What Does It Mean To Be a People of Liberation?
True wisdom comes in understanding that sometimes
you are both the prison and the key.
-- Johnathan Jena
Sometimes the key is right in our hand.
Let's be clear: Liberation is about struggling against "others." There are forces, structures, and people that put barriers around us. Liberation is indeed about "opposing the powerful," "dismantling systems," and "fighting them for freedom." But sometimes the barriers are of our own making. Sometimes the limits and boxes are self-imposed. Sometimes, we are indeed both the prison and the key.
So this month, let's make sure to look in all directions. Let's look honestly and hopefully at the many ways that liberation requires a clear-eyed review of our choices, not just a battle against those bad guys. All of the great religions agree: We are more powerful than we realize or want to admit. We can forgive and free ourselves from the cage of resentment. We can let go of jealousy. We can stop playing the self-defeating games of status, money, and beauty. We don't have to keep telling ourselves that life is unfair and we've been cheated. We can let that chip fall from our shoulder and freely move on.
Christian author, Israelmore Ayivor, writes, "You have the right to suppress yourself, oppress yourself, and depress yourself. You also have the right to impress yourself. And let yourself feel happy too!" There is something perfectly balanced about that quote. It's both critical and kind. Confrontational and inspirational. It honors the fact that there are bars that hem us in, but it also invites us to notice when the key is sitting right there in the lock.
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Worship Services - Sundays at 10:30am
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Bethany Poulin with Rev. Barbara McKusick LiscordToday we explore the roles of positive freedom and self-governance on personal liberty. The sermon will look at liberty from social, historical and very personal perspectives, and include a classic story for all ages, The Ugly Duckling. Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord  Kali Fyre, Ministerial InternTogether we will celebrate the return of Spring's liberation from the slumber of winter. After Church (Noon-1:00): Meet the Minister & UU&You with Rev. Barbara and Kali Fyre in the Fireside Room. UU&You sessions cover topics such as UU beliefs, values, theology, sources and sacred texts. Rev. Barbara McKusick LiscordThe liberating message of the Easter story is not about Jesus suffering and dying for our sins. Come reflect on a different perspective on the Easter story. We will also celebrate the liberating message of spring!
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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).
When we finish compiling information from the parent meetings, we will post the results on the UUCM website and let you know. Kim Sweeney, who was our Director of Lifespan Religious Education for several years, facilitated the discussion on 2/14. When Kim left us she went on to work in the District and is now serving the New England Region of our UUA as the lead for Faith Formation and Safe Congregations.
The exciting news we shared at the meetings is that Kim will be working with us for the next year or so to help us define what we would like for our families, youth, and children in the future. The RE Committee is looking forward to working with her. We will keep you posted and will find ways for the congregation to be involved as we plan our future.
* Meeting every Sunday morning except March 27:
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
* March 27: Children and youth will participate in a special Easter event.
* 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 from 4:00-5:30pm. (Leaders will contact parents about 3/13 as it looks like we will not have a joint session with Peterborough.)
* Middle School Youth Group: Parents will be contacted about the next MSYG gathering.
* High School Youth Group meets Sundays, 5:30-7:30pm all month.
* Family Small Group Ministry meets March 12 from 5:00-7:30pm.
On April 10, we are planning a special worship service. You will be able to participate in spiritual and creative activities instead of a typical worship service. This multigenerational service will have activities for all ages.
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 |
Here's how you can help NOW!* Offer your vacation home/condo for a week or weekend. * Offer to cook your favorite food/meal. What is your specialty? These are our best sellers and we can use more! * Offer a service. Your special skill is probably just what someone else needs and will bid on. * Request a service. If you want a special service, perhaps another UUCMer can offer it for auction. Tell us what you want to bid on. * Visit your favorite store, restaurant, or hairdresser and ask for a gift card. They benefit when a new customer redeems the card. * Offer to make bars or cookies to serve during the auction. * Help underwrite the cost of snacks and/or beverages for the auction. Plan to be there on Saturday, April 9 at 7pm. Mark your calendar now! Volunteer by sending email to auction@uucm.org or contact Dona Eaton, Susan Olsen, elise DeMichael, or Leslie Bennett.
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You can find out who the Council members are and read minutes from Council meetings online at http://uucm.org/members/governance/governance-council/.
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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 March 13) 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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, 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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Ferry Beach is seeking staff to help cover their youth weeks, especially 4th and 5th grade camp (June 26-July 2) and FUUTURES camps for high school youth (June 26-July 2 and July 2-9). Counselors receive free room & board and get a campership for their child. If interested, contact Cathy Stackpole (207-282-4489 or cstackpole@ferrybeach.org). Learn more about these camps at http://www.ferrybeach.org/2016-summer-conferences--camps.html.
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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 |
March: Audrey Fraizer, 603-672-0887, fraizer@myfairpoint.net
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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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