|
|
|
Unity Church of North Easton News
(Unitarian Universalist)
|
|
"Welcoming people into community to grow in thought, spirit, and service to others."
|
Volume 5, No. 12, Jan. 24, 2016
|
|
 | | Get Adobe Reader Here |
|
|
In Memoriam
Reverend Jeanne "Holly" Bell (1930 - 2016)
Minister Emeritus 1974-1999
More information forthcoming.
|
|
 Minister Search Update The Minister Search Committee was given a unique challenge last summer: search for a minister who can provide everything we want for very little money - or don't because maybe a minister isn't the best solution. It's tough to search for something when you don't know what you're searching for!!
Alas, after months of inner-searching by holding cottage meetings, conducting research, and much discussion a solution has taken shape. The Search Committee, in conjunction with the Executive Committee, took all of the information gathered from the congregation and identified the strengths we already have and the areas that could use some professional help. Unity Church is comprised of a very dedicated, caring, and talented group of members and friends. To really make the most of our existing strengths we need a professional who can provide the following: 1) continuity, 2) support, and 3) guidance. I like to think of this position as a "Coordinator of Ministry". This "Coordinator of Ministry" would provide continuity by preaching once a month and by working with lay leaders to help develop and coordinate lay led services. Support would be provided by attending key committee meetings and providing professional advice and resources. And the Coordinator of Ministry would guide us towards our Vision by helping us operate more effectively and identify opportunities. In this way Unity can make the most of our existing strengths and shore up the areas where we need help. This Coordinator of Ministry would work a limited number of hours per month allocated to Continuity, Support, and Guidance. The concept is that this person would not rely solely on Unity as their source of income. Potential candidate pools may include pulpit supply ministers interested in providing more than just pulpit supply, part time ministers looking to increase their hours, retired ministers who want to decrease their hours, or church consultants. The UUA is excited about this model of part time ministry and is ready to help us in our search. The next steps are to: 1) Hold a special congregational meeting to solicit feedback and support for this proposed "Coordinator Of Ministry" model. 2) Elect a third member to fill a vacancy on the Search Committee. 3) Get Searching! Please contact the Nominating Committee if you would like to nominate yourself or someone else to fill the vacant seat on the Search Committee. (See below.) Once the nominating committee has a candidate to present we can call the Special Congregational Meeting and get this ball rolling! Yours in Service, Jason Gold
|
| 
|
 CommUnity Closet update
The CommUnity Closet, a shop in Holly House that will provide free gently used clothing to families in need, is coming to life! We have had four clothing racks generously donated by Kmart and another on the way thanks to Greg Wolfe. If you haven't had the opportunity to help with this project yet don't worry! One of the graces of this effort is that there are many ways to be involved. Here are some of the next steps:
-
We need hangers! Do you have a bunch of hangers just...well, hanging around? Please bring them to church on Sunday. You can either leave them in the parish hall and Jannelle will bring them over, or you can drop them right in the White Room at Holly House and see the progress of this little shop yourself!
-
Laundry! I've heard it tell that some people both enjoy laundry and are good at it. If neither of these things are true for you, but you are at least willing, please pick up a bag of laundry in at coffee hour this Sunday and bring it back with you the following week.
-
Mailing letters and following up with local businesses! We are hoping to be able to provide new undergarments and personal care products. These items are often difficult for those in need to find. We have form letters written and ready to go out to local businesses requesting donations of these items. If you're good with people and have some time free in the upcoming weeks, please consider this task.
-
Money! Have no time, but a bit of spare cash? There are a few items needed that will need to be purchased such as clip hangers for pants, shoe racks, printed materials, personal items and undergarments. If you would like to donate the money to purchase the items off the Wish List, please send your check to Unity with CommUnity Closet in the memo line.
I am so excited about this project! I am wrapped in the joyful feeling of helping to create a space that will hopefully help people who are in the middle of a struggle feel loved and cared for, while bringing our Church Mission to life in a truly tangible way. I encourage you to take the opportunity to be involved in this powerful ministry. - Jannelle Codianni
|
|
|
|
Help shape the future of Unity Church
We have an opening on the Ministerial Search Committee.
The initial information gathering phase is complete and the next phase of searching for a minister is expected to start in February after further feedback from the congregation. This is an important position for the future of our church. Three committee members are required to form the Ministerial Search Committee. Won't you please consider volunteering?
|
Brighten Ann's day with a card
Ann Jones, who was a long-time member of Unity Church, was recently moved to the Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 601 Sherman Street, Canton, MA 02021. She has grown very weak and is struggling with congestion and a poor appetite after breaking her hip in August. Cards from friends at her beloved church would mean a lot to her. Feel free to contact her daughter, Allison Jones,
|
|
|
 Fundraising Fun
We will once again host them, April 15 - 17, 2016. Church members register to provide a bed and/or floor space, a shower, and a continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings for a nominal charge that goes directly to Unity Church. This was a wonderful success last year, generating good will and funds for our community. This is our fifth successful year. You can find more details about this event on the NEFFA page of the Unity web site under the Calendar & Events menu.
You can talk to Hosts who've done it before. Contact Anna Linzi if you are interested or have questions.
|
|
|
Religious Education Reminder
Religious Education will be held in the Chaffin Room through the winter, and volunteers are always needed. The children will present their annual Children's Chapel service on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 10:30 am.
The theme of the Children's Chapel service this year is "Our Principles in Action". Each child will choose a principle, create and implement their own social justice project pertaining to this principle. On March 13, they will present these projects to the congregation. Depending on their ideas, this may be a project that will require participation from families outside of church. Children will confer with their families before the start of their projects in order to ensure that their families can commit to their ideas, and help where applicable!
|
|
|
Mark your calendars for these important dates !
Unity Church Annual Meeting: Sunday, May 22, 2016 @ 12:00 - Parish Hall. This is one of the year's important meetings to attend. Lunch and childcare will be provided.
All Committee reports are due by Wednesday, May 4, 2016 to Gail Bruno, in the church office. These reports provide information for the Annual Meeting.
|
 Keeping in touch across the miles
Carolyn McCafferty is very busy deployed in Abu Dabi. She recently updated her blog.
|
 In Worship
January Theme: Communion
January 31, 2016 : "Intimate and everyday stories of birth, death and life". Katelyn Haven preaching.
How we tell the stories of our lives is a creative, humanizing and nurturing act. Within ourselves and when shared with others in community, our stories create the space for healing, connection, empathy and inspiration. We all have stories to share and stories to write! Growth is rewriting and (re)telling them. In this service I will share some intimate stories of growing up a believer of miracles, the births of many children, stories of death, and a few stories just for lighthearted fun. During Social Hour, Jannelle Codianni, our beloved, resident storyteller, will lead us in a fun storytelling exercise. Join us!
For more detailed information,
|
|
|
|
Volunteers needed at Sunday Services
Be a Worship Associate and guide us through the morning worship service. Follow the prepared worship script and get to know the worship leader of the day. Time commitment is Sunday 10 am - 11:30. To volunteer contact Cheryl Brigante.
Host Social Hour in Parish Hall on Sunday after service. Set out supplies for beverages and snacks, make the coffee and clean up after. More detail here. This is an easy way to meet new people. Time commitment is Sunday 10 am - 12:30. To volunteer contact Anne Fredericks. Help with children's Religious Education. Follow the children into the Chaffin Room and offer to help. |
|
Short term housing needed.
Frank Smith's house is on "the market" and will likely be sold in the very near future. At this time of year, people want to move in as soon as possible after passing papers. Frank is looking for short term housing for 1-2 starting Jan.27, 2016, in the Easton area. Please email Frank |
|
When the Weather Outside is Frightful
For the safety of our friends and members, in case of extreme weather conditions, please call the church office (508-238-6373) after 8:00 a.m. on the day of the Service or church event for a message about whether the Service or event has been canceled.
|
 5 Points Potluck and Sing-a-long
Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Unitarian Church of Sharon, 4 North Main St., Sharon, MA 02067
Bring a dish to share, bring instruments, sing your favorite songs and hymns. We'll have a "singspiration". No RSVP or sign-up required. Childcare will be provided. Food at 5:00, music at 6:30.
|
|
Shopping at Amazon? Start at Unity homepage first.
Do you shop on Amazon.com? Be sure to visit Amazon through Unity's homepage first. Every time you use the Amazon widget, Unity Church receives up to 8.5% of what you've spent at Amazon! During this crazy shopping season, or any other time of the year, 8.5% can add up to a lot for Unity!
|
|
Events at First Parish Universalist Church(Stoughton)
Monday evening from 7 to 8 pm, a Buddhist meditation group meets. Anyone interested in silent meditation is welcome. Contact Denise
for more information.
2nd Friday of the month : 7 to 8:30 pm, Drumming Circle. Contact Kelley with questions 781-341-1213781-341-1213. There are extra drums to share.
First Parish Universalist Church of Stoughton, 790 Washington St. Stoughton. Enter using the door in the parking lot behind the church.
|
"Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude." A. A. Milne
We are grateful and say Thank You for all who contribute to our Unity Church community, those before us in a Sunday service and those unseen whose presence is a service for all.
|
 Church Office Newsby Gail Bruno, Office Manager
January Office Hours.
Regular Office Hours: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (Office closed 1/14 and 1/18) Please feel free to leave messages at the church office, 508-238-6373, or email Gail directly. *If you plan to visit the office, please call ahead as Gail's schedule may change monthly.
|
Looking for Executive Committee and Church Meeting Agendas, Warrants, Minutes, or Member Contact information?
You can find it all 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/Graphics/Video Credits for this Issue of the Unity News
Ellen Dehm, Cathy Adler, and Deanna Greenstein
Unity News Contact Info
|
|
|
