Sunday, September 10: Multigenerational Service
Our services on September 10, at 9 and 11 a.m., will be a multigenerational water Ingathering. We will celebrate the opening of the church year with a ceremony in which we each pour a small amount of water into a common vessel. The water we bring represents a part of our summer that we are bringing into the new church year.
     Whether you go on an exotic journey or vacation in your backyard, bring a small amount of water to represent your summer's spiritual journeys.

Prelude: Air from Water Music by G.F. Handel (1685 -1759); Simon Andrews, organ
11 a.m. Senior Choir Anthem: Welcome, Welcome! by Clif Hardin (contemporary)
Offertory: O Waly, Waly, Scottish Folk Song, arranged by Benjamin Britten (1913 - 76);
  Melanie  Bacaling, soprano and Simon Andrews, piano
Postlude: Hornpipe from Water Music by G.F. Handel; Simon Andrews, organ
The flowers this Sunday are to celebrate the beginning of a new First Church year, and to welcome Reverend David Bryce's return from his sabbatical.
Rev. David Bryce
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
Has it really been eight months?
     My last time in the pulpit at First Church - in fact, my last time in the building - was on Christmas Eve. That is at the very beginning of winter.          As I write this column, it is only 56 degrees in Lincoln because autumn is soon coming in. The wheel of the year is turning, and has gone nearly full cycle.
     For me it has been an eventful period of time. As with many times in life, this one will continue to reveal its full meaning over the months and years to come.
     Perhaps you also have had new experiences or major changes in your life.
     I find that it is in talking about these experiences, in sharing them with others, that we develop a deeper understanding of them. Somehow it is putting them into words that gives them life.
     Maybe that is part of the reason for community, and part of the reason for stories. We gain insight into what we have been through and what we are going through. In doing so, we gain strength, hope and purpose from them-and from all aspects of our lives.
     I expect to share my experiences over time, not all at once on my first day back, not all at once in my first month back. And as I share them, I expect that I will gain greater clarity about them.
     For now I will say that I have seen great pain in the lives of some of our siblings; and great resilience, and great hope.
     I have met good people who are afflicted by their own demons. I have met good people who are in difficult circumstances. I have seen the strength of community and of generosity among the very poorest in our midst. I have met people who are rising up out of their difficulties.
     I have seen kind works by generous people, and I have seen some of the failings of our social system.
     And I have gained a much greater appreciation for what I have; for things and for basic comfort to be sure, but also for family and love.
     As we come together to celebrate our community, may we be filled with gratitude for all that we have.
Sandy Island Registration is Open - some spaces still available! Register now!!!
The Fellowship Committee invites you to join us for the popular First Church Sandy Island Retreat. This is a wonderful opportunity to kick back, relax, and meet new and old friends after a long summer. Sandy Island offers recreational opportunities for people of all interests and ages.
     Information and the registration link are online:  uubelmont.org/sandy-island-church-retreat/
     Questions? Please contact the fellowship committee at  fellowship@uubelmont.org.
Program & Committee News in Brief
click headline links for more
Music Notes
Adult Programs
 
New Programs
  • General Assembly Report/Sanctuary Movement -    Sunday, Sept. 24, 12:30 p.m.,  Library
  • Women's Fall Potluck Supper - Friday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m.,  Upper Hall
  • "Spiritual Audacity" - Rev. Jim Sherblom - Sun., Oct. 1, 12:30 p.m.,  Library
  • Men's Fall Potluck Supper - Friday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.,  Upper Hall
  • Difficult Conversations - 4 Tuesdays, Oct. 10, 24, Nov. 7, 21, 7 p.m.
Ongoing Programs
  • Meditation - Mondays, 8 p.m., Library
  • Parenting Kids with Challenges - Friday, Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m., Library
  • Men's Support Group - Sunday, Sept. 17, 4 p.m., Conference Room
  • Alliance Concord Boat Cruise & Lunch - Wed., Sept. 20, 12 noon
  • Science and Spirituality - Thursday, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m., Conf. Room
  • Facing Illness Together - Thursday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m., Tinkham Room
  • Fiber Arts Fellowship - Thursday, Sept. 21, 8 p.m., Location TBD
  • Beyond Ferguson - Sunday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Library
  • First Church Book Group - Wed., Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m., Library
  • Caring for Older Adults - Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., Conf. Room
  • Mindful Yoga - 1st Saturdays, Oct. 7, 4-5:30 p.m., Library
In the Community
Caring Connection
The Caring Connection provides support to members of our community who need short-term help. Please let us know if you or someone you know would benefit from our support. Contact Laurie Graham at  caring@uubelmont.org  or Janice at the Church, 617-484-1054, ext. 10.

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. We share in moments of celebration and happiness. We reach out to those who are unable to get out and who would like a visit.  Please contact us through the Web site or the church office if we might be of help or comfort.

Grow Clinic!

September and October: Protein Power!!! (peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, canned stews, infant strained chicken/beef/turkey)

  • Food: One of the Most Important Medicines
Among Us
Connect with UU actions, events & resources
Parish Board
Information and board minutes are online.

Contact Us
Next issue: Friday, September 15
Please send submissions to office@uubelmont.org by noon on Wednesday, September 13. Items may be edited for space and clarity.
uubelmont.org/news/newsletter/