What does it mean to be a part of a family?
Greetings,
Our theme for June is FAMILY. For better or worse, families have the most significant influence on the shape of our spirits. Do we have a kind spirit? Trusting spirit? Small-hearted spirit? Bitter spirit? Calm spirit? Generous spirit? Well, mostly it depends on the families that molded us. If our spirit has been changed, healed or even brought back to life, it's likely this change was the result of our new or chosen family.
We also know this about families: they are imperfect. Parents let us down. Siblings grow apart. Deep wounds and betrayal can occur. Even when things are pretty normal, our families can sometimes drive us nuts! But no matter how imperfect our families are, somehow, perfect moments occur. Our spiritual practice this month invites us to reflect on those moments, those memories, when everything was just right.
In these last few weeks, I have been reflecting on the edges of life: birth and death. My granddaughter was born in April, and we buried my Dad a few weeks later. I enjoyed a particularly poignant moment of reading Atul Gawande's Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters at the End, while my grandson napped, curled up next to me. Both birth and death re-affirm our family connections. There are practical and emotional ways that we are important to each other.
This happens in our "family-of-choice" within our UUCM community, too. There was a time when I worried about calling congregations "families." Not all families have been places where everyone thrives. But in our community, we can intentionally endeavor to be a healthy family: manifesting our UU values in our communication styles; honoring the gifts of all generations; looking outward beyond the insularity of a closed family system to care about and welcome those who have not yet crossed our threshold. Healthy families are flexible -- new members are welcome, and each individual is encouraged to thrive into authentic growing. Families also can work together on a common community project like serving dinner at a community supper, delivering a meal to someone, showing up to witness for social justice concerns.
And just like any family, there are challenges -- conflict between generations, sibling rivalry and differences of opinion about how resources are to be shared. In a faith community, we are lucky to be guided by explicit principles that remind us how we want to be in relationship and practices by which we can cultivate patience and deepen our love and commitment.
As we end our 'regular church year,' I remain grateful for each of you and all of us together as we engage in the wondrous human work of abiding in beloved community.
With deep appreciation, love and abundant blessings to you all,
Barbara
See the Resource Packets for readings, poems, internet resources and books about FAMILY. Many thanks to Sandy Frades for creating the Family Resource packet on our theme of "Family".
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Nan Stearns
In keeping with our June theme of "Family", Nan Stearns will take us on a reflective journey through the seasons of her life. Nan is an active member of our UUCM community. She serves on our Council and sings with the choir. Our lay-led services are some of our favorites here at UUCM. Rev. Barbara will be available to greet people before and after the service.
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord We will celebrate the UUCM family in this last 'regular' church service of the year. Seniors graduating from high school will be honored. Also please bring a blossom to share in our annual flower communion, which began in Czechoslovakia after WWI, when Rev. Norbert Capek created this service to bring uplift into the lives of his parishioners who had suffered through the dark time of war. This is a multi-generational service, which will be followed by a picnic in the UUCM yard. Please bring a picnic and be prepared for fun and games!
Our Summer Services are smaller in scale and less formal than our regular services. They provide a way to keep our connections alive through the summer. More aptly called "significant Sunday sharing," these sessions provide a time to share our joys, concerns, thoughts, and inspirations in a meaningful way. The leader usually supplies a word, phrase or theme, which leads to a group discussion that can evolve in any direction. There's no sermon and little ritual, but there is a wonderful feeling of nurturing our spirits by sharing our thoughts and experiences. We start at 9:30am each Sunday, forming a circle in the Founders Room (aka The Fireside Room). Please note the earlier start time at 9:30am.
As part of our annual congregational retreat at Ferry Beach, Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord will lead two multi-generational worship services in the Grove. Come to the peace of tall pines and the seashore. Please register for the Ferry Beach retreat by June 15.
Worship led by Members of our Worship Committee in our UUCM Sanctuary, while Rev. Barbara leads worship services in the Grove at Ferry Beach.
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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.
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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,
As most of you know, my last Sunday with you will be June 14th. Therefore, this is a difficult newsletter for me, for it is filled with emotion. This is the last UUCM newsletter I will write an article for. I want to honor that by sharing my mixed emotions with you. There is a sadness in leaving a community of people, young, old and in between, I have come to care about. I don't leave easily, but do leave with wonderful memories that I will cherish. I will never forget the unexpected fire drill at the Halloween Bash - it was the hit of a very fun evening. I leave with the warmth of my memories - the smiles on the faces of engaged children and youth, the encouragement and support from so many of you - and a sense of gratitude for my time with you. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves with me. So in truth, leaving is not so difficult as I take so much with me forward into the next stage of my life. Excitement moves me forward as I wish you all a very fond good-bye.
In Faith, Cyn Fennelly, DLRE
Cyn (dlre@uucm.org, 603-716-0327)
June 7th - Co-operative games for All Ages - following RE beginning in the sanctuary. Snack available in Barnum during coffee hour. No K-8 circles. June 14th - Multi-Gen service - Flower Communion and Bridging Ceremony followed by Church Picnic.
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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 June UUCM Family Resource here.
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Aligning with our June theme of Family, we will screen the Pixar classic, The Incredibles, which is rated PG. This animated feature tells the story of a family of superheroes who are trying to lead a quiet, suburban life and are forced into action to save the world. Join us on June 5 for popcorn, a great movie, and lively conversation. Direct any questions to Scott Bennett (sbennett@semplicityinc.com).
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UUCM  News & Activities |
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Join us after the Flower Communion service for the annual church picnic. It will be held in the garden behind the church. Just bring your lunch and some cookies to share. Beverages will be provided. In the spirit of fellowship and play, Amy Conley will bring her banjo and Rev. Barbara will lead some active, entertaining games. Bring props to play games too -- hula hoops, juggling scarves, chalk for hopscotch, jump ropes, and bubbles.
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Find all the information about the Ferry Beach retreat PLUS the registration forms on this webpage. For more information, contact Susan Deschenes ( suzedesch@gmail.com or 673-4347) |
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An update from Lynn Coakley, Treasurer
Our fiscal year runs July 1 - June 30, so we are just over 89% 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
88% of the goal
89% through the year
Plate share recipients for the last 4 weeks: $234.66 - to SHARE (two Sundays) $185.00 - to Women in Transition Team (two Sundays) |
Two new books for you to check out - just in time for our theme of family.
- In the children's library in the Brown room: "Of THEE I SING, A Letter to my Daughters" by Barack Obama in which he says, among other good thoughts, "Have I told you that America is made up of people of every kind? Have I told you that you are part of a family?"
- The book for adults can be found in the Fireside Room: "Everyday Blessings, The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting" by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn. Marian Wright Edelman, President of The Children's Defense Fund says, "Reading this book could become a life-changing event. I recommend it enthusiastically."
Contact Erna Johnson ( efj3@cornell.edu) with any questions or comments about the UUCM library. |
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We need 5 volunteers each month on the second Sunday from 10:30am to 2:00pm. Contact Meghan Hoye for more information or to volunteer (424-3431, meghan_jeff@comcast.net)
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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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UUCM Summer Staff & News Schedules
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Minister, Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
Away: June 18-21; June 26-July 4; July 18-August 2; August 22-August 30.
Rev. Barbara will lead summer services on July12, and August 9.
Check UUCM phone message 673-1870 (ext. 2) for lay leadership coverage.
Office Administrator, Stacey Morison (8 hours per week). June 22-August 24
Call or email the office for an appointment:
office@uucm.org or 673-1870(ext. 1)
Custodian, Sue Wahlen (6 hours per week) June 22-August 24, 2015
Hours will be posted outside the office door. You may reach Sue at sw128@charter.net.
Music Director, Carolyn McCreary (away June 30-September 1)
Director of Religious Education, Cyn Fennelly (departs June 15)
There will be two newsletters this summer - early July and mid/late August. Deadlines are June 20 and August 10. Be sure to get the word out as we ramp up for a busy fall at UUCM. Send to office@uucm.org
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June: Audrey Fraizer, 603-345-9809 or fraizer@myfairpoint.net
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Please leave contributions in the SHARE basket in Barnum. This month's needs:Canned meats, side dishes (seasoned pasta mix, hamburger helper, etc).
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. SIgnup in Barnum.
- Nashua Soup Kitchen, 2nd Sunday each month. Contact Meghan Hoye (424-3431, meghan_jeff@comcast.net
- 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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