The Unitarian - October 25, 2016

Sunday Worship - October 30

The Joy of Memory - Rev. David Bryce
Loss of loved ones is deeply painful, and death seems so final and merciless. But we also say at every memorial service that the dead live on within us and around us. Let us celebrate the lives of those now gone who filled our lives with learning, love and care. Let us recall them to our hearts and minds that we may truly feel their presence with us and within us in the gifts they gave.

Prelude:  Te Lucis Ante Terminum,  Simon Andrews  (b. 1958)
9 a.m. Nova Choir Anthem:  God is Seen,  Alice Parker  (b. 1925)
11 a.m. Senior Choir Anthem: French setting of the  Our Father , Maurice Durufle
(1902 - 86)
Postlude:  Toccata in D minor,  J.S. Bach (1685 - 1750)
The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by Louise Bray in honor of the Creamer Family.
Rev. David Bryce
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister

In almost every area of life there is some degree of compromise. We give up something or we agree not to gain everything we want in order to keep or gain something else. 
     If one party in a relationship insists upon always getting their way, that relationship is unlikely to survive for very long; and it probably ought not because that indicates a lack of respect for the other person.
     Politics has been called the art of compromise, and yet we have ambivalent feelings about politicians who engage in compromise. We dislike it when politicians will not work with one another to "get things done", we call unyielding politicians whom we disagree with "extremists", but use the term "unprincipled" for those politicians willing to compromise on something that we hold dear.
     And when it comes to our own votes we are often torn between principle and outcome, between voting for a major party candidate who is not enough to our liking, or voting for a minor party candidate who is closer to our views knowing that to do so will ensure the victory of someone we like even less. 
     And yet, if we compromise with our vote, how far can we do so without betraying our own political principles?
     So we all recognize that compromise is necessary, but we struggle with the degree to which we are willing to do so.
     In religion, as well, there are questions of compromise; beginning with, "Is compromise acceptable at all?"
     Those who absolutely will not compromise on any religious point are rightly viewed by others as extremists. But how much can one compromise on such a fundamental grounding as religion? How much compromise so sullies our souls that we lose ourselves? Would God, the Gods, the Goddess still accept us, or would they condemn us for our weakness?
     Unitarian minister Theodore Parker (1810 - 60) spoke of the "Transient and the Permanent" in religion, and pointed out how often these become confused. 
     What are the fundamental religious or spiritual principles that you hold which ought never to be compromised, and what are the "transient" things to which we cling but which we can let go of?
     For me, the principle of Love applied to humanity ought to be out guiding star.
     What is it for you?
From Andrea Spencer-Linzie, Ministerial Intern

Currently I have the opportunity to drive across the state to Springfield, Mass. twice weekly as I participate in a Clinical Pastoral Education program. 
     These drives across the state are often the best time of my day. In the mornings as I head west through a tunnel of color on Route 90, the day glows in reds, yellows, oranges, greens, and browns. The rising sun is bright in my rear-view mirror. The moon is bright and high in the sky above me. I play my favorite music on the stereo. I bask in the beauty of the earth. And I have lots of time to think and to muse.
     The changing colors of the trees at this time of year often reminds me of transformation and transition. The green leaves are turning colors, and will eventually fall off. And, it's comforting to know that leaves will bud green again in the Spring. This seasonal change can help prepare us for transitioning to a new adventure, or a desire to do something different. What is that we need to slough off? Where do we want to grow, or try something new? 
     What transitions, transformations, or renewal may you be experiencing or hoping for this season? 
     "Sam Keen, a freelance philosopher, looks at how this impulse toward renewal is reflected in the world's religions: The great metaphors from all spiritual traditions - grace, liberation, being born again, awakening from illusion - testify that it is possible to transcend the conditioning of my past and do a new thing." (quoted from "Spiritual Literacy" by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat)
     Welcome the opportunity for transformation. 
     "... human becoming in the spirit of growth, change and development ... is part and parcel of this life." (quoted from "Spiritual Literacy" by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat)
Among Us

Our deepest sympathies to Bev Freeman, Michael Collins, and family on the death of Bev's brother Joseph Freeman, who died on October 17 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was 64 and Bev's only surviving sibling.
Music Notes, by Ian Garvie
Thank you doesn't even begin to express my gratitude for the work that all of the parents and volunteers have put in to this year's musical. The show promises to be amazing! 
     The shows will be Thursday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m., Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 20 at 3:00 p.m. Please stay tuned for details about purchasing tickets.
     This Sunday, soprano Melanie Bacaling will be singing an offertory in honor of All Soul's Day.  Allerseelen, by Strauss, is beautiful song about a lover who uses the mood of All Soul's day to try to revive an old love affair, the spark of which has long since gone out  ...  click here for more

CRE asks: Love Working With Kids?
This fall, the CRE program is looking for enthusiastic congregants to join the temporary teaching rotation for the Preschool/Kindergarten class, during both the 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. services. This is a temporary commitment, while we search for a permanent teacher.
     Volunteer-teachers are not required to teach on a weekly basis, but serve at least one Sunday a month. If interested, please contact Nate Sellers ( nsellers@uubelmont.org) or Wendy Conroy ( crebelmont@gmail.com).

Youth Group's Annual Odd Jobs & Leaf-Raking Fundraiser is here
Need help navigating Facebook or learning to use your iPhone? Cleaning? Moving heavy items? Youth Group members can help! Sign up for leaf-raking and other odd jobs during coffee hour or contact Sana Saeed (Youth Director) at  ssaeed@uubelmont.org.
Adult Programs News

Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War - If you missed this we have two copies of the DVD available to borrow from the church office. Stop by to sign them out for a week with Janice (call or e-mail first to check availability).
 
New Programs
  • Approaching the Election with Mike Widmer - Tues., Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.,
    Parish Hall
  • Buddhist Spiritual Practices with Eleanor Hobbs - Sun., Nov. 13, 12:30 p.m.
  • Theatre Discussion Series - The Scottsboro Boys - Tues., Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Ongoing Programs
  • Meditation - Mondays, 8:00 p.m., Library
  • Hootenanny - Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
  • First Church Book Group - Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m., Library
  • Beyond Ferguson - Sunday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m., Library
  • Caring for Older Adults - Thursday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
  • Fiber Arts Fellowship - Thursday, Nov. 3, 8 p.m., Location TBD
Program & Committee News in Brief:  Click Here for Details

We are hoping to make October 30 the last day of running a sales table at the Coffee Hours. Now is the time!
     Imagine the safer, better-fed, healthier people with dramatically improved access to justice and brighter futures that your purchase of a ticket will support. And imagine deeply discounted admission for two at all Coffeehouse performances. And imagine coming to church in November knowing this major social action sales drive is complete!
     Write a check (fully deductible) for $119 made out to First Church in Belmont with "Coffeehouse" written in the memo line. (And please remember to include your contact information -- name, address, email, phone.) Submit it in one of three convenient ways:
  • Mail: Check to First Church in Belmont, 404 Concord Ave., P.O. Box 113, Belmont, MA 02478
  • Drop-off: In a clearly labeled envelope, put your check (or cash) into the secure drop-box immediately to the left of the door to the church administrator's office.
  • Face-to-face: Bring your check (or cash) to any Coffee Hour or hand it to Janice or a Coffeehouse Committee Member.    
  • Please include your contact information (name, address, email, phone). 
  • Click here for an updated schedule and list of beneficiaries.
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Team Monthly Note
(October 2016); uusc.org
Many of us at First Church recently viewed  Defying the Nazis. This compelling story connects to the 1940 origins of the Unitarian Service Committee located at our church.
     This organization evolved into the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee which, from then to now, continues to be on the front line of disasters and hot spots and to implement social justice campaigns. Go to  UUSC.org to read about Haitians affected by Hurricane Matthew and the organization's actions to aid those who are most likely to be overlooked by traditional relief efforts. 

Refugee Resettlement and First Church
According to the UN there are 65.5 million refugees in the world, the most since WWII -- and we can help. On Sunday, November 6, Rev. Bryce will preach on Refugees and he will be joined by Cheryl Hamilton, Director of Partner Engagement with the International Institute of New England (IINE). After the 9:00 service there will be a question and answer meeting with Cheryl in the Parlor, and after the 11:00 service we will host a meeting in the Parish Hall for members who would like to learn more about refugee resettlement and what we can do as a congregation.

Eagle Scout Project: Building Picnic Tables for the UU Urban Ministry
Ben Ackerson, a First Church youth, is working to achieve the Boy Scout rank of Eagle. His community service project is to build three picnic tables at the UU Urban Ministry in Roxbury. Ben must raise $800 to buy materials. First Church members can support this project by donating to Ben at coffee hour on October 30th or sending checks made out to Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry to: Picnic Table Fund, c/o Rev. Mary Margaret Earl, UU Urban Ministry, 10 Putnam Street, Roxbury, MA 02119.

Sign up for the new Social Action newsletter
The Social Action Committee now has its own weekly newsletter.  Click here  to sign up!

Volunteer Sign-Up Form
Share your time, talent and interest with our church community. Volunteer opportunities can be one-time activities, limited short-term projects or serving on an on-going committee.  Click to complete a short survey so the Membership Committee can match your interests and talents with volunteer opportunities at the church. 

Grow Clinic!

September and October: Protein Power!!! (peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, canned stews, infant strained chicken, beef, and turkey). Collection baskets are in the Lower Hall and Sanctuary vestibule.


Caring Connection
The Caring Connection provides support to members of our community who need short-term help:  uubelmont.org/caring-connection.

Lay Pastoral Care Team
The Lay Pastoral Care Team works with and supports the senior minister in reaching out to members and friends of the First Church who are adjusting to change, loss, illness or death:  uubelmont.org/lay-ministry

Companion Wanted
Bea de Muinck Keizer's daughter is looking for someone who can be a companion to Bea once or twice a week. Please click for details.


Housing Sought
Katherine Canfield writes: A young man I know is looking for a room to rent in a neighborhood along the bus line to Harvard Square. Please click for details.
   
Connect with UU actions, events & resources
UU Mass Action Presents The Third Annual Story Slam: November 5
The Story Slam is UU Mass Action's annual fundraising event - come for a night of fun and support UU justice building in Massachusetts at the same time!
Parish Board
Information and board minutes are online at uubelmont.org/parish-board.

Contact Us
Next issue: November 1
The next issue of The Unitarian is Tuesday, November 1. Please send announcements, news, events, and other submissions to  office@uubelmont.org  by noon on Wednesday, October 26. Submissions may be edited for space and clarity.
Reverend Bryce's Spring 2017 Sabbatical
Please visit uubelmont.org/sabbatical for details about pulpit and pastoral coverage while Rev. Bryce is away, from January to June 30, 2017.


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