes from, sharing insights and vision from her conversations with our leadership team over the past two weeks. We are pleased to bring her expertise into our work on envisioning our future here in Milford. We hope all members and friends of UUCM will join us in this important work! Food and childcare will be provided during the workshop. Please feel free to contact any of us with questions by telephone or by email to all Council members via council@uucm.org.
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Kali Fyre, Intern Minister
Gandhi wrote, "Various religions are like the leaves of a tree; no two religions are alike, yet there is no antagonism between them or between the branches on which they grow. Even so, there is an underlying unity in the variety which we see in God's creation." By deepening our awareness of other faiths, we may transform our connections to our neighbors through greater understanding of their religious viewpoints.
Kali Fyre is a student at Meadville-Lombard Theological School in Chicago and our Intern Minister. She is currently engaged in Community Ministry at the YWCA in Manchester while engaging in her theological studies at Meadville-Lombard.
Rev. Olivia Holmes & Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
Rev. Olivia Holmes is our guest minister. She lives in Temple, NH, and has been specializing in Unitarian Universalist interim ministry in the Northern New England District since moving here in 2007. She has been studying our northern New England culture and working on relating it to success in our congregations in the 21st century. She will preach on the idea of the fire of our commitment - to our UU faith, and to our congregation - and where that fire comes from and how we can bless this hurting world with its warmth and light.
Rev. Olivia will lead a 1-hour workshop after the service. All are encouraged to attend! Read more about that workshop and Rev. Olivia after the Minister's Message (above) in this newsletter. Food and childcare will be provided.
Linda Goodman The Wheel of the Year has turned. The earth has moved from gray tones of winter to bursts of vibrant colors! The divine union of earth and sun brings forth new life everywhere! Join us as we celebrate the fertility of the season, the time for turning under the soil of the past seasons and planting new flowers, vegetables, hopes, and dreams. At the end of the service we will join the children in Barnum to dance around beams re-imagined as Maypoles, merging sacredness and fun!
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord & Sandy Frades
The animals in our lives can often transform our anxiety to calm, give us new perspectives, and bring sheer, in-the-moment joy. We learn so much from them. Come and celebrate our furry, hairy, winged, and scaled friends at our Blessing of the Animals service. Animals of all shapes and sizes are welcome. (Those that bite, sting or scratch should be constrained.) If you can't bring your animal, bring a photo! We will also light candles for those animals who have died since our last Animal Blessing service. This service will be held downstairs in Barnum Hall.
We will be celebrating the transformations made possible by the gifts of time and talent so generously offered in the last year. In the giving, much more is received. At the beginning of the service, you will have a chance to text names and experiences that you are grateful for onto our text wall. We will welcome new members to our congregation who have signed the membership book in the last year. These members will exercise their rights and responsibilities as voting members at the Annual Meeting, which follows our community celebration. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Susan Deschenes at suzedesch@gmail.com or 603-673-4347 and attend a Pathways to Membership information session.
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Music! Music! Music!
For information about our music programs contact Carolyn McCreary ( music@uucm.org) |
Choir rehearsals continue on Wednesdays through June 10 from 7:00 to 8:30pm.
Following the community supper, we will have our monthly sing-along from 6:15 to 7:00pm.
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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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Dear Families and Friends,
I hope you all enjoyed RE Sunday as much as I did! From carefully planned out pieces to spontaneous tap dancing what shone out to me was the enthusiasm, the caring, the talent and intelligence, and the love of fun that flows from the children and youth of UUCM through the congregation and, I believe, out into the world. I deeply thank the children and youth for the wonderful and joyful service they shared with us.
I wish you all a Merry May!
Cyn (dlre@uucm.org, 603-716-0327)
The Purple People and Green Youth Circles will continue to explore justice for the earth and just what being an Earth Steward means. May 3rd they will be helped in this by Pat Nelson, who will provide art and project activities, and Linda and Joe, who will bring music and fun!
Our UU Life (Grades 7 & 8) will be looking at UU history and culture to circle back to examining their own developing belief systems. Our Senior Youth will attend a second movie and discussion night at the Nashua UU church with the Multi-Church Senior Youth Group.
May 3 - Earth Stewardship Activity Day - We will explore the interdependent web of life through fun activities and thoughtful questioning as well as celebrate with music.
May 16 - Nashua UU Church will host a Movie Night/Potluck Dinner for the Multi-Church Senior Youth Group from 4:30 to 8:00.
May 17 - Along with circle time the children and youth will join the adults in a May Day Celebration.
May 31 - Circle Celebration Day and Children & Youth Annual Meeting.
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Laser Tag Outing - Saturday, May 2 - Note Date Change!
We will travel to North Andover to play laser tag. Meet in the UUCM parking lot at 2:45pm; we leave promptly at 3pm. We expect to return by 7pm. We anticipate no cost for this event. To reserve your space, contact Beth Soederberg (bsoederberg@sunriselabs.com or 472-3376) or Sandy Frades (sandyfrades@comcast.net or 673-2955).
Save these dates & watch for details:
- Sunday, May 31 (Time TBD) Rope climbing at Souhegan High
- Saturday, June 6, 2pm - Outdoor games and picnic at Amy Blanchard's parents in Merrimack.
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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 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. Read the May UUCM Family Resource on Transformation here.
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- Now on the FIRST Friday of the month! Aligned with our May theme of Transformation, we will be screening Groundhog Day. Starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, this 1993 comedy finds a weatherman trapped reliving the same day over and over until he's ready for true transformation. Join us for a screening of the film, some snacks and beverages, and a lively discussion of the theme of transformation in the film! Direct any questions to Scott Bennett (sbennett@semplicityinc.com). |
Led by Rev. Olivia HolmesRead more earlier in this newsletter about this important workshop for all in preparation for the Annual Meeting on May 31. All members and friends are strongly encouraged to attend! Food and childcare will be provided.
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The theme for May is Transformation. Did you know that 50% of Americans undergo some kind of spiritual transformation? Only 24% of New Englanders admit to it, but 60% of Southerners embrace it. Transformation is an exciting topic that lets us talk about how people grow and change and how they explain the evolution of the self and the world around them in ways that are not scientific. We'll look at ideas as different as metamorphosis and shapeshifting in mythology, the role of dharma in Indian religions, the tessellations of M. C. Escher, The Eucharist in Christian ritual, and practices of mysticism in various religious traditions.
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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UUCM  News & Activities |
This year, there are more ways to participate in the Spring Fling Fundraiser. - Sell Your Stuff - You reserve a table and you sell your stuff, donating 20% of your proceeds to UUCM. You must sign up.
- Donate Your Stuff - You mark prices on your stuff and drop it off on FRIDAY night. The Eatons will set up, sell it, and recycle leftovers. 100% of proceeds go to UUCM. You must sign up.
- Recycle Electronics - Get rid of your unwanted electronics and benefit UUCM. Drop off behind the church on SATURDAY during Spring Fling. Pay 75% of what it would cost you to take it to your town collection.
- Plant Sale - Drop off LABELED indoor or outdoor plants on Friday night or early Saturday by the UUCM front door.
- Bake Sale - Drop off your LABELED baked goods in the kitchen on Friday or at the sale on Saturday.
- HELP - Sell plants, baked goods, or UUCM Yard Sale stuff.
More information and sign up sheet in Barnum. Contact Sandy Frades at 673-2955 or sandyfrades@comcast.net.
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Sunday, May 17, at 9:00 am or Tuesday, May 19, at 7:00 pmIf you would like to become a member of UUCM, please join us at one of these Pathways to Membership meetings hosted by the Membership Committee. You will learn about our shared ministry to one another, the Lifespan Religious Education program, and the benefits and responsibilities of membership in this community of faith and friendship. Please contact Susan Dyke Deschenes at 603-673-4347 or suzedesch@gmail.com to sign up to attend one of these meetings.
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Live our 5th Unitarian Universalist principle: the use of the democratic process within our congregations. As a voting member, you have a say in how our ministry will be shaped for the 2015-2016 year. Watch for the annual meeting notice, describing agenda items.
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An update from Lynn Coakley, Treasurer
Our fiscal year runs July 1 - June 30, so we are just over 80% of the way through the fiscal year. Here is a detail of our pledging for the year to date and our plate share for the past month. Thank you to everyone. It takes all of us to make this work. Contact me or Steve Opre, Finance Chair, if you have any questions.
Fiscal year (7/2014 - 6/2015) pledge info to date
- $148,000 pledged
- $118,996 in pledges received
- 80.4% of the goal
- 79% through the year
Plate share recipients for the last 4 weeks: - $167.30 - to SHARE (two Sundays)
- $186.02 - to UUSC Climate Justice Sunday
- $118.71 - to Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter
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Thanks to a generous UUCM member, we have three new books in the library about Alzheimer's disease: Talking to Alzheimer's by Claudia Straus, a helpful guide on how to have a productive conversation with someone whose memory is failing; Voices of Alzheimer's: Courage, Humor, Hope, and Love in the Face of Dementia by Betsy Peterson; and The Story of My Father, a Memoir by Sue Miller. Books can be borrowed from the UUCM library in the Fireside Room. Contact Erna Johnson (efj3@cornell.edu) with any questions or comments about the UUCM library.
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We do not normally publish address updates in the newsletter, but for those who are reaching out to support Rick and Jackie Davis, please be advised that mail should now be addressed to 46 Maplewood Drive, Temple, NH 03084.
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We host/co-host a community dinner at SHARE with the Amherst Congregational Church on the first Tuesday each month Monthly volunteer requests for this supper and our own dinner on the third Wednesday are sent by e-mail to those interested. This is a great way to build community within UUCM and in the greater Milford community as well. To be on the volunteer list, please contact Nancy Danzinger (603-673-9561, ndanzinger@comcast.net).
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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). Nancy recently had computer problems, so if you normally get a message from her about volunteering to help, but don't this month, please let her know.
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May: Linda Higgs, 603-673-7601 or lbhiggs@yahoo.com
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News is communicated electronically via the monthly newsletter and the weekly update. Access the monthly newsletter archive online here. 1) Send items for monthly news by the 20th to news@uucm.org2) Send items for weekly update by Monday to office@uucm.org3) To add an item to the calendar, email office@uucm.org with "Calendar" in the subject line. |
Please leave contributions in the SHARE basket in Barnum. This month's needs:Canned fruit, baking supplies (flour, sugar, etc.) and boxed mixes, coffee, tea & juices.
Please observe UUCM's Food Allergen and Alcohol policies on the UUCM Policies webpage.
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 update: April 23, 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.
Minutes from Council meetings and Treasurer's reports, 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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