|
|
|
Unity Church of North Easton News
(Unitarian Universalist)
|
|
"We Pledge to Walk Together..."
|
Volume 3, No. 20, April 21, 2014
|
|
|
|
|
|
 RE Focus on Homelessness
The children in the Religious Education (RE) program are focusing on homelessness this spring, and will be hosting a Mother's Day Gift Sale to benefit the Easton Food Pantry, which is in dire need of donations this season.
In the weeks leading up to Mother's Day, people can "buy" a handmade gift with the donation of a non-perishable food item or toiletry item as "payment." Gifts will include small flowers and beaded jewelry, all created by the children of our church. These items will be available at the Annual Mother's Day Weekend Benefit Concert for A New Day (see Upcoming Musical Offerings below), as well as after the service on Mother's Day.
In the meantime, the RE wish list includes beads and jewelry making supplies, art canvases, and fresh paints and paint brushes, though all craft supplies are more than welcome!
Editor's Note: A.C. Moore, at the Westgate Mall (here's a map), is liquidating their stock because they're going out of business. You can get many of these supplies NOW for 40% - 60% off!
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Deanna Greenstein at deanna.greenstein at gmail.com.
|
What are the "Kids" Up to Now?
On a recent trip to Washington D.C., Andy and Bob Champagne-Willis spent a day with Erica Augustine, daughter of Debbie Augustine and Peggy O'Loughlin. You might remember that Erica participated in Unity's Religious Education program for many years. She now lives in Washington D.C. and works in the office of Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Erica led Bob and Andy on a tour of the Capitol building, along with their friends, Eduardo Santos and Preston Horton, and Preston's mom, Jeanette. This tour was the highlight of their trip!
When Jeanette Horton was in eighth grade, she and her class were supposed to take a tour of Washington D.C., but a week before the trip, the principal cancelled the vacation. Jeanette waited all these years and finally got to travel to Washington!
After the tour, Erica joined everyone for lunch, then more sightseeing, including the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR and MLK Memorials, and the Korean War, Vietnam War and WWII Memorials. Andy and Bob had a great time reconnecting with Erica, and they couldn't be more proud of all that she has accomplished.
|
Calling All Committee Chairs!
Annual Reports are Due by May 2
Dear Committee Chairs, Please note that the deadline for your Annual Report is due no later than May 2nd.
You can either drop it off at the church office or send it to me via email at Office@unity-church.com.Thank you,
Gail Bruno, Office Manager, 508-238-6373
Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
|
|
A Letter From the Nominating Committee
Dear Unity Church Members, The Nominating Committee is charged with giving Voting Members information about:
- what positions are voted on every year by the congregation
- where to find those positions described in our bylaws
- which positions are vacant in an upcoming year
- what is the skill set required for a particular position
The Nominating Committee also communicates to the congregation the timeline for accepting nominations. As you know, Unity Church had an open nominations period until April 15th in which any Voting Member could nominate another Voting Member for an open position, or nominate themselves as candidates for open positions. Now that all the nominations are in and the open period closed, please see the table below for the list of candidates and terms that will be voted on at the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 18, 2014, after Social Hour. |
Position
|
Candidate(s) to Date
|
Term
| |
President
|
Jason Gold
|
1st Term (limit 3)
| |
Vice President
|
Carolyn McCafferty
|
1st term (limit 3)
| |
Treasurer
|
Anne Fredericks
|
1st term (limit 3)
| |
Clerk
|
Melanie D'Aiello
|
1st term (limit 3)
| |
At-Large
|
Lori Freitas
|
Vacated Term, Expires 2015
| |
At-Large
|
Greg Wolfe
|
Term Expires 2017
| |
At-Large
|
Jannelle Codianni
|
Term Expires 2017
| |
At-Large
|
J Haven
|
Term Expires 2016
| |
At-Large
|
Walter Tramontano
|
Term Expires 2017
| |
Assistant Treasurer
|
Mark D'Aiello
|
2nd term (unlimited)
| |
Collector
|
Ken Love
|
5th term (unlimited)
| |
Nominating Committee
|
Frank Smith
|
3rd (limit 3)
| |
Nominating Committee
|
Jennifer Gold
|
2nd term (limit 3)
| |
Nominating Committee
|
Chris Pender
|
1st term (limit 3)
| |
Parish Hall Association
|
Ken Love
|
8th term (unlimited)
| |
Parish Hall Association
|
Ernie Cohen
|
7th term (unlimited)
| |
Parish Hall Association
|
Sandra Hill
|
7th term (unlimited)
| |
Memorial Fund
|
Anne Fredericks
|
?th term (unlimited)
| |
Memorial Fund
|
Greg Wolfe
|
2nd term (unlimited)
| |
Memorial Fund
|
Walter
|
2nd term (unlimited)
|
Just as with civic voting, it is important for church members to be present and to participate in our governance process by attending the Annual Congregational Meeting, hearing updates on the health of our operations, and voting on these leadership positions. Respectfully, UCNE Nominating Committee: Jennifer Gold & Frank Smith Congregational President: Chris Pender
|
 Upcoming Musical Offerings
by Richard Hill, Music Director & Organist at Unity Church
Organ Recital: Spring Fling
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - 12:15 p.m.Admission Free
Ruth Ashley Memorial Handbell Concert
The Annual Ruth Ashley Memorial Handbell Concert will be held at Unity Church, Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 3:00 p.m.  The annual spring ring is upon us. Back in 2003, we began a series of handbell concerts with St. Mark Congregational Church in Roxbury. Most Novembers, our choir travels to St. Mark and in April, their choir comes here. The series was the brainchild of Ruth Ashley and me. Ruth was directing the bells in Roxbury at the time. She had been the Supervisor of Music in the Easton Public Schools for several years, and also coached tennis. A dear friend, Ruth had sung in my choir when I was organist in West Bridgewater, where the Ashleys lived. Louis, her husband, sang bass. In 1964, Ruth was the soprano soloist at Sandra's and my wedding in Middleboro. In 1968, Ruth left Easton to teach at Lowell State. After her retirement, in the late 1980's she revived the Handbell Choir at her sister's church in Roxbury and we began this collaboration. Ruth and Louis died several years ago, and she was replaced at St. the current Handbell Choir Director, Rosebud Holland - so, the music goes on. These concerts are much more than handbell music. They are a prime example of what our church is all about. We are a welcoming congregation. St. Mark is a welcoming congregation. Here are two choirs, from different traditions, ages, and backgrounds - and we fit together like old gloves. So come and feel welcomed. Following our concerts we have a nice supper and a chance to interact. This is a wonderful time. Come enjoy the music and the food, and the Fellowship. You'll be glad you did. Annual Mother's Day Weekend Benefit Concert
for A New Day on Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 7:00 p.m. Unity Church of North Easton has held a concert annually on Mother's Day weekend, for over 11 years, to benefit A New Day (formerly Womansplace Crisis Center). A New Day provides free and confidential counseling and advocacy to all individuals impacted by sexual violence and/or relationship violence. The music program will include the Choirs of Unity Church and some wonderful soloists. Donations gladly accepted and all go directly to A New Day. Join us this evening - bring your Mom!
|
"Day Of" Event
Volunteers Needed
Want to help Outrunning Homelessness, but don't want to run or walk? You're in luck! Because of the anticipated success of Outrunning Homelessness this year, with an increased volume of participants and sponsors, I am trying to make sure we have more than enough volunteers, especially to check in teams and direct participants on the course between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
As you know, this event is the 4th Annual Outrunning Homelessness 5K Run / 2.6 Mile Fun Walk being held at DCRs Borderland State Park on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Sponsored by Crescent Credit Union, it is a fundraiser for School on Wheels of Massachusetts whose primary mission is to empower children impacted by homelessness to reach their full potential through educational support and one-one-one mentoring.
With one week to go, though our earlier appeals
 | |
2013 Event T-shirt!
|
went in many directions in many ways, we would like to enlist the help of even more volunteers to absolutely ensure we're staffed appropriately. That way, everyone can enjoy the day.
Please dig deep into your network of friends, families, and colleagues and help us find volunteers for race day.
Please also let your contacts know they can pass this message and the document along too. Go Team Unity! Cathy Adler SOWMA Co-Chair, Outrunning Homelessness email: cathyadler@sowma.orgtel: 508-243-6679
PS - Don't forget to bring your family and friends out for a morning of fun and fellowship in a beautiful setting. There will be kids' activities (face painting, story telling, physical fitness activities, etc.) and music, along with the main event.
|
Did you know that Unity Church has Safe Congregation Policy? Well, we do! It was original written and approved by the congregation in 2005. In fall of 2012, the Safe Congregational Committee composed of Carolyn McCafferty, Gregory Wolfe, and Mary Lu Love started to update the policy. It was subsequently reviewed by the Executive Committee and lawyers. We now have the updated 2014 version. Sunday April 27th at Noon we will hold information session to discuss the policy. The policy will be brought to the Annual Meeting for approval on May 18, but this is the opportunity for an in-depth discussion Click here to open the new document,and download it for your review. Please participate in making Unity Church safe for all by reviewing the policy and joining in the discussion. We promise to keep it lively, fun and informative! Child care will be available! Safe Congregation Committee, Carolyn McCafferty, Gregory Wolfe, and Mary Lu Love
|
Ballou Channing District Annual Meeting
The Rev. Bill Zelazny has served the Ballou Channing District (BCD) as District Executive, and Unity Church, for many years and is soon to retire. Bill might look familiar especially to those of you who have been at Unity retreats and on Minister Search Committees.  On May 3rd, at the BCD Spring Conference and Annual Meeting, there will be a celebration of the wonderful energy and work he has given to congregations in our district. All are welcome to attend the Annual Meeting at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA 02038. The event starts at 9:30 a.m., ends with lunch at 12:30 p.m., and is free! Click here to register for the BCD Annual Meeting and celebration for Bill.
|
 Upcoming Fellowship Events
The Fellowship Committee has been busy scheduling some fun events in the upcoming months. Please put these on your calendar now, and be sure to bring your friends and families too!
For more information about Fellowship events, please contact Cheryl Brigante, at cherylbrigante at hotmail.com.
|
Looking for Unity Church Member Contact information?
You can find it on our web site under the Member Access menu,
after you log in as a member.
|
|
|
New to Unity Church?
New to Unity Church or want to Join Our Mailing List?
|
|
Photo Credits for this Issue of the Unity News
Deanna Greenstein, Ellen Dehm, Bob Champagne-Willis, and Cathy Adler
Unity News Contact Info
For questions or comments regarding this message, please contact Cathy Adler, Unity News Managing Editor & Web Administrator,
at welcome2ucne@gmail.com . |
|
|
