THE FIRST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF MIDDLEBOROUGH

Transcription

1 THE FIRST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF MIDDLEBOROUGH 25 South Main Street, Middleborough, MA February, 2017 Sunday, February 5, at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Sarah K. Person preaching Opposites Attract In November of 2005, civil rights activist and former Ku Klux Klansman Claiborne Paul Ellis, known as C. P., died at the age of 78. Ann Atwater, a black civil rights activist and his friend, offered the eulogy at his funeral. When they first met, they hated each other. But Ellis had a change of heart after their 10-day forum on integrating schools in Durham, N.C. At the end of their experience, he renounced his Klan membership, became lifelong friends with Ann Atwater, and went on to organize black and white labor unions. Their story and others do much to inspire us and give us hope that we, too, can reconcile our differences and thereby make a difference in the world. The Chalice Choir will be singing. Sunday, February 12, at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Myra Robinson preaching Creativity as a Spiritual Practice Join Rev. Myra Robinson, visiting from Scarborough, ME, as she expands upon why all human beings have a natural pull toward creativity and how to incorporate it more fully into our lives as a valuable spiritual practice. As she says "I ve been developing my own Ministry of Music in Southern Maine for many years - singing & songwriting, facilitating classes & workshops, volunteering in a hospice choir, but it wasn t until I was ordained as an Interfaith Chaplain that I really understood the link between Spirit and Creativity, between Music and Connectedness, and my calling to share this with a world in need of remembering." Rev. Myra Robinson, ordained through the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine, has been a member of the UU Church in Saco, ME, for over 25 years where she recently facilitated a course for women, Journal Writing as a Spiritual Practice. She has served as both Musician of the Week and Minister of the Week at Ferry Beach as well as teaching there. She is also an accomplished poet and singer/songwriter with her own band, Bluezberry Jam, and sings in several other groups. Please join us at 1:00 this afternoon for Rev. Myra s workshop, Sacred Sounds and Song. See write-up in this Newsletter. Sunday, February 19, at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Sarah K. Person preaching Light a Steady Fire Cornel West once said, Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public. What do these times demand of us? We are all, regardless of our partisan politics, morally and spiritually challenged to support those constitutional rights and programs we believe belong to a civil and just society. We call one another with great compassion, but no less a compelling voice, to live our faith in the public eye. In addition to the Chalice Choir, Owen Kidd (trumpet) will be playing, as well as Sam Hotchkiss (harmonica). Sunday, February 26, at 10:30 a.m. Juliet Donaldson leading Family Worship Service - Struggles with God Over the last two months we've heard Bible stories relating to people's struggles with God. Adam and Eve defy God, Noah has to trust God or risk being destroyed, Abraham needs to believe that God will give him the descendants he craves, and Moses struggles to believe that he can do what God is asking of him and set his people free. As Unitarian Universalists, we also struggle with God: Is there a God? If so what form does she / he take? And how can we relate to this God? Special music will be provided by Patty Simon (flute), Ed Priest (guitar), and Rob Dragunas (mandolin & guitar). Minister s Meditation This is by way of being a love letter to this congregation. I want to thank you all and express my appreciation for your support of me and one another these past few months. It affirmed what I already knew; that this is a place of creative and sustaining spirit. First, a confession: it is extremely difficult for me (and, I think, a lot of clergy) to have health issues in front of you! First, I had the respiratory virus that wouldn t die, then a problem disc in my back. I had persistent laryngitis during the fall, and I have had to preach from a chair for the past month. Luckily, I am done with the first and well on my way to recovering from the second. I ve learned some good lessons from this: I don t have to do it all. I can share responsibility and can call on our great staff team and volunteers here at UUSM to offer worship, solace and the simple logistics of making church happen. Your cards and letters let me know that you really do understand. Your welcome advice lets me know that you ve been where I am, and that things will get better (and have). Be warned, I really enjoy sharing the pulpit with you and hope to have more of you up in the chancel with Susan Hotchkiss, Juliet Donaldson, and our Worship Committee. I respect and admire and am very grateful for the ways in which you have demonstrated such thoughtful kindness. There are a hundred different ways in which we weave a network of support that sustains and strengthens us. And, if you are needing that support right now, please don t hesitate to call or write or . I can tell you, without a doubt, if it s at all possible, you ll get it. Thank you, Rev. Sarah

2 Notes from the PC The new year is off to a busy start, and we have many things coming up in the next few months. You'll find information elsewhere in the Newsletter about the Service Auction, which is a great opportunity to have a lot of fun while raising a lot of funds for the Church. Speaking of fund-raising, we'll soon be kicking off our annual Stewardship Campaign. As an independent religious community, we rely on the generosity and hard work of our members and friends to supply the capital needed to support all of our programs and infrastructure. We are all stewards of this wonderful Congregation and we'll be talking in the coming weeks about how we all can pitch in to help keep this place going, not only for ourselves, but for the community at large and for future generations. If you have any thoughts about this you'd like to share, please speak to any member of the Parish Committee. Bob Waterman, President TREASURE MAP Thank you all for your commitment to supporting both our local community and the church. November plate - $837 for Sacred Heart Food Pantry Christmas Eve plate of $927 for a total of $1,667 collected in December for the Minister s Discretionary Fund I Love My Church donations - $83,250 collected. Enough money collected to pay for $7,279 of the $13,945 for roofing and Sanctuary ceiling repairs. Doesn t the ceiling look great! Please consider contributing to the I Love My Church Initiative so we do not have to tap the Mary Fuller Fund for the balance. The elevator has been serviced and has passed its inspection. We only needed the light and bell replaced. Remember the Service Auction is fast approaching. Get you Service Auction items and/or reverse items to Norm Grenier ASAP, and come and join the fun on February 26. Pam Davis, Treasurer CUUPS On Monday, February 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall, CUUPs will celebrate IMBOLC with a ritual honoring Brigid, the Goddess of inspiration, healing, poetry and creativity. She is a Fire Goddess, and in Christian religions she is known as St. Brigid who shares many of the same attributes. The Celtic Cricket from The Silver Willow in Rehoboth will be doing the ritual along with telling some stories and reading some poetry honoring Brigid and the coming of spring. All are welcome.

3 JOIN US AT THE PEOPLE TO PEOPLE SERVICE AUCTION Sunday, February 26, at 12:00 noon Especially if you: like to have dinner with friends like to play games like to entertain need a quilt would enjoy a plane ride need help gardening play cards like jewelry enjoy music like brownies want cheesecake enjoy flea markets like vacations need a pottery lesson like nature walks like to make new friends want to spend more time with the friends you have! So join us after church on the 26th of February. We will be serving light lunch after church with the auction to follow. Tell us you re coming, and you may win a prize! Help us get a count for the service auction by letting us know you ll be there to support our church s largest fundraiser. You will then automatically be entered for exciting door prizes. Just the church office (office@uumiddleboro.org) or Norm (n.grenier@comcast.net). See you there!!

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5 SACRED SOUNDS AND SONG WORKSHOP with Rev. Myra Robinson Sunday, February 12, at 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall The workshop fee is $10 per person. Scholarships are available if needed. Submit your request to Susan Hotchkiss. A light lunch will be served at 12:00 noon for participants. (A free will offering will be collected.) Please contact Andrea Priest (andreapriesto@gmail.com) if you are interested in attending. The Workshop Sacred Sounds and Song is an exploration into the music of the soul. Do you desire a better life? We ve all heard that words have power and that the use of mantras/affirmations can help us manifest our better selves. Imagine having your very own personalized affirmation to springboard your ability to fulfill your innermost dreams and aspirations! Music touches the heart and can be a positive force for good in the world as well as a therapeutic tool, but many people are unsure how to use their voice in this way. In this workshop we will gain insight into the role of sound in healing, connection and learning. (Didn t we all learn our ABCs though song?) Using vocalization, meditation, and easy chants, participants will learn techniques to invite their creative muse to manifest through sound and song, emerging with a short personal statement song" that has special meaning unique to them, empowering and transformative. No experience necessary. Please bring paper and pen. Rev. Myra Robinson has been professionally involved with music in Southern Maine for over 25 years. Teaching, singing and songwriting (among other creative expressions) are her passions. Ordained as an Interfaith Chaplain, she developed a Ministry of Music to cater to her calling. For the past 12 years she has been the lead singer/songwriter for her band, Bluezberry Jam! She sings in several vocal groups, including a Jazz Ensemble and a Hospice Choir (that sings to people at end-of-life). She also conducts thoughtful services in the pulpit for funerals, special events, and weddings. Rev. Myra facilitates workshops with enthusiasm, humor, and a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all living things. She shares her knowledge and love of music through Sacred Sounds and Song, which she presents throughout New England.

6 February is Black History Month, a time to appreciate the influence of African music in the sound pallet of the Americas. It all started with spirituals, those haunting tunes telling the experience of African slaves, and moved into gospel singing, blues, jazz, and rock n roll. Add in complex patterns of rhythm, rap, and boogie, plus the Afro-Latin influence on salsa, tango, and cha-cha. It is one big dance party, and the list goes on. Over the centuries, a unique American sound has emerged, based in large part on the contribution of people of African descent. Our worship service on February 19 will celebrate Black History Month with a choral anthem by Bernice Johnson Reagon of Sweet Honey in the Rock, a trumpet/flute/piano trio of Amazing Grace, some blues harmonica, and a piano tango or two. Hope to see you in church! Susan Land Hotchkiss, Director of Music RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION 10 ACTIONS 100 DAYS In Rev. Sarah s office is a picture of a quote by Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Many of us attended the Boston Woman s March on Saturday, January 21. It was a great event peaceful, friendly, uplifting, and healing. I thought about this quote as I stood in the crowd, because this wasn t a small group of thoughtful committed citizens; it was a huge crowd of thoughtful committed citizens. If as Margaret Mead suggested - a small group could change the world - then how powerful could this huge crowd be? This march, though, was just the beginning for its impact to be really felt. We need to continue to act, to express our opinions, unify and spread our love for ALL of humanity out into the world. The organizers have introduced a new campaign called 10 Actions 100 Days, calling on us to take that energy from the march and put it in to action. All of us do better when we support each other, and I would like to give all of us in our congregation the opportunity to take part in these 10 actions over the next 100 days. So I will be setting up an Action table in Rev. Sarah s office where you can come during Coffee Hour on a Sunday morning to take part in these 10 actions. Look for more details. The first action is to send postcards to our senators, letting them know what is most important to us. For more information please see this link: Hopefully, this will let all of us put our faith into action, as I know many could not attend the march but were with us in spirit. Juliet Donaldson, Director of Religious Exploration

7 A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT On January 22, I delivered a sermon that consisted of a letter to President Donald Trump. The letter contained contributions from some of you, as well as my own contribution after talking with individuals with a variety of opinions and hopes for his presidency. My question before you now is, should we send this to our President? Please read it and let me know what you think. You can do this by sending me an at minister@uumiddleboro.org, or stopping me after a service, or calling me at my church office, I ll keep a directory handy and track your responses and report back to you after a couple of weeks. Rev. Sarah ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Mr. President, It is two days after your historic inauguration and one day after the women s marches that attracted millions spanning the globe. You are the first U.S. president to be free of experience of public office. Your supporters hope that will usher in a new era free of the Washington insider way of doing business a way that was out of touch and out of sync with the realities of their lives. Your detractors protest that your way of doing leadership is out of touch with what it takes to fulfill the commitments of our government and nation to one another and to the world. Our congregation, like the rest of the country, has both supporters and detractors who send you their greetings at the outset of your presidency. Here are some of their hopes and concerns: I admire your willingness to take on this huge job. I hope that you will allow all of the American people to guide and support you as you do this difficult work. Dear Mr. Trump, please remember the folks who elected you. Please remember that these folks not the billionaires or business owners, not the people whose vote was won on the strength of your isolationism and racism, but the forgotten citizens who feel that you are their best chance to find a livelihood, even get ahead, maybe, as the 21st century speeds on ahead these folks elected you. Those of us who have only ever known a marginalized place in America grew emboldened under the previous administration; we have begun to find our voice in the public discourse. In our struggle, we missed the marginalization of [other groups]. Poor people across the country have been quietly despairing, and they have hung their hopes on you. You were elected by citizens who voted for you in the full belief that you will stand for them, that you represent them. These people do not work on Wall Street, or own summer property near you. They have a raw need, they feel marginalized. They voted for you because they need a hand. They voted for you in part because they felt America had forgotten them. Whatever else you do, remember this. Don t forget them. A writer offers a little background on our denomination: For almost 50 years, I have been an active Unitarian/Universalist. We have seven basic principles that are the basis of our beliefs. Those principals are: 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. I always thought of our UU Principles as general positives, like honoring the flag, loving your mother, and favoring apple pie. Everyone thinks these ideas are good, right? How could the country ever go backwards on these issues? Obviously I have been naive. In my lifetime, I have seen our nation make very positive strides towards racial equality, women s rights, GLBT rights, awareness of significant global environmental problems, and many more positive steps forward. It looks like many of these improvements in our society are under threat in the coming years.

8 We owe our children, our community, our nation, our world our best efforts to keep the progress we have made. Please move us forward in our country s efforts to bring justice, equity, and kindness to all our citizens, communities, our nation, and the world. You campaigned on promises to protect our country from immigration, political correctness, international trade, and to stop federal efforts to protect the environment, ensure access to health care, reduce gun violence, and protect civil rights. So far as I can tell from your public statements, my convictions on all of these subjects are opposed to yours. I do respect those who voted for you, though I believe many of them are mistaken about the likely consequences of your leadership. (To be fair, they surely think the same of me, and I sincerely hope they re right!) I look forward to seeking common ground with Trump voters on local and state issues, and perhaps in time on national ones as well. I wish I could be more friendly, or had more hope of finding common ground. At this point, though, I believe it is your long overdue turn to make conciliatory gestures. As you can see, Mr. President, we do not speak with one voice on your election, we offer many opinions. It boils down to the fact we re saying two things: Give you a chance, and give all of us a chance. Some may say that the fact that Unitarian Universalists do not speak with one voice is a weakness. We say it is our greatest strength and reflects the truth of our great nation. We are complex rather than simple and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there are no easy solutions to the problems that plague us. I am hoping that this election will teach us that we, all of us, need to listen to one another and understand what we need to cope with life, as we have never listened before. A wise man defined government for me this week. He said, Government is our vehicle for collective action. It is not something separate from us, or apart from our collective well-being. It is the way in which we do the things we cannot and should not do alone. Government is the means by which we protect ourselves from one another, protect our country from attack, protect our economy from the imbalances of greed, and protect the disadvantaged who are suffering. In the 20th century, we assumed responsibilities to other nations, forming alliances that, whether through battle, economics or aid, would strengthen their capacities for peace and prosperity and thereby our own as well. The job of the person elected to be our president is huge. We know this. We also know the presidency is larger than the president. This person must don a mantle of responsibility not just to the people who agree with him but to the people who disagree. It is a job that demands a dedication to keeping our balance, with a promise to respect and heal as we move forward. And, finally, the nation is larger than the presidency. You, like four presidents before you, did not win the popular vote. The earliest was John Quincy Adams, the most recent was George W. Bush. Like them, the nation has not laid upon you one mandate, one direction for change, but multiple and conflicting visions of who we are and who we are meant to be. Some think we are meant to take care of ourselves, and some think we are meant to take care of others. And some think they are not mutually exclusive while others think they are. We may never be united, but we hope and dream that we accept our diversity and try as hard as we can to make it work. We know the way will be difficult. You will have many voices offering you what you want to hear, and what you don t want to hear. We ask that, as you have accepted the mantle of the presidency, you accept the mantle of our diversity and try as hard as you can, as we will, to make it work. Mr. President, remember you now have to work for the good of all the people of this country. Lead wisely, compassionately, for our safety lies in your hands. With all our hope for the future of our nation and our world, Respectfully yours, The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleborough Rev. Sarah Person, Minister

9 MINUTES OF THE PARISH COMMITTEE MEETING (Approved January 18, 2017) December 21, 2016 Present: Rev. Sarah Person, Bob Waterman, Amanda Huggon-Mauretti, Pam Davis, Eileen Smith, Holly Begley, JR Pucillo-Dunphy, Barbara Bancroft, Nancy Backus, Bill Howe, Christine Hoyle Attending: Chris Korben, Marc MacQueen The meeting was called to order. The Treasurer s Report was presented. Minutes of the November PC meeting were accepted as published in the December 2016 Newsletter. An amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act is on hold due to a court injunction. However, church staff who might be affected by the amended provisions, if it goes forward, are keeping time records to document their hours. Any hours worked over 40 in a week by employees who are not exempt from the provisions of the FLSA must be paid as overtime. It was noted that the Rental Agreement for Musikgarten is due to be reviewed and updated. Nancy Kidd will be invited to attend the next PC meeting to discuss a proposal for The Investment Committee was previously authorized to update signers for the investment accounts. Pam Davis and Marc MacQueen will soon be making these changes. The Building and Grounds Committee reported that repairs to the roof (south side) are complete and have been paid for. The sanctuary ceiling has been patched and is to be painted on 12/23. Prior to the ceiling repair, Alan Melchior, Rev. Sarah and Andy Donaldson knocked down loose plaster for safety. The elevator may need to have a leaking transformer replaced. An elevator inspection will take place at 7:00 a.m. on January 10. The Technology Committee obtained free video cameras, along with a free DVR player, to enhance our security system. The new system will be set up and tested. The Religious Exploration Committee reports that new families are participating in RE programs. In we had 12 kids participating weekly. In we had children participating weekly. In 2016 numbers increased to per week. A recent private recital brought about 30 families with children to the church. RE may promote enrollment at future similar events. The Sabbatical Task Group has met and is progressing with coverage for Rev. Sarah s 8-week absence, including service leaders, pastoral care and emergency support. Amanda Huggon-Mauretti seeks help with Coffee Hour prep, service and cleanup. A new sign-up sheet will be posted. On Topic was discussed. Recent events suggest more structure is needed. Rev. Sarah will provide some guiding questions and a few sentences on structure to ensure a balanced exchange of ideas. One or two board members will attend to facilitate conversation. Rev. Sarah reported that Atty. Linea Michael visited the Middleborough Area Assistance Coalition to discuss 501c3 status. The IRS online application and reporting processes are now faster and less expensive. Ms. Michael charges $600 to go through the discernment process. Most area UUA churches are using UUA s umbrella non-profit status to cover transactions. Dan Hotchkiss is willing to donate his services to apply for non-profit status. Relatedly, Chris Korben reported that board members of unincorporated churches can be sued as individuals. Bill Howe reported that the incorporation process is not too complicated. Bob Waterman requested a summary of pros and cons re: incorporation. Bill Howe, Holly Begley and JR Pucillo-Dunphy will pursue this. Nancy Backus provided feedback on the August yard sale. Due to increased summer usage of the Parish Hall in summer, there is a lack of workable space available to stage the event. Nancy indicated that she and Dave Berman will not co-chair the yard sale this coming summer. Targeted donations were revisited. Guidelines are needed. JR Pucillo-Dunphy suggested that prospective donors be prepared to cover the whole cost of a project or item they might wish to support, since the church cannot guarantee additional funds to cover unfunded portions of projects or items. The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the PC will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at 6:00 p.m.

10 PARISH CARE Pastoral Care help is available to assist with meals, transportation, emergency babysitting, and hospital visits during illnesses or other family emergencies. We are a diverse, active and caring community; and we welcome your questions and your participation. You are always invited to call or visit our minister to discuss any matter of concern to you. Pastoral Care: Susan Curtiss Meals: Dody Adkins-Perry Rides: Tricia Tummino Cards: Chris Korben Caring Choir: Valerie Fontaine Prayer Shawls & Blankets: Juli Gould SACRED HEART FOOD PANTRY Our congregation supports the Sacred Heart Food Pantry. Among items most needed are: peanut butter and jam; canned tuna, salmon and mackerel; cold cereal - bran flakes, cheerios, kix, etc; powdered milk; dry hot cereal mixes - oatmeal, farina, cream of wheat, etc; granola bars; whole wheat and graham crackers; dried fruit; boxed pasta and noodle mixes; canned beans, vegetables and fruit; ketchup; mayonnaise; vegetable oil; honey; microwavable meals; canned meats; staple meal items; and toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and baby wipes. No expired items, please. Place your donations in the baskets located in the parlor. Thank you. Evalyn Buczek FACEBOOKS POSTS Did you know that when you "Comment" or "Like" a Facebook post from First UU Middleboro, the comments go back to Maria Pucillo-Dunphy or to others who commented or liked the post. When you "Share" the item, it goes out to the larger Facebook community, and lots more people will see it. Please "Share" the Facebook posts to help other people to find our great church. They need us, and we need them. SUNDAY MORNINGS Child care for the littlest children begins at 10:15 a.m. in the Nursery Room on Sunday. Large-print hymnals and hearing assistive headsets are available. PARISH COMMITTEE President: Bob Waterman Vice President: Amanda Huggon-Mauretti Treasurer: Pam Davis Assistant Treasurer: Eileen Smith Parish Clerk: Holly Begley R.E. Liaison: J. R. Pucillo-Dunphy Members At Large: Nancy Backus Barbara Bancroft Bill Howe Christine Hoyle OUR BROADCASTS Our worship services are videotaped and broadcast over local cable television in Middleboro on Comcast channel 95 and Verizon channel 35. You can watch the service any time online at Middleboro: Sunday & Monday: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday & Thursday: 4:00 p.m. Friday: 3:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 7:00 p.m. Our worship services are now broadcast over local cable television in Lakeville on Verizon channel 32. Lakeville: Sunday: 6:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 a.m. Saturday: 6:00 p.m. FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Providing flowers or another kind of altar decoration for a Sunday Service is a wonderful way that we honor important life events and people we love or wish to memorialize. The donations are noted in our order of service on Sunday morning. Full participation helps us get to know one another better as we share our memories of events and people that are important in our lives and, at the same time, it keeps our altar table looking fresh, adding a touch of beauty and interest to the week s service. Please check the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall for a time when you might like to provide flowers for the altar. Thank you.

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12 Workshops & Webinars February 11: Maintaining a Congregational Website with Dawn Casstevens and Meck Groot, Online/Webinar 10:00 11:30 a.m. February 15: Safe Congregations: Mental Health Ministry with Rev. Barbara F. Meyers, Online/Webinar 7:00 8:30 p.m. February 18: Exploring Theme-Based Church with Karen Bellavance-Grace, Online/Webinar 10:00 11:30 a.m.