Spirit of Life. Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire. January Sunday Worship 10:30am

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1 Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire Spirit of Life January 2019 Sunday Worship 10:30am Jus ce, love, and compassion in spiritual community Spiritual Practices Sunday : Rev. Carol Allman-Morton During worship, we will share in a spiritual practices potpourri! While worship each Sunday is intergenerational, on First Sundays, we hold worship that is particularly geared toward intergenerational connection and shared spiritual development. Share the Plate with Railroad Street Youth Project This IS Our Lane : Deb Bennett A surgeon speaks out against gun violence to the NRA. A religious leader is arrested facing off with border patrol, A hospital chaplain advocates for a patient's medical care. Let's talk about the ways our faith calls us to operate in lanes those in power may rather we stay out of. Deb Morgan Bennett is a newly fellowshipped UU minister. She has served as the interim and summer minister of Winchester Unitarian Society in Winchester MA and has served the UU church in Pittsfield MA. Currently Deb is a full time resident chaplain at Albany Medical Center while in congregational search Conversation About Conversion : Rev. Kathy Duhon At the time UUMSB first gathered, a UU minister was spreading UU evangelism, which still sounds odd to use. But if we love something, we want to share it - a book, film, play, exhibit so of course, we want to share the good news (evangelism) of what we love about UU. And maybe our hearts have been converted in ways that change our lives for the better - how can we talk about such UU conversion? Let's have a conversation. Rev Duhon is our founding minister and Minister Emerita What is the Relationship Between Free Will and Freedom? : Rev. Carol Allman-Morton For our next big question, we explore free will, freedom, and choice. Music: Trustee/Greeter: Greeter: Hospitality: Hosp./Chalice: Music: Trustee/Greeter: Greeter: Hospitality: Hosp./Chalice: Music: Trustee/Greeter: Greeter: Hospitality: Hosp./Chalice: Music: Trustee/Greeter: Greeter: Hospitality: Hosp./Chalice: Hilda Banks Shapiro Laurie Shaw Gary Shaw Connie Canty Dan Haas Bonnie Benson and Emily Christensen Laurie Shaw Gary Shaw Linda Skipper Sheryl Davies Hilda Banks Shapiro UUMSB Choir Laurie Shaw Gary Shaw Sue Protheroe Erin McNamara Bonnie Benson and Emily Christensen Laurie Shaw Gary Shaw Phloix Laucher Pauline Dongala Mission: We come together from diverse traditions as a welcoming, religious community with shared values, seeking spiritual growth, lifelong religious education, and fellowship. We strive to promote justice, acceptance, and compassion in the world. info@uumsb.org Spirit of Life January of 7

2 Rev. Carol s Column Love Will Guide Us For the New Year, I offer one of my favorite medita ons from my late colleague the Rev. Robbie Walsh: I knew a man who had printed on his sta onary this proverb: Nothing is se led. Everything ma ers. It established a certain ambiance for reading his le ers, as if to say: what you are about to read is to be taken seriously, but is not final. I remember him and his proverb some mes, especially when it seems impossible to change the world or myself in any significant way. Times like the beginnings of new years. Sorry Jim, I say. It s not true that nothing is se led. In the past year choices have been made, losses have been suffered, there has been growth and decay, there have been commitments and betrayals. None of that can be undone. A year ago no one knew whether during this year one person would become pregnant, another would get cancer, another would take a new job, another would have an accident, but now it is se led. One day this year I was present just when someone needed me; another day I was busy doing something else when I was needed. One day I said something to a friend that injured our rela onship; another day I said something that enabled a person to see life in a new way. The best and the worst of those days is now wri en. All my tears, of joy or sorrow, cannot erase it. If I stay with my medita on long enough, the reply comes. Robbie, says Jim, You have misunderstood the proverb. It is true that you cannot escape the consequences of your ac ons or the chances of the world. But what is not se led is how the story turns out. What is not se led is what the meaning of your life will be. The meaning of a life is not contained within one act, or one day, or one year. As long as you are alive the story of your life is s ll being told, and the meaning is s ll open. As long as there is life in the world, the story of the world is s ll being told. What is done is done, but nothing is se led. And if nothing is se led, then everything ma ers. Every choice, every act in the new year ma ers. Every word, every deed is making the meaning of your life and telling the story of the world. Everything ma ers in the year coming, and, more importantly, everything ma ers today. Source: "Noisy Stones: a Medita on Manual" Blessings on the journey. Carol See Carol s sermons: h p:// worship services/ If you have any pastoral concerns, please call me to set up an appointment. I am available to meet on Sundays and weeknights or callmanmorton@gmail.com. info@uumsb.org Spirit of Life January of 7

3 Message from our President, Martha Page Happy New Year at UUMSB Happy New Year everyone and a warm welcome back to the sun as it begins its journey toward the Summer Sols ce! As you read through this newsle er and those over the next few months, you will see that 2019 promises to be full of events, programs, and ways to be involved at UUMSB, some con nuing and some brand new. Your involvement is a huge part of what makes UUMSB such a special congrega on and a beloved community. It was approximately five years ago February 2014 that UUMSB started down the path of iden fying our home in Housatonic and making all the decisions and arrangements to make that happen, before our big move in June It was an amazing undertaking, involving lots of choices and securing the finances to make it happen. As many of you likely remember, the finances involved a capital campaign, a first home grant from the Unitarian Universalist Associa on, and two loans totaling $150,000. We also applied for and received a $60,000 historic preserva on grant from the Town of Great Barrington through the Community Preserva on Act, which has enabled important structural work to be accomplished. A big part of the financing we secured was an interest only, five year loan for $100,000, ending in June You have already heard about the need to replace that loan, but also about the incredibly generous offer from our lender to reduce the amount owed back by up to $25,000 on a one to one match with gi s through the congrega on. The remainder will be financed through a combina on of gi s and loans, with an overall goal of reducing debt and drama cally increasing our equity in our congrega onal home. Please consider as you are able par cipa ng in this important campaign now. If you have ques ons or would like to discuss with a finance team member, please contact Chuck Pierce, Sheryl Davies, or Bill Young. Martha ************************************** DONATE BOOKS & BENEFIT UUMSB! You have an opportunity to do your own private fundraising for UUMSB! If you have good books on important or interes ng subjects that you no longer have use for, you can take them to Yellow House Books on Main Street in Great Barrington for possible purchase. Bonnie Benson, owns Yellow House Books and if she likes your books and decides to buy them, she will give the purchase money to UUMSB for you as your dona on. For a clear understanding of the types of books Bonnie would like to purchase, call her at between Monday through Saturday. Many thanks from the UUMSB Board for your support! info@uumsb.org Spirit of Life January of 7

4 January 2019 News for our UUMSB Congregation from your Social Justice Team The new year is upon us and we believe 2019 will be a very significant year for Jus ce Work. Presently our democracy seems to be at risk and it will take many individuals standing shoulder to shoulder to alter the present course of our na on, our state, and our local community. Join us in this work. In January we have two Share the Plate organiza ons (the final one from 2018 and our first Share the Plate for 2019) joining us to inform us about their work. First up will be on Sunday, January 6, when Jus ce Team member Karen Clark will be introducing the Railroad Street Youth Project visitors who will give us an update on their plans for the new year. This will be our first Share the Plate Sunday in The purpose of RSYP is to empower young people by suppor ng youthinspired projects that promotes responsibility, self worth, and intergenera onal communica on. Please try to visit their website to see more about this youth driven program and hear about their work in person on Sunday, January 6. On Sunday, January 13, following the service UUSC staff member, Carly Cronon, will be joining us at noon for a potluck lunch and to officially close out our current Guest at Your Table program. This is the second year Carly has spent me with the UUMSB community giving us an update about her work and the far reaching work of the Unitarian Universalists Service Commi ee. The Guest at Your Table collec on was opened on the first Sunday of December (see photo of Jus ce Team member Valerie Bluhm explaining the program) from the pulpit. As a reminder UUSC is a nonsectarian 78 year old UU organiza on advancing human rights together with an interna onal community of grassroots partners and advocates. The theme of UUSC for 2019 is Jus ce Across Borders. The spotlight in par cular will be Central American Migrant Jus ce, reading first hand accounts from along the migra on trail, and receiving resources to be er educate ourselves as to why people feel they must migrate. The ques on will be are we ready to help in some small way? If you have not received your own Guest at Your Table box for this month long collec on please pick one up on the Social Jus ce Table during coffee hour and return it on January 13th. info@uumsb.org Spirit of Life January of 7

5 January 2019 News for our UUMSB Congregation from your Social Justice Team At the end of this first month of the new year on Sunday, January 27 join the Jus ce Team for our First Quarter Team Mee ng before service (9am). During our quarterly mee ngs we con nue to plan our year ahead, we review all of our ac ve projects, and learn about a few new proposals. Our wider community is always welcome to come, listen, and who knows you just may consider joining us. In the journey, ~ Tommie Hutto-Blake for the UUMSB Justice Team, Ricky Bernstein, Al Blake, Valerie Bluhm, Karen Clark, Stu Dalheim, Sheryl Davies, Ray Garnett, Gwendolyn Hampton VanSant, Lissa McGovern, Erin McNamara, Martha Page, Gary Shaw, Linda Skipper. UUA recognizes and thanks UUMSB Each year, member UU congrega ons are asked to support the Unitarian Universalist Associa on through recommended financial contribu ons. These financial contribu ons are the largest single source of funding for UUA and allow it to pursue a variety of internal and external ac vi es on behalf of our faith. UUMSB has been recognized as an Honor Congrega on for its financial support in the 2018 annual program fund and we were thanked for our full par cipa on by Rev. Susan Frederick Gray, President of the UUA. Your contribu ons to UUMSB through the weekly offering and annual pledge campaign enable us to financially support UUA and are very much appreciated. info@uumsb.org Spirit of Life January of 7

6 January Happy New Year We Warmly Welcome Everyone To the 9th Annual 02 Sophie Cary 02 Peter Bluhm 06 Annarose Stewart 10 Ellie Ghitman 17 Eleanor Stewart 18 Sandy Noyes 19 Hilda Banks Shapiro 21 Helen Thorp 22 Emily Shaw 22 Elaine Caligiuri 29 George Shippey Any one else have a January birthday? Sheena and let her know! UU New Year s Day Gathering Would you like to join? Come and sing with us! We rehearse at 9:15 a.m. before worship on the Sundays we will be singing. Contact Marian Rose for informa on. We come together January 20 Fred and Karen Clark s 388 Park Street (Route 183), Corner of Park St. & Mountain View Ave. Housatonic, MA Open House: January 1, 2019 from 1-4pm ksclark126@gmail.com or for questions or directions The Caring Committee, a part of the Membership and Growth Committee, coordinates and delivers caring services to members experiencing difficulties. We are available for anyone needing assistance in life or family situations that seem to come to everyone from time to time. Our committee finds volunteers from the congregation to help provide visits, food, transportation, and other services, depending on the situation. Whether you or someone you know may need information, encouragement, a hand or a ride, please call: Valerie Bluhm (413) Emily Christensen (210) Zoe Dalheim (413) Jose Garcia (518) Phlox Laucher (413) Sharon Meyer (413) info@uumsb.org Spirit of Life January of 7

7 All gatherings held at UUMSB in Housatonic unless specified otherwise Click on this link to go to UUMSB calendar South County Race Task Force 7:00pm: Thursday January 03 Membership and Growth Committee meeting 9:15am: Sunday January 6 Facilities Management Committee meeting 9:00am: Sunday January 13 Potluck lunch with UUSC 12Noon: Sunday January 13 Second Sunday School 12:45pm: Sunday January 13 Choir Rehearsal 9:25am: Sunday January 20 Board meeting 12Noon: Sunday January 20 Social Justice First Quarter Team meeting 9:00am: Sunday January 27 UUMSB Board President: Martha Page (860) Trustees at Large: Vice President: Mike Thiemann (413) Lana Bennett (316) Secretary/Clerk: Graham Christensen (407) Lissa McGovern (413) Treasurer: Chuck Pierce (413) Laurie Shaw (413) Reverend: Carol Allman-Morton Residence: 1089 Main Street, Housatonic, MA Map and directions Mailing address: PO Box 783, Housatonic, MA Tel: Our congregation s first meeting was in 1995 with 6 people in attendance. We are a chartered congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We currently have 67 members and maintain strong ties to our community. We are a growing congregation in the liberal tradition that respects ideas, values diversity, and encourages the exploration of spirituality and life s meaning. UUMSB Church, Housatonic info@uumsb.org Spirit of Life January of 7

8 Second Sunday School Big Questions This year explore Big Questions with Rev. Carol through readings, discussion and activities for all ages. Families are encouraged to come together. Each question will also be featured in an upcoming sermon. What is the Relationship Between Free Will and Freedom? January 13 12:45pm to 1:45pm Coming Soon: February 10 What Are Prayers and Blessings? March 10 What Happens After We Die? April 14 What Does it Mean to be Happy? May 12 Why is There Suffering? Questions about Second Sunday School? Or have some questions you want to talk about? Please send them along to Rev. Carol!

9 Lifespan Faith Development at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire Lifespan Faith Development programs at UUMSB are designed to offer opportunities for deepening and exploring spirituality, traditions, history, scriptures, and practices in a Unitarian Universalist context including our congregational covenant and our UU Purposes and Principles. Worship Children are encouraged to take part in worship. While worship each Sunday is intergenerational, on First Sundays, we hold worship that is particularly geared toward intergenerational connection and shared spiritual development. Details for each month will appear in the newsletter. Please note we have a variety of art supplies for all ages available at the back of the sanctuary every Sunday. If you or your family would like to participate in worship through music, telling a story, leading a song, lay readings, or even planning a service, there are lots of opportunities! Talk with Rev. Carol to learn more. Second Sunday School The second Sunday of each month, noon 1 p.m. This year explore Big Questions with Rev Carol through readings, discussion and activities for all ages. Families are encouraged to come together. Each question will also be featured in a sermon later in the month. November 11 What Does it Mean to Live a Virtuous Life? December 9 What Holds the Universe Together (or not?) January 13 What is the Relationship Between Free Will and Freedom? February 10 What Are Prayers and Blessings? March 10 - What Happens After We Die? April 14 What Does it Mean to be Happy? May 12 - Why is There Suffering? For Children ages 7 and under Child care and age appropriate activities are available each week in our space for younger children if they will not be comfortable in the service. Quiet toys, books, coloring supplies and rockers are available in the quiet corner of the sanctuary. Children and youth older than 7 are encouraged to take part in the Second Sunday School program, and to participate in worship. If there is ever a worship topic, or a wiggly day, when they do not wish to be in the service, they are welcome to visit the nursery to read to or play with our youngest members. Coming of Age Program (Youth ages 12-14, and mentors of all ages) This program is an amazing opportunity to help youth bridge into young adulthood, build relationships with the congregation in new ways, have a mentoring relationship and learn more about Unitarian Universalism. Contact Rev. Carol for more information.

10 Living by Heart Second Wednesdays each month in the evening - Explore memorizing poetry as a meditation tool and spiritual practice. Jan Hutchinson is the facilitator and we meet at her house in South Egremont. If you would like to participate, please let Jan know (info@uumsb.org). Other ways to connect: Small Group Ministry - The Small Group Ministry program deepens and broadens personal spiritual growth. A group usually consists of 8-10 members who meet at each others homes, usually once each month. Each meeting is focused on a spiritual or religious topic. Check with Rev. Carol for more info. Social Justice ministries - There are wonderful opportunities for doing justice work in our community and with rare exception are for all ages (sometimes outside groups have minimum age requirements for some tasks, i.e. Habitat for Humanity). We encourage everyone in the community to look at upcoming social justice programs including work days, marches, book discussion groups and interfaith worship and programs. If you have any questions, see Tommie Hutto-Blake or Karen Clark. Feel free to bring your lunch or snacks to any post-worship programs! For More Information: Please contact Rev. Carol Allman-Morton at or info@uumsb.org We worship at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday, 1089 Main Street, Housatonic, MA