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The First Church in Belmont A welcoming Uni tar ian Universal is t Congregat ion
The Unitarian — February 28, 2019
Sunday, March 3 Worship
Moments of Joy — Rev. David Bryce
Today, Celebration Sunday, we join in joy for this place, this community, this fellowship. There are times in life that are just about joy and celebration. This is one of those times.
Prelude: Allegro from Sonata for Piano Four Hands, K. 358 by by W.A. Mozart (1756 - 91); Ian Garvie and Simon Andrews, piano
9 a.m. Nova Choir Anthem: Dansi Na Kuimba by Jean and Dave Perry
11 a.m. Senior Choir Anthem: Go Out by Elizabeth Alexander
Solo: Every Time I Feel The Spirit, arr. Damien Sneed; Davron Monroe, tenor
Offertory: When the Saints Go Marching In, traditional; Richard Curzi, piano
Postlude: Tuba Tune by C.S. Lang (1891 - 1971); Simon Andrews, organ
The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by Martha Spaulding in loving memory of Caroline Pearson Spaulding (1897-1990), a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and a sterling example to her grandchildren.
Services at 9 & 11 a.m.; childcare is provided
Directions and parking information at uubelmont.org
Sunday, March 10: Acting On Our Values — multigenerational service
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
An odd little piece of information: Sermons are living things and they take their own course, often despite the intent of the preacher.
This past Sunday I preached on Moral Paradox. My intent was to use
something called “the Meat Paradox” as the entrée
into the main part of the sermon, describing it briefly and then focusing on other kinds of moral paradox.
For example, I spoke in my sermon about my sense of attachment to animals, and then that, despite this, I still purchase meat each shopping day. One of my comments was “packages wrapped in clear plastic seem completely detached from the living being involved.” I then intended to speak about things like war and capital punishment, and how we “wrap people in the plastic of labels like ‘the enemy’ or ‘a criminal’ and then we can do terrible things to them because we have used those labels to detach them from their humanity.
On my way home from having preached, I asked myself why I had never gotten to that part of the sermon; it was my purpose all along.
I do not have an answer to that question other than to say that the sermon took on a life of its own, wrapped part of itself in plastic, and detached it from itself.
This is not a rare occurrence for me. My sermons often go in directions that I did not and do not intend, sometimes despite my efforts to get them back on track. It can be exhausting to wrestle with a sermon in that manner.
And it is one of the reasons I sometimes am hesitant to say I advance what I am preaching about; whatever I intend may not come to be.
That is not just about sermon writing; it can be about the direction of our lives.
In the Bible, Jonah tries hard to avoid his “calling” and is unable to. He keeps being pulled back, called to a mission to Nineveh. And I have heard people say that their careers as members of the clergy or as actors or writers were something they strove to avoid, but could not escape.
What is calling you today, what is guiding you to places or paths that you did not seek and might even not want?
It is difficult to know when to let our callings take charge.
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May your paths always end up in a wonderful place, even if they are not the path you would have chosen.
Stewardship Drive — All Together Now
Please join us on Celebration Sunday, March 3rd The 2019 March Stewardship Drive, All Together Now, is in high gear! Celebration Sunday is the focal point for Stewardship and we invite you to join us at festive worship services with uplifting music as we come together to support our church, our sanctuary. Please bring your completed pledge forms for a special Offertory. We will also enjoy delicious treats during both Coffee Hours, courtesy of Quebrada Bakery.
In a strong show of support, all members of the Parish Board, the Finance and Stewardship Committees have responded to the call by pledging early and also by increasing their financial commitment to First Church, as have many others in the congregation. In fact, we already have about 60 pledges! Thank you all for this encouraging start.
To meet our increased goal of $625,000 to support our wonderful programs in the coming church year, we need generous increases from everyone at all levels of giving. As you decide on your pledge amount, please remember that pledge revenue is 80% of our operating budget - First Church depends on each one of us. Thank you for being stewards of First Church and for being as generous as you can.
We will have special pledge forms available on Sunday so you can tell us that you have already pledged or that you need some additional time. If you need another copy of your personalized appeal letter and pledge form or if you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or stop by our table. You may also pledge online at uubelmont.org/connection/giving/stewardship.
~ With appreciation, Anjali Kumar, Stewardship Chair
Among Us Our deepest sympathy Sheila Cavanaugh, Albert Choy and family on the recent death of Sheila’s father. Sheila's mother passed a few months ago.
Two Weeks At-a-Glance All are welcome to attend
Saturday, March 2 Celebration Saturday, 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 3 Celebration Sunday Worship Service, 9 a.m.
Celebration Sunday Worship Service, 11 a.m.
Monday, March 4 Meditation, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 5 Caring for Older Adults, 7:30 p.m.
Wed., March 6 Yoga with Teresa Howe (by enrollment), 9:30 a.m.
Small Group Ministry (O’Farrell) (by enrollment), 10:30 a.m.
Men’s Group (J. Staton, by enrollment), 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 7 Fiber Arts Fellowship, 8 p.m.
Friday, March 8 Second Friday Coffeehouse, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7)
Sunday, March 10 Multigenerational Worship Service, 9 a.m.
Multigenerational Worship Service, 11 a.m.
Youth Group Service Trip Reflections, 12:30 p.m.
Monday, March 11 Meditation, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 12 Second Tuesday Cocoahouse, 10 a.m.
Wed., March 13 Men’s Group (Little/Plass, by enrollment), 7:30 p.m.
Men’s Group (J. Staton, by enrollment), 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 14 Belmont Unitarian Alliance Lunch (noon) and program (1 p.m.)
The church calendar is at: tiny.cc/churchcalendar
Most events details at: uubelmont.org/news/events/
Upcoming Events
Celebration Saturday! Join us on Saturday, March 2 at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall for an all-ages, all-FCB gala party! Let’s celebrate the launch of the capital campaign. There will be food, dancing, special musical performances from
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our children’s and adult choirs and fun! Babysitting on-site! FREE.
Berklee Night at the Second Friday Coffeehouse! Friday March 8, 7:30p.m.
Featuring Ethan Setiawan & Louise Bichan and Beane & Jade
Belmont UU Alliance Lunch & Program — Thursday, March 14
Lunch 12 noon, program 1 – 2 p.m.
Eliza Burden will present “Strategies for Creating an Eco-Friendly Landscape.”
Spring is coming. Let’s welcome church member and Garden Consultant, Eliza Burden, who will be presenting a program titled “Strategies for Creative and Eco-Friendly Landscape”. Eliza’s presentation will begin in the library at 1pm.
Before the program, please join the members and friends at noon for lunch in the church upper hall. Please bring your own sandwich. We will provide soup, cut vegetables, dessert and beverages. The suggested lunch donation is $2.00 person.
Please R.S.V.P. to Pat Hawkins at 781-907-7755 or [email protected].
First Church 101, March 24, 12:30 p.m.
New to First Church? Join us on Sunday, March 24, from 12:30 to 2:00 for a free lunch and an introductory workshop in the first-floor library.
First Church 101 is a fun, low-key opportunity to learn more about our programs, our community, and our liberal faith tradition. It is a chance to meet our staff and lay leaders; to explore beliefs and values together; to discover opportunities for spiritual growth and faith in action; to learn about the history of Unitarian Universalism from Rev. Bryce; and to make new friends.
RSVP to Samuel Foster ([email protected]) if you would like to attend. Kids, parents, neighbors, friends, all are welcome!
SAVE THE DATE — April 27
The Greatest Rummage Sale on Earth is taking place this year on Saturday, April 27th. We’ll begin accepting donations at the church the afternoon of Sunday, April 21st.
Please mark your calendars! For more information, visit the First Church website or email [email protected].
Music Notes, by Ian Garvie For the past three months, anyone who has been at the 11 a.m. Sunday services has been an unknowing witness to an ambitious, long-term project with the Senior Choir. This year, thanks to a generous donation from one of our community members, we will be professionally recording a full-length album of some of the best anthems we have ever sung.
Almost every Sunday since Christmas, you have heard a sneak preview of one of the tracks from the project. We are calling the album “Working for the Dawn of Peace,” after a song by Ron Jeffers, that will also be recorded. But I chose this title and theme for the project not just because it’s a beautiful piece of music.
In today’s world of political and social unrest, of deeply divided opinions and ideologies, I felt that it was important to make a statement about what kind of work is needed from each of us. Each song from the album contains some form of a prayer or a call for peace.
From centuries-old Latin prayers such as Dona Nobis Pacem to modern calls for justice, each anthem reminds us that peace is not something we wait for — it’s something we have to make happen.
The recording will take place over two Saturdays in March, and the album will be available for the entire community to purchase by the end of the church year.
Program & Committee News
General Assembly is June 19-23 in Spokane
Contact Lillian Anderson ([email protected]) or Ariane Frank ([email protected]) for more details.
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Social Action Committee
The current Social Action Newsletter with updates and volunteer opportunities is online at conta.cc/2Tl9mKm. Sign up for the newsletter at uubelmont.org/social-action/
Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center
Thanks to the Holiday Fair, the Coffeehouse, and the Multigenerational Holiday Service, we at First Church sent $2,887.53 to the Grow Clinic! The Grow families and staff are profoundly grateful for
your generosity.
It’s time again for our annual MARCH MAC & CHEESE MADNESS campaign for the Grow Clinic. Boxes of MAC & CHEESE fly off the shelves and demand always exceeds the supplies. Please help us collect stacks and stacks of mac & cheese during March. Thanks!
Gloria’s Menu for March: Mac & Cheese. There are collection baskets in the Lower Hall and Sanctuary vestibules.
Food: One Of The Most Important Medicines
Adult Programs
Small Group Ministry Groups (SGM)are looking for additional members!
We currently have 3 SGMs that are seeking some additional members. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., and the 2nd and 4th Fridays at 4:30pm. SGM’s are for people who want to explore their faith and discuss difficult spiritual/ethical topics in a small group setting. If you are interested please contact [email protected].
Next Two Weeks
Meditation — James Hencke
Monday, 7:30 p.m., Library — note new time!
In meditation practice, we allow ourselves to dwell in the present moment. We find that by developing our awareness and compassion we can open ourselves, relax into situations, and enjoy our life!
Caring for Older Adults — Miriam Baker and Deborah Blumberg
Tuesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
Many people are juggling jobs, families and their parents’ or other family members’ increasing medical needs, frequent emergencies and ongoing need for care. How do we cope with the needs of our loved ones and find some balance in our own lives? How do we find information and community? If you find yourself in this position, you are welcome at this group for discussion and support. This is a drop-in group so please attend when it is convenient for you.
Fiber Arts Fellowship — Eva Patalas
Thursday, March 7 and 21, 8 p.m., Classroom 3/4
Enjoy the fun and fellowship of crafting with a genial group. If you knit, crochet, quilt, bead or dabble in other low-mess crafts, please join us. Everyone is welcome and no commitment is necessary. Contact [email protected] with questions.
Coming Up
Solving the Harvard Square Murder after 50 years — Mike Widmer and Becky Cooper
Sunday, March 17, 12:30 p.m., Parish Hall
The efforts of Mike and Becky led to the reopening of the 50-year-old cold case and the identification of the assailant through a DNA match.
Science and Spirituality — Ken and Nicole Bernstein
Thursday, March 21, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room,
Jack Dennis will lead a discussion on Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. This month’s reading is a report from the High Level Expert Group on AI of the European Commission: “Draft Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI” and can be downloaded at stuff.alienbill.com/uuss/2019/march/.
Parenting Kids with Challenges — Melissa Irion
Friday, March 22, 7:30 p.m., Library
Does your child have special challenges? Has he/she been diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, or sensory problems? We offer support and share experience in a non-judgmental space. Snacks provided. Meets monthly on the 4th Friday.
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Climate Science and Policy: A Call to Action! — FCB Green
Sunday, March 24, 12:30 p.m., Parish Hall
Presentations by: Peter Frumhoff, Chief Climate Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists, Will Brownsberger, State Senator. Co-sponsored by Beth El Temple.
Experiences of Single Parenting — Gerri Strickler
Monday, March 25, 6-7 p.m., Library; Sunday, April 7, 12:30 p.m., Library
Are you single parenting? Do you sometimes wonder if other single parents have similar frustrations? Have you been longing for a way to feel less isolated and connect with others?
If so, please consider attending a new kind of small group meeting to share informally, in a supportive and safe environment. For questions or to arrange for child care please contact [email protected].
Save The Date!
“Escalating Income Inequality: How Do We Address It” with Abby Maxman, CEO and President of Oxfam America
Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
Co-sponsored by Belmont Against Racism, Belmont Religious Council, and the Social Action Committee.
In Our Community
League Of Women Voters of Belmont Forum on Belmont Senior Services, March 7
Is It a Crucial Time to Expand Supports and Services for Seniors in Belmont?
Panelists:
Nava Niv Vogel, COA Director
James Mac Isaac, Assistant Chief, Belmont Police Department
Ken Gardiner, Captain, Belmont Fire Department
Jackie Martin, Director, Belmont Housing Authority
Susan Shulman Polit, Geriatric Social Worker
Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m.
Beech Street Center, Belmont
If you need a ride to and from the event please leave your name at 617 993 2970 during business hours.
“Matters of Faith” Discussion Group
March 17, 1 p.m., FCB Parlor
The Belmont Religious Council is sponsoring a Matters of Faith Discussion Group, for the purpose of understanding and unity. Open to all: From All Faiths or No Faith. From all Towns. For more information: Janet Sand, [email protected].
Building Bridges - Vintage Music of Latin America concert to benefit the Bedford Sanctuary Program
Sunday, March 10, 2 p.m.
First Parish Bedford, 75 Great Road
$20, $15 seniors/students
Reception to follow
Pianist Jacqueline Schwab, noted for her evocative playing on the sound tracks of documentary film maker Ken Burns’ Civil War, will perform a solo piano concert, “Building Bridges—Vintage Music of Latin America.”
The proceeds from the concert will go to the local interfaith sanctuary coalition: a group of nine congregations that work together to support a guest who lives at First Parish Bedford in sanctuary.
Jacqueline Schwab is married to former FCB minister, Edwin Robinson.
Connect with UU events & resources Unitarian Universalist Association, uua.org
UU Mass Action, uumassaction.org
UU Service Committee, uusc.org
UU United Nations Office, uua.org/international/un
UU Urban Ministry, uuum.org
Next issue: Thursday, Mar. 7 Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, March 6. Photos are welcome! Submissions may be edited for space and clarity. Complete newsletter and communications guidelines at uubelmont.org/2018-19-communications-guidelines/
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Stay in touch
Support First Church when you shop through AmazonSmile: smile.amazon.com/b?node=18541223011.
Updated news, events & programs: facebook.com/uubelmont
Second Friday Coffeehouse is on Facebook! Like the page, check out upcoming shows and share great music for great causes with your friends!
Contact Us 404 Concord Avenue, Belmont, Mass. 02478
617-484-1054 | [email protected]
Congregational Administrator’s office hours: Monday – Friday, 9 – 2.
Facility Rental Information: uubelmont.org/about-us/building-rental/
Staff Senior Minister .................................................... Rev. David Bryce 617-484-1054, ext. 15 ..................... [email protected]
Minister of Music Emerita .................... Rev. Alfa Joy Radford 781-646-2123 ............................................. [email protected]
Senior Minister Emerita ................................ Rev. Diane Miller
Acting Director of Youth Programs ................... Cora McCold 617-484-1054, ext. 11 .................. [email protected]
Adult Programs Advisor ................................. Lillian Anderson 617-484-1054, ext. 14 .............. [email protected]
Congregational Administrator........................ Janice Zazinski 617-484-1054, ext. 10 ........................ [email protected]
Director of Children’s Religious Education ..... Nate Sellers 617-484-1054, ext. 12 ................... [email protected]
Director of Music ............................................................. Ian Garvie 617-484-1054, ext. 13 ..................... [email protected]
Organist & Assistant Music Director ..... …Simon Andrews .. ..................................................... [email protected]
Membership and Outreach Manager .................. Sam Foster 617-484-1054, ext. 14 ..................... [email protected]
Religious Education Program Assistant ..... Wendy Conroy .. .................................................................... [email protected]
Sexton ................................................................................ Luis Carrion
Sunday Child Care Provider ................................... Denise Azar
Parish Board, 2018 – 19 President ............................................................... Marion Westgate [email protected]
Vice President ................................................................... Sam James [email protected]
Treasurer .................................................................... Penny Schafer [email protected]
Clerk ................................................................................... Jody Renouf [email protected]
President Ex-Officio.............................................. Ana Hammock [email protected]
Trustees
Lauren Corning Eloise McGaw
Deveaux Duckworth Hanspeter Pfister
Michael Griffin Steve Saar
Karsten Kueppenbender
Parish Board minutes are online and posted on the Upper Hall bulletin board.
