What Does It Mean To Be a People of Desire?
Many feel drawn to spiritual practice and community by heartbreak - something about one's life, our culture, or the wider world that breaks our hearts. We yearn to repair our hearts through connection, insight, inspirational hope, and joy. We yearn to "nurture our spirits and help heal the world." We yearn for wholeness. February's theme is DESIRE, and acknowledges how "desire" invokes our humanity.
We may be able to indulge some desires without much cost, but we are fooling ourselves if we think we can pursue spiritual desires without suffering a broken heart. The desire for a better world. The hunger for deep connection. The longing to actualize our full potential. Leaning into these desires is to let your Self care deeply for what can't ever be fully attained. When it comes to the most beautiful and noble of our desires, it's all about loving and pursuing that which will always be out of reach.
And of course we reach anyway. We can't help ourselves. It's what it means to be human. Plato puts it this way: "We are fired into life with a madness that comes from the gods and which would have us believe that we can have a great love, perpetuate our own seed, and contemplate the divine." Notice the implicit plea to be grateful. It comes "from the gods" he says. This madness, this dis-ease, these unstoppable desires for great love, great change, and great connection are a gift! The prize is not the moment we are finally quenched; it's that first moment when we were wonderfully cursed with thirst! Heartbreak and heartache are not dangers to be avoided; they are signs that we are living fully and leaning into the holy dis-ease that makes us most human.
Rumi says "fall in love with the agony of love." He knows many of us avoid pursuing our deepest hungers because of fear. No one's deepest longings ever come true. Better to play it safe and keep those deep hungers at a distance. But in this case, playing it safe also means going numb. And we were not created to go numb. Somewhere in that "agony" you will feel yourself loved by and deeply connected to life.
Check out February's theme resources online or pick up a printed copy from the garden door shelf. Look forward to conversations with UUCM friends and family about your experiences with these resources. May your explorations bring meaning, insight, connection, and joy to your life. I wish you abundant blessings on your journey,
Barbara
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Worship Services - Sundays at 10:30am
Rev. Barbara Liscord McKusick is on sabbatical this month.
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Linda Barnes, Guest Minister We all struggle to know ourselves honestly and fully. Join Linda Barnes, a recent graduate of Meadville-Lombard Theological School, in exploring the spiritual practice of recognizing the inner voice that invites you to your unique role in the larger world. After Church: Savor the High School Youth Group's fundraiser buffet in Fireside and Emerson.
Joe Pollock and Linda GoodmanLinda and Joe will share their journey of "love out of nowhere" in story and songs. Today is also Undie Sunday. No, that does not mean you have to show up in just your underwear! But we do want you to bring underwear for someone else. (OK, it's not as kinky as it sounds. Really! Read more here.)
Kali FyreKali is our Ministerial Intern in her second year at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago. Today is also "come as you are" Sunday. (See what we mean here.) After Church: Gather for a potluck for all ages in Barnum Hall. John Shonle There is a great amount of misinformation and misunderstanding about Islam in today's world, especially by some politicians and news outlets. Come hear some facts about the world's second largest religion. John has immediate family who are Muslim. John has delivered other services here and elsewhere, and is a member of this year's Sermon Seminar.
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Lifespan Religious Education
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For more information about all RE programs for children and youth, visit http://uucm.org/religious-education/programs-for-children/ or direct inquiries to Sandy Frades, REC chair (sandyfrades@comcast.net or 603-673-2955 or cell 603-533-2995).
* Meeting every Sunday morning except February 21st:
o OWL K-2nd grade and OWL Grades 5-6
o Spirit of Adventure for Grades 3-4
o Neighboring Faiths for Grades 7-8
* Nursery and Friendship Finders available every Sunday.
* Children's Choir (ages 5-10) rehearsal on Sundays from 10-10:20am.
* OWL Grades 7-9 meets every Sunday except Feb. 21 from 4:00-5:30pm.
* Middle School Youth Group meets Saturday, Feb. 13, for Trampoline or Snow Tubing. Click here for more MSYG events throughout the year.
* High School Youth Group meets Sundays, 5:30-7:30pm all month
* Family Small Group Ministry meets February 20 from 5:00-7:30pm.
Everyone (children, youth, and adults) is invited to roll out of bed and come to church as you are on February 21. Yup! Just for fun, plan to wear your pjs or sweatpants and t-shirt. Instead of the regular Circles on Sunday morning, the children and youth will have some fun activities and hot chocolate and maybe a scary bedtime story.
Let's gather to discover what possibilities exist for our families within the UUCM community. What opportunities can we create for our children and youth to grow? Please make every effort to join us for one of these innovative BrainSwarming sessions. Come share what's in your heart.
* Sunday, February 14 at 9:00am. Join us for pancakes & BrainSwarming in Barnum Hall.
* Wednesday, February 17 at 5:30pm. UUCM Community Supper followed by BrainSwarming at 6:00pm in Emerson Hall.
Childcare will be provided for each session. Please RSVP to Jamie Ferrier at 673-1870 or office@uucm.org with BrainSwarming in the subject line.
Light the chalice and lead the affirmation on Sunday morning. We welcome anyone, and especially like our children/youth to participate. Sign up in Barnum Hall or at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044cacaa2eaa8-chalice/
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UUCM  News & Activities |
February 7 at 11:45 (after church)
Our youth are preparing a buffet lunch to raise funds for their service trip to NYC to work at a homeless shelter on April 29th. Stay after church and feast on their offerings in the Fireside Room and Emerson Hall. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options will be available.
- Several homemade soups
- Sandwiches
- Fresh breads/rolls
- Fresh salads
- A variety of desserts
- Lemonade and iced tea
Cost: By donation (Pay what you can; any amount will help!) Thank you!
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February 14 has been designated SHARE's "Undie Sunday". SHARE always needs new underwear and socks of all sizes for men, women, and children. It takes many of each to outfit a family. Be as generous as you can and bring new underwear and socks to church. We will collect them as part of the service while the children are there, so it might be fun to involve your children in the buying or bringing of "undies" to church.
Fun Fact: Years ago, UUCM was instrumental in starting "Undie Sunday".
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February 14, 12:30 in the Granite Room
Come learn about the opportunity to visit our Partner Church in Romania this September during their Thanksgiving celebration. On February 14 we will have a Skype call with the UUA trip co-ordinator to hear about visiting world heritage sites and spending several days staying with host families in the village of Szentmihaly. For more information, contact Peggy Stokes (peggystokes@comcast.net or 603-491-6813).
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Sunday, February 21 after church (11:45)
The Membership Committee is sponsoring a potluck lunch for all ages in Barnum Hall after the church service. Please drop your food off in the kitchen before church. (Remember to label your food per UUCM's Food Allergen Policy.) We'll enjoy some time getting to know one another better and sharing great food! Questions? Call Susan Dyke Deschenes (603-673-4347).
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Former congregants who moved away are no longer in the Directory, but you might find their contact information on the People Who've Moved page on the UUCM website.
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Our mission: We are a clearing house to help you get the word out about your events, rentals, and other opportunities in our UUCM congregation and the local community. We can advise and streamline the creation of your materials and assist you with how and where to advertise.
- We can help you put together your ad campaign or can do it for you.
- We can promote your project through a multitude of local media sources.
- We can set up locations for your posters to be placed and/or help you develop them.
- We can promote ongoing or singular gatherings.
You're invited to join our next monthly meeting (February 12 at 11:00am) and bring your ideas! For more information, contact Lois Hermann at lois@loishermann.com or call 673-1870.
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Rev. Barbara will be away January 29-March 6 for sabbatical and vacation. This is the first part of a 3-month sabbatical during her 14th and 15th year of ministry with UUCM. To best fit the congregation's needs, Rev. Barbara's sabbatical is divided into two parts. The second part will be in the fall of 2016.
Just as previous sabbaticals proved to be, we expect this to once again be an exciting time of growth for everyone in our congregational community. We all share in the ministry of this congregation.
Excellent worship services will continue to be provided by the many gifted members of our congregation, two guest ministers, and our Ministerial Intern, Kali Fyre. Our mutual ministry to each other -- via our Council, Worship Committee, Pastoral Care Network, Small Group Ministry and Religious Education volunteers, our staff, and Intern -- will continue to sustain our ministry during the sabbatical periods.
If you have any questions please contact these Council Members: Mark Schwartzberg (President) 603-494-5607 mark.schwartzberg@outlook.com or Tricia Jalbert 603-554-7429 triciajalbert@gmail.com. For more information about the sabbatical and who to contact with specific needs, see the Sabbatical Brochure, available on the Garden Door Shelf and at
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Details about the 2016/2017 Pledge Drive
The 2016/2017 pledge drive kicks off on January 30 with brunch at the home of Council president, Mark Schwartzberg. Invited guests (top givers, committee chairs, and Council members) will hear how their support will enable the important work of our congregation and will be asked to pledge their financial support.
Action Item: If you did not receive an invitation and wish to attend, please RSVP immediately to Jamie at office@uucm.org.
During February all members and friends of UUCM will be invited to attend a cottage meeting at the home of a congregant. During these gatherings, attendees will talk about the value of UUCM in their lives and hear how the proposed 2016/2017 budget, funded primarily by pledges, will help make our vision a reality. At this time, attendees will receive their pledge forms to be completed as soon as possible.
Action item: Sign up in Barnum Hall to attend a gathering.
Pledge packets will be mailed to those who were unable to attend a cottage meeting.
In early March, calls will be made to members who have not responded.
Action item: Return the pledge form or email your pledge info to treasurer@uucm.org.
Council and the Finance Committee will hold a congregational meeting to finalize the budget aligned with the pledges received.
Action item: Attend and participate in decisions regarding your financial investment in UUCM.
You can download the 2016 UUCM Pledge Drive brochure from the UUCM website. Feel free to contact Leslie Bennett if you have questions (603-672-4865 or LeslieYingling1@aol.com).
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If you would like to donate something new, different and wonderful to this major fundraiser, please contact Dona Eaton ( donageaton@gmail.com)
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Just ONCE this year! Give it a try! (You might like it.)
Volunteer at the Nashua Soup Kitchen
Every month we need 3 volunteers to help Meghan Hoye (424-3431 or meghan_jeff@comcast.net) serve Sunday lunch at the Nashua Soup Kitchen. When: 2nd Sunday of every month (next on February 14) Time: 10:30am-2:30pm Duties: Setup, simple food prep, serving, cleanup Who: Adults and youth 14 and older (accompanied by a responsible adult) Learn more: Talk to an NSK volunteer: John & Marty Miller, Jeff Hoye, Marti Kennedy, Dona Eaton, Barbara Coan Click here to volunteer for one or more Sundays. Thanks so much!
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The next Women in Transition Team (WITT) meeting will be held on February 15 in the Reeb Room, beginning at 6:00 pm with a potluck supper. WITT continues to provide assistance to women who have been released from the NH Women's Prison in Goffstown.
In February, UUCM intern minister, Kali Fyre, will launch a support group for WITT clients. WITT is seeking to expand the list of volunteers willing to drive clients to appointments. For more information about WITT, contact Jeanne Nieuwejaar, Donna Ryan, or Linda Higgs.
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, 5:30-6:30pm
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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Keep for future reference!
Monthly newsletter - 20th of the month - Send to NEWS@UUCM.ORG
Weekly update - Every Monday - Send to OFFICE@UUCM.ORG |
January: Carole Treen - treencarole24@gmail.com or 603-472-5806 or cell 603-493-3561.
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Please leave contributions in the SHARE basket in Barnum. This month's needs: Toothbrushes & paste, deodorants, shampoo & conditioner, bar soap. 
That time of year might soon be upon us. In the event of bad weather, you can check whether the church is open in several different ways.
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.
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, newsletter archive, 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!
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