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Upcoming Events
Current News at UUCW
Looking for Newcomer Greeters
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Office Hours
(Sept 6, 2016 -
June 29, 2017):
Thursday 9 am - 2 pm
Gmail Users -
Please note that if you stop receiving the Message, Nugget, and Weekend Reminder, check your Promotions tab in Gmail. Often, you will find that church emails are in there! Please click
HERE
for more information. Please share this information with your fellow congregants if they mention they aren't getting the Message!
PLEASE NOTE: Our trash and recycling is generally picked up once a month. Please be sure to break down all cardboard boxes before putting them in the recycling dumpster so it doesn't fill up too fast!
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Congregational Mission Statement "The members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester covenant to be a congregation of love, hope and justice inspiring people to take on the challenges of a changing world." Welcoming Church Mission Statement The LGBTQI and Allies of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester strives to further the affirmation and celebration of LGBTQI individuals in all aspects of the church community. We also seek to increase the visibility of UUCW as a Welcoming Congregation within the greater community.
UUCW Covenant
In consonance with the principles and purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association, we the members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester covenant to sustain and support a courageous and caring community by:
* Bringing our best selves to form a welcoming, loving, and inclusive community of faith;
* Creating an atmosphere of celebration and worship in a safe environment;
* Providing opportunities where diverse people and points of view are respected and where open-hearted and open-minded discussion of our differences is encouraged;
* Treating each other with kindness and respect;
* Approaching conflicts with a spirit of humility and with the respectful intent for peaceful resolution;
* Engaging in and encouraging spiritual and intellectual growth across the lifespan;
* Fostering social justice and positive transformation in our community and in the world at large;
* Growing and maintaining the resources necessary to support the missions and ministries of this congregation;
* Fostering fellowship and enjoying each other and the unique gifts that each person brings to our community.
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UUCW Board of Management - 2016 BSA Survey
The Board of Management is continuing to follow up to conversations last spring regarding the request to once again become the chartering organization for Boy Scout Troop 54. As a part of this ongoing discernment process, a short survey has been developed to query members and friends of the congregation.Please take a moment to complete the survey found
HERE.
Thank you,
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Come Watch With Us!
Viewing parties in the past two weeks have brought people together at UUCW to learn more about efforts during WWII by Unitarian's to assist in smuggling people out of war zones (Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War) and the first Presidential Candidate's Debate.
Join us next on Tuesday, October 4 @ 9 pm for the Vice Presidential Debate. Bring a snack to share if you like and we'll continue our game of "Presidential Debate Bingo"!
Presidential Debates at UUCW -
Come watch the Presidential Debates at UUCW. We'll gather in the lounge to view the debates and share in refreshments and conversation. Let's demonstrate our covenant and values by creating a safe space for people to gather across the political spectrum to share the experience of the debates. Bring a snack to share and we'll gather! For more information contact
[email protected].
October 4, 2016
Vice Presidential debate
Moderator: Elaine Quijano, Anchor, CBSN and Correspondent, CBS News
Location:
Longwood University, Farmville, VA
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Second presidential debate
Moderator: Martha Raddatz, Chief Global Affairs Correspondent and Co-Anchor of "This Week," ABC
Moderator: Anderson Cooper, Anchor, CNN
Location:
Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Third presidential debate
Moderator: Chris Wallace, Anchor, Fox News Sunday
Location:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
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On Thursday, October 13,UUCW is hosting an information session for anyone interested in learning more about the Congregational Assistance Program sponsored by the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling. The meeting will be at 6 pm at UUCW . If you are interested in this program, please CLICK HERE. Thanks much! Aaron Payson
Do you want to help those struggling with addiction? Would you like to understand more about the mental health and addiction issues that your neighbors, family and friends may be experiencing? Would you like to reach out and help others?
The Congregation Assistance Program and the (CAP) would like to help you gain more knowledge and connection with your community with the issues facing our society today. CAP sessions train individuals in organizations, churches and businesses to raise awareness of the real impact of addictions, gambling and suicide prevention. Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of behavioral health issues and the local resources that are available to help. This is not a clinical training, but will train you to recognize the possible warning signs and how to help.
WHY CAP ?
Faith communities have the unique ability as well as the opportunity to identify and assist individuals and their families suffering from the throes of addiction and other mental health problems. Since these congregations already possess the human and spiritual resources to help, CAP simply provides the training needed to provide troubled parishioners with the tools necessary to start on the path to recovery.
CAP Benefits
* Empowerment
Enables Faith-Based Ministries to be active participants in prevention and early-intervention activities for their congregations.
* Advocacy
Promotes changes in attitudes about addictions, substance abuse and other mental health issues.
* Encouragement
Provides outreach and support for families affected by addiction.
* Learning
Provides congregations with educational and addiction prevention materials.
*Helps identify other community resources that may be underutilized.
How CAP works
CAP trains individuals in faith-based organizations to provide support and assistance to individuals and their families struggling with addictions such as alcohol, drugs and gambling as well as other mental health issues.
CAP provides free in-depth training with prevention professionals on topics including substance abuse, problem gambling, mental health and suicide prevention. Available local treatment options, community resources, referrals and ongoing support services are discussed. The end goal is the creation of early intervention teams within a congregation that are available to provide guidance, support and hope for its parishioners in need.
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Holden CROP Walk Hunger is Coming! - Sunday, October 16, 2016
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We invite you to join us for this year's CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 16. CROP Hunger Walks bring whole communities together in a common mission: helping hungry people at home and around the world. We will be joining other congregations from Holden: First Baptist, First Congregational, St. Francis, Chaffins Congregation and Immanuel Lutheran, in raising funds to end hunger one step at a time. 25% of funds raised will benefit the Loaves & Fishes and Wachusett Food Pantries. This is a family friendly activity for all ages; you may even bring your dog for the walk.
You can help end the curse of hunger by gathering donations from family and friends. Use this link
Team UU Church of Worcester to join our team and start your own page for donations. Please Sue Neaz
[email protected] or 508-769-6150 or Mimi Allen
[email protected] or 413-362-9494 at church to sign up to walk or volunteer for other duties.
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Religious
Exploration
and
Education
at UUCW
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RE News for October 2, 2016
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Thanks to everyone who attended the Fall Community Barbecue Dinner last Saturday! The dinner raised almost $300 for the church and fun was had by all! Many thanks to Kim Mann and Paul Vigneau for their barbecuing skills. Also, much thanks goes out to Dianne Mann, Deb Merrill, Ken Bayse, Diane Vigneau, Paul Vigneau Jr. and Kristen Payson for their cooking and prep work! Thanks too to Paul Marr for his technical assistance! Also, many thanks to the Hip Swayers for their fine music!
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From Your New Collector
I have taken on the responsibility of being the collector for the church. Basically what that means is that I pick up all the various monies that come into the church, categorize them, do a report so the money goes into the right accounts and then deposit the money in the bank.
It would be very helpful to me if you write a check to the church to put on the memo line exactly what the funds are for - i.e. pledge, RE, Minister's Discretionary, Food Pantry, etc. That way I can ensure that you get credit for contributing to your intended account. Thanks so much.
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 Explorer Caps
If you did not receive an explorer cap for your back pack, purse or brief case last Sunday, more will be available at church next week. Many thanks to Robin Mitzcavitch, Kim Napoleone and the Religious Exploration Program for crafting this new hot item!
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Fortunately, no one was killed or injured when the Ft. Pierce mosque was torched on September 13; but, the building incurred between $100,000 and $150,000 in damage.
The Facebook page of the arsonist, Joseph Schreiber, was littered with "anti-Islamic postings," and "negative propaganda related to Muslims." For example, one of his posts states
"ALL ISLAM IS RADICAL,
and should be considered TERRORIST AND CRIMANALS [sic]."
By contrast, comparing Schreiber to Omar Mateen, the man behind the recent mass shooting and terror attack at an Orlando nightclub, Omar Saleh, an attorney for Council on American-Islamic Relations, said, "Just like on June 12, when I was stressing that Mateen's actions do not speak on behalf of Islam, I know that whatever religion M
r. Schreiber is, his actions do not speak on behalf of his religion," Saleh said.
In trying to imagine what kind of impact that attack would have on the mosque's members, I have been pondering the impact, financial and emotional that such an occurrence would have on us here at the U. U. Church of Worcester. The hatred and injustice of such an attack is both scary and powerfully disturbing. And the effect on church finances would be a heavy burden.
We can do something to help relieve both the financial and emotional burden on the members of the Ft. Pierce Mosque by contributing to the fund at this link that is being raised for the repair of the damage:
For more background on the story see the links below.
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Touchstone Monthly Theme
September Theme - Worth and Dignity
October Theme - Emotional Intelligence
September 27 - October 3
September 27:
"The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life." ~ Albert Einstein
September 28:
"There's no one with intelligence in this town except that man over there playing with the children, the one riding the stick horse. He has keen, fiery insight and vast dignity like the night sky, but he conceals it in the madness of child's play." ~ Rumi
September 29:
"There is nothing more majestic than the determined courage of individuals willing to suffer and sacrifice for their freedom and dignity." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
September 30:
"It was a life of dignity and honor, not without sorrows yet fulfilling in a way that few experiences ever were." ~ Nicholas Sparks
October 1:
"Emotions can get in the way or get you on the way." ~ Mavis Mazhura
October 2:
"Emotional self-control-delaying gratification and stifling impulsiveness- underlies accomplishment of every sort." ~ Daniel Goleman
October 3:
"The only way to change someone's mind is to connect with them from the heart." ~ Rasheed Ogunlaru
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Weekly Worship
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HosT Coffee Hour News
The HosT coffee hour team thank all the many church teams, groups, and committees who have signed up to HosT coffee hour this year!
At coffee hour we extend the hospitality we proclaim! Many people judge a congregation by its coffee hour hospitality - especially newcomers . Please make it a point to speak to someone you don't know!
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Looking For Help Greeting Newcomers
As you know, we sit at a table in the lobby and greet newcomers each Sunday. The process is basically that - you welcome them, ask them to fill out a nametag if they would like, and ask them to sign the clipboard when it comes around. If they have children with them, there are RE materials for you to give them. As I can't promise to be at church every Sunday I'm looking for a few people to staff the table on Sunday mornings. If you are interested please let me know and I will get back to you with more specifics. We are looking to grow our membership this year and a warm greeting for first timers goes a long way. Thank you!
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Ongoing Meetings
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One of the exciting parts of the new Touchstones Ministry Themes program is the launching of Touchstones Small Group Ministry Groups. These groups will meet regularly throughout the year to discuss the monthly themes published in the Touchstones Journal. If you are interested in being part of a Touchstones Group, and/or becoming a leader/co-leader of one of our groups, please take a moment to fill out our short survey HERE.
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Reminder about Fundraising!
Please keep in mind that one of our fundraising programs is the two bins across the street in our parking lot for books and clothing. We actually make very good money from this endeavor! So, as you're doing your fall cleaning or whatever, please take a minute to fill the bins as well as you can!
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Community News & Classifieds
Worcester Interfaith's 11th Annual Beggar's Bowl
Come enjoy a variety of tasty autumnal soups served in hand-thrown, stoneware bowls with delicious artisan bread at the 11th Annual Beggar's Bowl, a fund-raiser for Worcester Interfaith. This year's "bowl" will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at First Baptist Church, 111 Park Ave. Worcester. Doors open at 5:30 to select your hand-thrown bowl -- which is yours to keep - mingle and enjoy hors d'oeuvres. Dinner starts promptly at 6:00pm and ends by 7:30pm. Tickets cost $50 each and are tax deductible. For tickets or more information, call Frank Kartheiser, Lead Organizer, Worcester Interfaith, at (508) 754-5001.
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