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UUCM Newsletter
November 2017
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November has always been a time of year that marks stark contrasts for me. Tree branches stand bare and stark against the skyline as they prepare for a time of dormancy. We turn our attention inward, to hearth and home and winter holidays -- moving the light indoors as daylight hours begin to be vastly outnumbered by hours of darkness.
As we sit around hearth and table with friends and family, we're reminded of the past -- those who have gone before and who are no longer with us. We tell stories and share memories. On Sunday, November 12, we'll have an opportunity to tell stories and share memories as a church community. After worship, we'll share a soup lunch, and together we'll create a timeline of UUCM's history -- learning together how UUCM lives in dialogue with its past. Bringing the stories that shape UUCM into sharper focus will provide insight into what's best about UUCM and perhaps some of what you'd rather leave behind. There's power in awareness! An awareness of how the past shapes the present is a powerful tool for helping to shape who you will become. UUCM has so many strengths. It's important to name and affirm them and to talk about how to build on them with intention.
UUCM has been blessed with an abundance of caring people dedicated to Unitarian Universalist values. As we explore this month's theme of abundance we'll have an opportunity to look at what we have and what we have to give.
Personally, since coming to UUCM I've been blessed with an abundance of gifts that have only deepened my sense of call and dedication to Unitarian Universalist ministry. As your minister I hope to help you bring the best of who you are to bear on who you will become as you prepare for your future.
I spent three days in October with other UU ministers from northern New England reflecting on the question "Where leads the call?" It's a daunting question these days for UU ministers and congregations. It's hard to know how to be relevant in the face of changing demographics, changing needs, and the changing social climate, especially with so many people suffering the ravages of disasters both natural and wrought by human hands. But it's one that I, like many of you, am willing to tackle. We may not have all the answers, but it's clear that we're called to lead with love for justice and peace and to empower and encourage those of you in the pews to do the same. Now more than ever it's important to give voice to our values. The source of our abundance is our open hearts, our open minds, and our open hands.
During this season of Thanksgiving, may you find solace, hope, and strength for the days ahead in the faith we share. It is enough.
Gratefully yours,
Rev. Carol
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Worship Services
Sundays at 10:30am
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You can access resource materials for each month's theme at
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November 4 - Set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed!
Rev. Carol Strecker, Cathy Goldwater, and special guest, Monica Gallant, Director of Prevention Services, Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley
We're all part of the great, interconnected web and have an abundance of gifts to share with children and families suffering in our communities. Monica will share information about a program for building resiliency in children affected by a loved one's substance abuse. Cathy and Rev. Carol will speak to the psychological and spiritual aspects of building resiliency. (Sunday Morning Circles)
Rev. Carol Strecker
Abundance brings to mind vast quantities of something -- a banquet table filled to overflowing, for example. But how much do we really need -- to have enough, to BE enough? In a culture of scarcity, the opposite of lack may not be abundance but a sense of gratitude for who we are and what we have. (
Children & Youth Event)
Rev. Carol Strecker
As we prepare to participate in the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's "Guest At Your Table" program we'll look at what it means to welcome the stranger into our hearts, our homes, and our lives. (Whole Congregation Worship)
Noon-1pm - Newcomer Meet & Greet (Fireside Room) - Learn more about UUCM and UUism, and meet the minister.
November 26 - Quantifying Abundance
Collaborative Service by Worship Committee & Congregant Volunteers
Do we quantify or do we qualify abundance? Abundance is often relative. What is abundance to one person may be insufficiency to another. Abundance may finally define itself in the recognition that it is something we have always had in our lives. This service will explore how we measure what is enough for us -- in the concrete and in the spiritual senses. (Children & Youth Event
)
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Whole Congregation Worship is designed to be welcoming, engaging, and meaningful for all ages. These are gatherings for the entire community. Nursery care is available every Sunday for infants and toddlers. At any time during the service, children accompanied by a parent may leave the sanctuary and enjoy our Family Room, which has a speaker broadcasting the service.
Soul Work Boxes are available for anyone of any age that would like to work with their hands during worship.
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Music! Music! Music!
For more information about our music programs, contact our music director, Carolyn McCreary ([email protected] 978-772-5870).
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All singers are invited to join the UUCM choir. We rehearse Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30pm in the sanctuary. Please join us!
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To learn more about current and ongoing programs, see the
Adult Faith Formation webpage and the
church calendar.
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Join us for a discussion of the book The Third Reconstruction. In December we'll meet to discuss Daring Democracy. For details about this 3-part book discussion series, see the October newsletter. Books are available through Beacon Press or you can email [email protected] to request a loaner copy.
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These programs started in October, but you can still join. Let Rev. Carol know if you are interested.
Aging As A Spiritual Practice
Wednesdays, Oct. 18, Nov. 1, 15 & 29, 10:30am-12pm
Rev. Carol ordered a few extra copies of the book if you want to buy one from her: Aging As A Spiritual Practice; A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser by Lewis Richmond. (Read the Intro plus Chapters 1 & 2 for the Nov. 1 meeting.)
New and Not So New UU
Tuesdays, Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm
Whether you're a newcomer or you've been a Unitarian since birth, this course may be just what you've been looking for. Come share your spiritual journey, explore the roots of Unitarian Universalism, and discuss how UU Principles intersect with life's daily concerns.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to Jamie (
[email protected]) or the CYFF Committee chair, Cathy Goldwater,
[email protected]. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Donations Needed before Nov 12:
Children & Youth's "Blessing Bags"  Service Project on Nov. 12
On Sunday, November 12, the Sunday Morning Circles will be participating in a service project to create Blessing Bags for those in need. Please consider donating a few items to help our children help others in the community. Below is a list of items needed. Please note that travel size items are best.
- Personal hygiene products: shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, comb, razor, lip balm, sunscreen
- Accessories: scarf, hat, gloves, thermal socks
- Necessities: tissues, hand lotion, wet wipes, small first aid kit
Items can be dropped off in the office or in Barnum Hall. Thank you in advance! Contact the Office (603-673-1870, [email protected]) for questions.
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UUCM
Activities & News
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Sunday, November 12 -- Noon to 2pm
The ITT will be leading a workshop that is one of the first important actions we need to complete as a congregation in transition. Whether you are a lifelong member or a newcomer, please join us for lunch & help us create a timeline of the important events in UUCM's history. Our history is worth remembering -- both for lifting up and celebrating milestones and achievements and also for shedding light on those things that tend to live in the shadows and need attention. Childcare will be provided. Feel free to contact Donna Ryan (603-554-0737) or [email protected] with questions, feedback, or ideas.
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(Church Building & Grounds)
Saturday, November 18, 9:00am to noon
Bring your rakes and rags to rake leaves and spiff up the building. Let's get our beautiful building ready for activities in the coming months. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Questions? Contact Barbara Smith, 673-6629
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Everyone's help is needed for our biggest fundraising event of the year! Check the list of needs below to find your best fit. Then contact Marti Kennedy 603 -673-6164 or Betty Sweeney 575-636-4302 to join a team. Also check the Weekly Updates in your email and watch for sign-up sheets in Barnum Hall in early November.
Able-Bodied People of All Ages! We Need You!
If you can carry a chair, a table, or a box, we need your help with setup and cleanup.
Setup: Weds., Nov. 29, Thurs., Nov. 30, and Fri., Dec. 1
Cleanup: Sat., Dec. 2 after 2:00pm; maybe Sun., Dec. 3, after church
Holiday Fair Crafts
UUCM's fair is prized by shoppers looking for quality crafts. In the past, those have largely been made by the Craft Group, but this year we need to augment our offerings to fill the Craft Fair tables with lovely handcrafted goods. If you are an adult crafter, woodworker, or maker of unique holiday and gift items, similar in style and quality to those we sell at the fair, and would be interested in donating them to UUCM for sale in the Crafts room, let's talk!
Check out a Crafts table in Barnum Hall during Coffee Hour for the next few weeks to see examples of Craft Group items to give you an idea of what is usually sold, and a flyer with more details. Or visit the Craft Group on Monday mornings from 9:30-11:00 to see what's in the works.
The deadline for craft donations is Monday, Nov. 20, to give the Craft Group time to catalog, price, and tag your items, and allow for planning space to display your items.
 Ritzy Boutique
Please leave new or gently used, giftable household items, holiday decorations, and jewelry in the large sleigh in Barnum Hall for collection.
Save Shopping Bags for Us!
We need plastic shopping bags and paper shopping bags with handles.
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At a time when bigotry and divisiveness is openly promoted, we have an opportunity as a community of people of conscience to stand firmly and publicly for the core values of Unitarian Universalism -- justice, equality, earth stewardship, and compassion.
A growing number of churches are putting out nonpolitical yard signs that promote justice and dignity for all. I propose that we put out a sign or signs that announce to the world outside of our stone walls the values honored within them. I will be taking an informal poll during coffee hour on November 5 and November 12 to get a sense of what members would like to see posted. There will be some options on display.
Having a display of what we believe outside just might attract more people inside!
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The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) works to protect human rights for marginalized groups around the globe by partnering with local organizations. Current work in Pakistan, Malawi, and Zimbabwe target the rights of women and workers. For more information about these and other important projects, visit
uusc.org.
 This fall UUCM will participate in UUSC's
Guest at Your Table program. Families are encouraged to use collection boxes, which will be provided during a Sunday service, to make small daily donations, which will be collected at the November 19 service. Donations by check will also be gratefully received, and there will be collection boxes to accept your spare change during coffee hour. For more information, contact our liaison to UUSC, Cathy Goldwater (
[email protected]).
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In November, we will collect nonperishable food, paper goods, and personal hygiene items for SHARE during the Thanksgiving service on November 19. You can leave items in the bin in Barnum if you won't be in church that day.
This year we will again provide holiday gifts to 2-3 families in need through SHARE's Adopt-a-Family program. Each child has two "needs" and two "wants" on their list. We also purchase a gift the whole family can use. The High School Youth Group will organize the requests using ornaments on a Christmas tree in Barnum Hall. Each ornament has a name and a gift description. Watch for the tree in early November and take as many ornaments as you can, purchase the gifts, and bring them unwrapped to UUCM by December 3 or earlier, if possible. The youth group will then wrap the gifts, organize them, and pack/label them for delivery to SHARE. Questions? Contact Sandy Frades ([email protected] or 603-673-2955).
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Anne Marie House (AMH) is a residential program for families experiencing homelessness. UUCM has supported AMH since its inception by volunteering hours, preparing meals, and donating funds and supplies. In November, AMH is requesting paper goods (e.g., toilet paper, paper towels) and pantry items (e.g., soup, coffee, kids' snacks). Please leave your contributions in the labeled box in Barnum Hall before November 20. Many thanks! For more information, contact AMH volunteer Cathy Goldwater ([email protected]).
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If you are shopping online as the holidays approach -- or anytime! -- it is effortless to link UUCM to your shopping experience and add to our bottom line at no additional cost to you. Take a moment now to learn about AmazonSmile and 2ClickFundraising by clicking here: https://uucm.org/community/support/.
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Rev. Carol Clarifies the Similarities & Differences Between Her "Rev." Title and That of Rev. Linda Goodman
Some of you noticed the title "Rev." in front of Linda Goodman's name in the order of service recently. In the interest of clarity and transparency I'd like to share my perspective on the similarities and differences between my title and Linda's.
First, we were both ordained -- the big difference being I was ordained by a Unitarian Universalist congregation, the Arlington Street Church in Boston. Linda was ordained by the Tree of Life Interfaith Seminary. I am a Unitarian Universalist minister. Linda is an interfaith minister. In the future, when she's serving UUCM in her capacity as an interfaith minister her title will read, Rev. Linda Goodman, Interfaith Minister.
Ordination by the congregation is at the heart of Unitarian Universalism. Congregations call their own ministers, hire their own staff, own their own buildings, and make their own decisions. There is nobody at the regional, national, or international level telling UU congregations what to do or how to do it. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a voluntary association of congregations. That's why our system of governance is called Congregational Polity. Unitarian Universalist ministers are credentialed for service by the UUA's Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC), requiring a psychological evaluation, a particular course of study, clinical experience, and an internship. But candidates for ministry have to be sponsored by a congregation. We are lifted up to serve from the congregation and we're ultimately ordained to serve by the congregation.
Linda met the requirements of The Tree of Life Interfaith Seminary and was ordained into the service of the sacred traditions upheld by that school. UUCM is indeed fortunate that she shares so much of her education, training, and experience in the context of her service to this congregation. I value her as a partner in shared ministry, as I do the many other members of the congregation who share their gifts with us. Our worship and congregational life in general is richer for the diversity we all bring to it.
Please don't hesitate to ask either Linda or me more about our call to ministry. One thing we share is a dedication to service. After all, that's what ministry is really all about.
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T
hanks to the few who submitted photos, but apparently there is not enough interest in this project.
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2 Sanctuary Greeters, & 2 Coffee Hour cleanup. Most jobs are suitable for families with kids. Contact
Barbara Livoli
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From Meghan Hoye:
Thank you to Tim & Marti Kennedy and Mary Ferguson for working with me at the NSK on Oct. 8th. We served approximately 100 lovely and thankful people.
The Soup Kitchen needs you! To run the Sunday lunch service smoothly I need two volunteers on the 2nd Sunday each month.
Please consider joining Marti Kennedy and me at least once this year. Invite a friend to join you! (Being a UUCM member is not a requirement.) If you want to volunteer, but can't commit to four hours, consider joining us for a two-hour shift: 10:30-12:30 or 12:30-2:30. If you have considered volunteering, but are on the fence, stop by and check it out! Anyone age 14 and up can volunteer. Children age 12 or 13 can volunteer with parent supervision.
Come live this month's theme of Abundance by helping us prepare and serve an abundant lunch on Nov. 12.
Click here
to volunteer for one or more Sundays:
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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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Karen Walsh - (603)206-4554 [email protected] |
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Please leave contributions in the SHARE basket in Barnum. This month's needs: Canned fruit, flour, sugar, boxed mixes & baking supplies, coffee & tea.
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
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Once you log in to UUCM.org to access the Members & Friends section, 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, send email to [email protected] with 'Directory Changes' in the subject line.
You can also learn about church governance and read Council minutes at
https://uucm.org/members/governance/governance-council/
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