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Monday morning, June 20, 2016
Standing on the fire escape with my first cup of coffee, I'm noticing chirping birds up close against the background roar of the city. A loud roar. I love the neighborhood where I have found an Airbnb at less than half the cost of the convention hotels. Old homes being renovated. Big old trees providing some shade from the hot June sun. An evident diversity of people not found in southern New Hampshire.
I'm here in Columbus for UU ministers' continuing education and our General Assembly. Yesterday was the 127th anniversary of the dedication of our own UU congregation's building in 1889. Fixed to the base of Milford granite supporting our arched doorway is a Geological Survey marker. They are placed in locations not expected to move or change. And yet, we are an evolving faith, a "living tradition". And we, as a community, would not continue to exist, abiding in our beautiful building, without the flexibility of our living tradition grounded in ethical principles that support the thriving of human relationships and the planet on which our lives depend.
Our Ministerial Intern, Kali Fyre, and I are here to learn from other Unitarian Universalists about how to effectively live our missio
n. We will also hear from religious leaders of other faiths who share our vision of a world made fair with justice, equity, and compassion for all. We look forward to sharing our experiences with you when we return.
This summer, I am working in collaboration with people in our congregation as well as folks from Nashua UU and Manchester UU on worship preparation, faith formation programs for children, youth, and adults, including small group ministry. Once again, we will be participating with other congregations in Soul Matters theme resource sharing. A list of the 2016-2017 themes is now online. We are already preparing resources for our Covenant theme in September.
I hope you have a renewing, joyful summer season.
Much love and abundant blessings to you,
Barbara
Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord
2016 General Assembly Update
I have never been so proud to be part of our inspiring, life-giving, justice-making, Unitarian Universalist faith as I was in Columbus this past week. And the world needs us more than ever. To see reporting and videos of this most inspiring General Assembly go to: www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2016. There you will find videos of inspiring worship, excellent workshops, and Krista Tippet's Ware Lecture.
Podcasts on UU History
Check out the new podcast called The Pamphlet at www.pamphletpodcast.org/archive/ or subscribe on your phone by searching for The Pamphlet, a podcast uncovering hidden Unitarian Universalist history.
2017 General Assembly in New Orleans - June 21-25, 2017
Save the dates to your calendar now and plan to go to all or part of it.
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I've signed onto a letter from interfaith Milford clergy in response to the Orlando shooting. We've sent it to The Cabinet and the Manchester Union Leader. The Nashua Telegraph e-mail didn't go through, but Rev. Hank of the Episcopal church is following up. I hope people read it and take it to heart. I signed this as your minister and not on behalf of UUCM. ~ Blessings, Barbara
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Note earlier start time! Summer Services are smaller in scale and less formal than our regular services, and are a great way to get to know others in the church community and for newcomers to ease in. We sit in a circle and the facilitator for the day starts the discussion by supplying a word, phrase, or theme, which leads to an exchange of ideas that can evolve in any direction. New this year: Some sessions will begin with a short topical video (TED talk) to inspire conversation. There's no sermon and little ritual, but there is a wonderful feeling of nurturing our spirits by sharing our joys, concerns, thoughts, and inspirations in a meaningful way and to keep our connections alive through the summer.
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Lifespan Religious Education
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A Report from Sandy Frades on Kim's Workshop:
On June 12, about 30 people came to this important workshop led by Kim Sweeney where we explored what makes a worship experience move us. Kim presented various ways that we can design worship so that it leaves people of all ages with a sense that they have just experienced and been a part of something of worth.
She explored the myths about multigenerational worship. We experience multigenerational worship in all of our worship services at UUCM. Not just because the children and youth are there at the beginning of the service, but because we have teens through retirees at our services. That is multigenerational worship. So the new term we will be using for worship for all ages is "whole congregational worship". We will be discussing what we learned in more depth with the congregation in the fall.
Next year there will be, on average, two worship services a month where youth in fifth grade and above will be present. Some services will have first grade and above present.
For more information, contact members of the RE Planning Team: Nancy Baker, Sandy Frades, Kali Fyre, Emily Jones, Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord, Sue Olsen, or Kim Sweeney.
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Direct any RE inquiries to Sandy Frades, REC chair ([email protected], 603-673-2955 or cell 603-533-2995) or Jamie Ferrier, RE Administrator (603-673-1870 or [email protected]).
The RE Committee: Jamie Ferrier, Sandy Frades, Cathy Goldwater, Erna Johnson, Emily Jones, Barbara McKusick Liscord, Debbie Maloney, Sue Olsen, and Donna Ryan.
Summer Planning
The RE Committee will be working throughout the summer planning the curriculum and RE events for next year. Everything about next year is not decided yet, but we do know that we need these volunteers:
* For the children/youth Circles, Nursery, and Friendship Finders
* To help out with a special event or two
* To be on the RE committee
* To substitute
* To volunteer as a "helper" adult in one of the groups occasionally
Come September, there will be four circles plus the middle school youth group and the high school youth group (which also need leaders and volunteers). The four circles are:
* Nursery: Birth to 2 years - Meeting every Sunday
* Friendship Finders: Age 2 to Kindergarten - Meeting every Sunday
* Grades 1-4: 11 classes in the 1st semester (Oct-Jan) and 10 for the 2nd
semester (Feb-May)
* Grades 5-8: 8 classes in the 1st semester and 7 in the 2nd semester.
For the two circles for the older children, we need 8 volunteers for these classes (4 for each Circle for each semester). You can choose do the whole year, or just one semester.
In the next few weeks you may be contacted by a member of the RE Committee to see how you can help next year. There are lots of things to do besides lead the kids in their Circles. Please consider how you can help.
Summer RE Planning Calendar
* Thursday, July 7, 6-8pm: REC Potluck Dinner & Meeting
* Sunday, July 31, 10am-4pm: Curriculum Selection Day (see below)
* Sunday, August 28, 4-8pm: REC Retreat & Dinner at the home of Sandy
Frades to finalize plans for next year.
Curriculum Selection Day - Sunday, July 31, 10am-4pm
With Kim Sweeney's assistance, interested people will spend today selecting and preparing next year's curriculum for children and youth (Grades 1-4 and 5-8). If time permits, we'll discuss some rituals for 2 through K. We hope people can stay for the day, but even a few hours will help. Lunch, beverages, and snacks will be provided. If you wish to participate and have not received an email about the event, please contact Jamie.
This summer there will be a swim at Baboosic Lake and a trip to a stable to have fun with and learn about mini-horses. Parents will be contacted directly.
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On June 12, we celebrated our Bridging seniors.
From left, Ciarri Formby-Lavertu, Carolyn Opre, Zaria Kos. Also graduating, but not present: Sam Bannon, Kayleen Bertrand, and Andie Burnett.
Best wishes to all as you take the next step on your journey!
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UUCM
 News & Activities
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Note the different deadline for July/August only. Send submissions to
[email protected]. Weekly updates will resume at the end of August, with the next deadline for that on August 29. (Weekly update submissions go to
[email protected].)
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When Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord is away at these times, please call the emergency contact listed below.
June 30-July 10 Contact: Mark Schwartzberg, Council Clerk, 603-494-5607
July 27-Aug. 3 Contact: Cathy Goldwater, Council member, 603-465-7933
Aug 16-26 Contact: Tricia, our Vice President, 603-554-7429
UUCM Office & Religious Education Administrator, Jamie Ferrier, hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:45-5:15
Sunday: 8:00 - 2:00
Any changes for office hours will be posted at http://uucm.org/contact-us/.
It is always best to call ahead to be sure Jamie will be available when you need to see her. You can call or email the office for an appointment: 673-1870, ext. 1, or [email protected].
Custodian, Sue Wahlen (6 hrs/wk) - June 20 - August 21
Sue's hours will be posted on the bulletin board outside the office. You can reach Sue at [email protected].
Music Director, Carolyn McCreary: Away June 30-September 1
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Following the annual meeting, the Leadership and Member Directories have been updated and are posted in the Members section of the website. These directories will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
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Sunday, July 24 at 3:00 pm
The Monadnock Music Trio (violin, cello, piano) will perform music by Henry Cowell, Aaron Copland, Richard Dubugnon, Astor Piazzola, and Wolfgang Mozart. The concert is free and open to the public. Goodwill offerings gratefully received. Meet the artists at a reception with light refreshments after the concert. If you can help with the refreshments, please contact John Shonle (673-2824) in advance. If possible, please park in the lot by the police station to make more room for our guests.
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Wednesday, August 3 - 6-8pm (Rain date: August 10)
Greeley Park, Nashua (100 Concord St.)
Come join the fun! We'll provide hot dogs & veggie burgers. You bring along a side dish or dessert to share. BYOB. Bring a blanket or folding chair for sitting, and bug spray if desired. Visit with old friends and make new ones. We'll meet on the Gazebo side of the park (near the playground). Hosted by Scott and Leslie Bennett. Questions? Email Leslie at [email protected]
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Services offered by members and friends of the congregation are typically very popular and a great way to get to know each other better. And with Rev. Barbara on sabbatical this fall, there will be more opportunities coming up for us to hear new voices. Even if you don't feel ready to craft an entire service, you can work with others to do part of one or whatever you feel comfortable with. If you have a sermon idea, but would prefer not to do the rest, that's OK!
The Sermon Seminar group meets monthly to share a meal and help each other with worship planning from start to finish - music, readings, story for all ages, sermon, order of service preparation, etc. We'll be starting in late September. If you'd like to join us, please contact Nancy Baker ([email protected]) for more information.
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On June 11, UUCM hosted a special interfaith songfest by the community for the benefit of the community. Seven different faith musical groups participated in this inspiring musical event, drawing from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Native American, and Buddhist traditions. Together we modeled how we can come together from different beliefs to serve a common cause. The finale with all groups singing together "Draw the Circle Wide" evoked heartfelt tears in feeling our connection to many. We were able to donate the proceeds of about $650 to SHARE to benefit those in need in our community. Thank you, UUCM, for exhibiting the best of our Unitarian Universalist values. And thanks to the many volunteers who helped with this event from start to finish. We truly did draw the circle wide. - Linda Goodman
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People still need to eat in summer and we still provide these opportunities to serve. If you haven't volunteered before, why not give it a try?
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Volunteer at the Nashua Soup Kitchen
Every month we need 3 volunteers to help Meghan Hoye (424-3431 or
[email protected]) serve Sunday lunch at the Nashua Soup Kitchen.
When: 2nd Sunday of every month (next on
July 10)
Time: 10:30am-2:30pm
Duties: Setup, simple food prep, serving, cleanup
Who: Adults and youth 14 and older (accompanied by a responsible adult)
Learn more: Talk to an NSK volunteer: John & Marty Miller, Jeff Hoye, Marti Kennedy, Dona Eaton, Barbara Coan
Click here to volunteer for one or more Sundays.
Thanks so much!
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, 5:30-6:30pm (Third Wednesday Every Month)
Our suppers are becoming ever more popular! To learn more or to join the pool of volunteers, please contact Nancy Danzinger, UUCM Community Supper Coordinator, ([email protected], 673-9561), Barbara Smith (673-6629, [email protected]), or Dona Eaton ([email protected], 673-7526).
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Greater UU Community Events
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Sundays through August 21 - 11am at Peterborough UU
No one will be offended if you come to UUCM's summer services and leave 5 minutes early to catch world class speakers on a variety of topics at the Lyceum. (Or, if you prefer, you can hear the programs rebroadcast on NHPR the following Sunday at 10pm.)
Live programs begin at 11:00am and run for an hour or slightly longer. A reception follows in the Parish Hall. Presentations are free, but donations are accepted. Parking is available next to the church, courtesy of People's United Bank, and the church is wheelchair accessible.
Visit www.monadnocklyceum.org/ for the complete schedule and details about each week's speaker and topic.
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August 26-28 - Salem, MA
Join UU Pagans from across the country for the first CUUPS Convocation in a decade! Titled "Awakening Our Tribe," there will be ritual and music and special guest speakers Shirley Ranck, John Beckett, Byron Ballard, CUUPS President Amy Beltaine, and Gypsy Ravish. Organizers are working hard with local businesses to provide special deals for convocation goers. For more information and to catch the early bird special, register at
http://couup.roundtablelive.org/event-285450. Got questions? Contact convocation organizer and CUUPS Board of Trustee member Jerrie Hildebrand at
[email protected].
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Mindful Journeys, led by a UU minister, has been leading "journeys with a difference" for UUs to various parts of the world for 10 years. In 2017, they invite you to join them on a trip to Peru (March 25-April 5) or Portugal/Northern Spain (May 14-24). Learn more at:
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Keep for future reference!
Monthly newsletter - 20th of the month - Send to [email protected]
Newsletter exceptions: No July deadline; August 10
Weekly update - Every Monday (except in summer) - Send to [email protected]
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July: Anne Rainey, [email protected]
July 13 - 15 Marti Kennedy, [email protected]
July 31 - Barbara Smith, 603-673-6629, [email protected]
August: Carole Treen, [email protected]
September: Linda Higgs, 603-673-7601, [email protected]
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Please leave contributions in the SHARE basket in Barnum
. This month's needs: Toothbrushes & paste, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, bar soap
Please observe UUCM's Food Allergen and Alcohol policies on the
UUCM Policies
webpage.
Weekdays before 6pm and Saturdays before 5pm: Park only behind the church or in the circular driveway in front (and NOT in front of the Garden Door). For more parking information (including a printable map),
click
here
.
In the
Members & Friends section
on the UUCM website,
you will find the latest directory, committee listings, and info about people who've moved. Or you can get a directory from the UUCM office. If your contact information is incorrect, email [email protected] with 'Directory Changes' in the subject line.
Minutes from Council meetings (http://uucm.org/members/governance/governance-council/), plus Treasurer's reports, newsletter archive, services provided by UUCM members & friends,
rides to the airport or bus terminal,
recipes, how to buy or consign goods with the proceeds going to UUCM -- plus links to hundreds of shopping sites where your purchase benefits UUCM, and much, much more!
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