Unitarian Universalist Congregational Society of Westborough
Weekly Update
January 3, 2019
Sunday, January 6 – 10:30 am
Prophet or Pariah? Timing is Everything
Rev. Bev Preaching
Most religions accept prophets as individuals who are in contact with a divine being and are said to speak on that entity's behalf. They are inspired teachers serving as intermediaries with humanity by delivering messages from the supernatural source to common people. Common examples are Jesus, Buddha and Muhammad. But what else does it take for someone to be accepted as a prophet by a large group of people? Join Rev. Bev as she explores this question in the context of her work as a social worker with the homeless population. 
This Week in Religious Education
RE classes: On January 6th we are beginning in the sanctuary at 10:30 for a special story time and you can pick your kids up from Group RE at 11:45! Thanks!

Battling Horcruxes: This year our 5th/6th grade RE class is participating in the program Harry and the UU, which explores the injustices in the world today through the lens of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter book series. January’s horcrux is Sickness.

Group RE: Come and join us as we continue with our Windows and Mirrors Curriculum in Group RE. This week we are exploring what it means to be a community and how we are both individuals and a part of something bigger! Windows and Mirrors help us to visualize our reflections of what is inside of ourselves and help us to look through to who our community is! 
RE Teachers: This is a friendly reminder to watch your email for a link to our signup genius for RE teachers. We greatly appreciate your time and talents that you have donated these past few months. As we are officially in 2019 now, we would love to have you signup for more sessions for this spring! You are what makes our RE program such a success! Thank you!

Youth Group: To all of our wonderful high school youth, we welcome you back for our January Meeting! Please attend and help us to pick and choose what events and activities you would like to accomplish this spring. A Google Doc has been created for your perusal in the meanwhile so you can see what we will talk about! So please join us on January 13th at 12pm for pizza and fun!
UUCSW Talent Show January 5
Come join us this Saturday, January 5th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at UUCSW (Chapel) for a great time. Pizza, drinks and desserts will be served. All talents are welcome….singing, comedy, hula hooping, dancing, art projects and more! Performances are to be 2 to 5 minutes maximum. Email Melissa Meehan to sign up at melcmeehan@gmail.com . This event is sponsored by the Membership Engagement Team. 
UUCSW Service Project January 6
Social Justice FAMILY Event – Please mark your calendar.

When – Sunday, January 6, 12:00-12:30 PM
Where – In our very own church kitchen.
What – Pack meals. We will be packing meals for people in a homeless shelter in Worcester. There will be jobs for all ages. We deliver 100 meals on Sunday and they are handed out the next two days. The shelter does NOT provide lunches so this is a big help for people.
UU Knits January 7
Do you enjoy any type of needle or yarn craft? Then bring your WIP (Work in Progress) to sit and gab with other crafters while you make some progress! We are a zero-pressure setting, and we have a great time! Join us on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at the church at 6:30 pm.
Buddhist Group - an invitation to learn something new
Before we started attending UUCSW, I was already attending Buddhist groups for study and meditation. Buddhism speaks to me and I really want to share that experience with everyone here. To that end, I want to start a regular meeting group at the church to explore Buddhism. There is a long tradition of Unitarian Universalists being interested in and benefiting from Buddhism. 

If you are interested, please fill out my survey. - Erin Gold
The survey is best viewed on a computer or tablet. Some words and choices are cut off when viewed on a phone.
Volunteers Needed - Meal Packaging Event
Our congregation will be participating in the Meal Packaging Event at Good Shepherd Church on Saturday, February 9th at 1PM. This volunteer opportunity is open to our entire congregation. Last year we committed to packaging 3,000 meals covered by a $750 donation. If you are interested in participating this year – including helping with fundraising – please contact DRE Cassie Lengel at CassieLengel.DRE@gmail.com
Join the UUCSW Snow Removal Team!
When it comes to snow removal at the church, many hands make light work. We are forming a snow removal team to make clean-up after snow storms a breeze. If a storm is approaching, you will receive an email and whoever can make it will show up with shovels and a can-do attitude. If you can help out in this way, please sign up! Thank you!

Stop & Shop Gift Cards Fundraiser
REMINDER: Pick up your Stop & Shop gift cards from Ken Young on Sundays before or after services. For every dollar purchased, the church receives 5%.

If you do not personally shop at Stop & Shop you can still join in this easy fund-raiser as it is very much appreciated when these cards are added to the monthly offering (1st Sunday of the month) that benefits the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
Snow Cancellation Information
If the weather is inclement and you’re wondering if services are cancelled please check the following places: 

WEBSITE: www.uucsw.org
TV: WBZ, WHDH
RADIO: WBZ 1030 AM
PHONE: The church’s outgoing message (508-366-2635) will reflect weather-related closing.
NOTE: As many of our congregants and staff live in towns other than Westborough, please remember that we would close based on Westborough weather conditions only. Please base your decision on the conditions in your town, your safety is the most important factor to consider.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are in need of assistance due to weather, please contact Rev. Bev (508-481- 5397 (h) or 508-330- 1352 (c), and she will do her best to get someone to assist you.
Blood Drive in Honor of Corinne Sciarappa
Congregational Church of Westboro
Saturday, January 19
8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Celebrate life and make a difference by giving blood. Blood is needed for many different kinds of patients. It could be a young child with a rare blood disorder, a family member fighting cancer, or a friend involved in a car accident. Please donate at this special blood drive. You'll feel good knowing you've helped change the lives of patients in need. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.
Upcoming Events At a Glance
Saturday, January 5, 5:00 pm - UUCSW Talent Show
Sunday, January 6, 10:30 am - Rev. Bev Preaching
Sunday, January 6, 12:00 pm - UUCSW Service Project
Monday, January 7, 6:30 PM - UU Knits