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UUCM Newsletter
May 2019
603-673-1870
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Table of Contents

Minister's Message
It's May!  Finally, warmer days are here to stay. I will have had the good fortune to enjoy the greening of the Earth several different times in different places this year.
 
Kate and I spent a week on "The Emerald Isle" at the end of March where daffodils were already dotting the greening hillsides. It was a long winter and I could  
almost feel my soul nestling into all that green.
 
We spent Easter with my mom and brother in St. Louis where flowering dogwoods and redbuds were at their peak. There's nothing more beautiful than St. Louis in  
the spring. Nature's palette ranges from lacy white to delicate pink, from bright fuchsia to purple. Tulips, azaleas, and iris all dressed in their finery -- framed by tender young leaves and grass in variegated colors of green. It's so verdant, yet tender, and those of us who grew up there know it's all too fleeting. Now I'm on my way to South Texas for a meeting with Interim Ministers from all over the country, which will surely feel like high summer to this northern girl.
 
The greening of the Earth is a powerful force for life -- a force that we can see, smell, and feel. It never ceases to amaze me. It reminds me that things are always changing. The cycles and seasons of life are always on the move. Just as surely as new life is born, the cycles and seasons will turn again, bearing fruit. Then comes the harvest, followed by a season of death, decay, and dormancy -- only to begin again -- life renewing itself.  
 
I had the opportunity to go to church with my mom and brother on Easter Sunday. It's been more than 20 years since we've had an opportunity to celebrate Easter as a family. We have different relationships with Jesus, but we all know the power of resurrection. The miracle of new life on the heels of death abounds and I enjoy shouting "Alleluia" and reveling in the tenacity of life and love. For me the message of Easter is that life and love live on -- transcending even death. There are times when it's more easily seen than others, but I believe that where there's life, there is hope -- hope in the dawning of a new day.
 
When I heard that you weren't going to have a candidate for your next settled minister this year, it felt like an ending. I felt a little sad and disappointed for you -- and especially for the Search Committee. You have all worked so hard over the last two years to prepare for the moment -- expecting something new to arrive. But it didn't take me long to realize this was going to be an incredible opportunity for you to learn and grow together, deepening your understanding of who you are and what kind of minister might be best suited to share your hopes and dreams, working with you to bring them to fruition. What felt like a dead end was quickly transformed into an opportunity for a new beginning. And I am delighted that I will be along for the journey. I can't wait to see what kind of discoveries you'll make about yourselves along the way.
 
The Search Committee has learned that you all need to go deeper together to engage questions about ministry -- regarding both who you might call and the shared ministry you want to engage in together so you'll be in an even stronger position for the search process next year.
 
For example, you've discovered that Environment/Climate Change is an area of social justice focus that many of you care deeply about. How might you breathe new life into your care for the Earth? The energy at our Earth Day Celebration and the resource fair afterward was amazing. How can we build on that together? I get pretty excited thinking about it. I hope you do too. The  
possibilities for new life for this congregation are waiting to be discovered.   
A new day is dawning.
 
Faithfully Yours,
Rev. Carol
 
Sunday Worship Services at 10:30am
May 5 - Celebrating Pete Seeger
Rev. Carol Strecker
Pete Seeger was a Unitarian Universalist whose life and music exemplified our principles. Born on May 3, 1919,  this week marks the 100th anniversary of his birth.  We'll gather to celebrate this iconic American folk singer and social activist who built communities of love for justice and peace through music.   

May 12 - The Art of Mothering 
Rev. Carol Strecker
Mothering is an art that transcends gender and genetics. This morning we'll celebrate mothering -- all the ways we nurture and are nurtured by others throughout our lives. This special service will include a celebration of Harriet Aborn's life -- an elder in this congregation who knew a thing or two about mothering. After the service: There will be a special reception in Harriet's honor.

May 19 - Thoreau's Walden
Rev. Carol Strecker
Henry David Thoreau spent two years living in a one-room cabin on the shores of Walden Pond starting in 1845. He embraced simplicity and mindfulness more than a hundred years before they became contemporary paths to spiritual development. His direct experience of mystery and wonder in nature has become one of the sources from which Unitarian Universalists draw inspiration, and his words still have much to say to us today.

May 26 - Blessing of the Animals 
Led by Sandy Frades and Youth from our Congregation
We'll honor the interconnected web of life this morning with an intergenerational service dedicated to our furry and feathered friends. You are invited to bring your well-behaved pets on a leash or in a carrier to celebrate in Barnum Hall. Please give them plenty of exercise before you come. If the experience of coming to UUCM will traumatize either your pet or the rest of us, please leave them at home. We will bless them long distance and you can offer them our blessing when you get home. Bring stuffed pets and pictures of beloved animal friends for our altar. We will do the best we can to separate the animals from people with allergies.
 
Faith Formation
Summer Service Leaders Needed
Our Summer Spiritual Gatherings happen on Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:30. These fruitful discussions are led by members of the congregation. Volunteers are needed to continue this tradition this coming summer! Can you facilitate one or more Sunday discussions? Topics and guidelines can be provided. Please contact Cathy Goldwater  and offer to lead one or more Sunday services.

May Sunday Morning Circles Schedule (Grades 1-6)
May 5 - May Baskets
Children will be invited to usher in May and celebrate Spring by creating May Baskets.  
 
May 12 - Card Making for Elderly Neighbors
We will hear a story about how children and youth can bring joy to older folks. The children will then be invited to create cards and notes for our elderly neighbors and relatives.
 
May 19 - Cupcake Decorating 
Debbie Maloney will lead the children in decorating cupcakes for each of the 12 months. Stay after the service for Everyone's Birthday Party(Can you provide a dozen plain cupcakes?) 
 
May 26 - Blessing of the Animals in Barnum Hall 
We invite all children and youth to participate in this Whole Congregation Worship service. Childcare and the Family Room will also be available.
 
As a reminder, every Sunday we offer:
  • Free childcare (for infants through kindergarten age) -- Available every Sunday starting at 10:15am. 
  • A Family Room - Available to families every Sunday at any time during a service. In the Family Room you can listen to the service and play with an array of crafts, books, and games. Parents must stay with their children in this room. 
And remember to join UUCM's Family Facebook Group !  It's interactive!  
 
Nursery Provider Needed
Do you, or someone you know, love babies and young children? Are you free on Sunday mornings from 10am to noon? If so, we'd love to hear from you. The Children & Youth Committee (CYC) is looking to hire an additional nursery care provider. This is a paid position! Please contact the office if interested. 
 
Children & Youth Committee Update
The Children & Youth Committee invites members and friends who have an interest in our children and youth to join the committee, offer to share a talent, or help lead a Sunday Morning Circle. Contact the office to help.
 
Attention all Families  
Pizza Pizza& Song Night! May 10, 5:30-6:45pm.
Come at 5:30pm for pizza (veggie and plain) and Singalong with Amy Conley & Friends (for ALL ages).
 
After a quick break, the regularly scheduled 2nd Friday Song circle will begin at 7:00pm, where you can stay as long as you like for more songs from he Rise Again songbook (we have extras). Instruments, drums, etc. are also welcome! Call Amy Conley, 603-249-9560 to RSVP (no texts).
 
May 19 (coffee hour) - Everyone's Birthday birthdayParty !
Plain cupcakes needed for the children to decorate.
You don't want to miss this event! Have a cupcake and meet members, friends, and famous UUs who share your birthday month. We are looking for people to bring in a dozen plain, undecorated cupcakes. Please let the office know if you can help.
      
UUCM newsNews & Activities
From Marti, UUCM Council Acting President
Our work on the revised mission statement is complete. Our new mission statement is:
"We are a compassionate, spiritual community that honors every person's search for truth as we learn and work together to create a better world."

Important dates as the church year is quickly coming to a close:
  • Budget Informational Session -- Saturday, May 11, at 9:00am 
  • Call to Meeting -- Mid-May
  • Annual Meeting -- Sunday, June 2, after the service. 

All members of UUCM have the privilege and responsibility of voting at annual meetings on items such as our annual budget, our governing officers, and future projects. Please mark your calendar now and make it a priority.

In case you have not heard, Council has asked Rev. Carol to stay with us for a third year of interim ministry, and she has agreed to do so. We are very grateful to have another year with her!

Focus Group - Covenant of Right Relations
May 12 at noon  
Join the focus group to discuss the draft Covenant of Right Relations, which the congregation will vote on at the annual meeting. Direct any questions to team members: Leslie Bennett, Elise deMichael, Dory D'Vann, Ellen Groh, or Candy Shirey. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions.

In our interactions at UUCM, we promise to:
  • Actively reach out to each other and to newcomers.
  • Listen to each other and speak directly -- with honesty, compassion, and curiosity.
  • Presume good intent.
  • Accept and appreciate one another.
  • Serve our community with generosity and good humor.
  • Be responsible and accountable for our choices.
  • Forgive each other and ourselves. 
 
Thank You for Your Support
We are planting the seeds! 
Thank you to all who have completed their pledge for the 2019/2020 church year. As of April 11, we have received 68 pledges for a total of $140,227.31. Thank you all for your  
generosity! 
 
Some heartening statistics: 
  • We have already exceeded last year's pledge amount by 6%.
  • 46% of those who have pledged increased their amount over last year.
  • 12% of pledges are new.  Welcome! 
 
Some anticipated pledges remain outstanding. If you plan to give and haven't had the chance, please send your pledge to treasurer@uucm.org or drop your completed pledge card in the UUCM office! 
 
Thank you too to everyone who made this campaign a great success. It truly does take a village and we couldn't have done it without your help and enthusiasm: Nancy Baker, Leslie Bennett, Scott Bennett, John Bigl, Amy Conley, Michael Conley, Brady Crossman, Kaitlyn Crossman, Karen Crossman, Nancy Danzinger, Dick Danzinger, Jackie Davis, Jamie Ferrier, Sandy Frades, Julie Griffin, Ellen Groh, Cathy Haigh, Erna Johnson, Chelsea Koehler, Lucas Maggs, Debbie Maloney, Rachel Merrick-Maggs, John Miller, Steve Opre, John Reagan, Thomas Sergeant, Candy Shirey, Graham Smith, Reverend Carol Strecker, Leslie Vogel, Ginny Yingling. 
 
Game Night - First Friday 
May 3, 7-8:30pm
Come to Barnum Hall for an evening of fun and fellowship.  We will meet to play board games and get to know one another better. Kids, families, and adults are all welcome. Bring a favorite game if you wish.  We will supply beverages and something sweet.  Questions?                                     Contact Leslie Bennett.   
 
Reading for Change: The 57 Bus
Thursday, May 9 - 6pm Potluck, gender6:30 Discussion
At the May meeting we will discuss The 57 Bus, by Dashka Slater, a  compelling, well researched, well written account of what happened when the paths of two teenagers from different backgrounds crossed on a public bus. In this true story, Slater deals with the LGBTQueer issue and questions binary notions not only of gender, but of other culturally resonant binaries as well -- of victim and perpetrator, black and white, good and evil. Join us to discuss this bestseller that may challenge your assumptions about identity, community, and the meaning of justice.
 
Song Circle - Second Friday  
May 10, 7-10pmsong
People who love to sing and/or play acoustic instruments for fun meet monthly at UUCM and use the Rise Again songbook. Contact Amy Conley.  (And, if you like, come early for pizza and song!)

A Double Header on Saturday, May 11
9am-10am - Review budgetthe Proposed Budget
Join the Finance Committee and Council to review the proposed budget. We will gather for coffee and conversation about UUCM finances and the proposed budget for the church year that begins on July 1, 2019. Questions? Call Leslie Bennett.

10am-12pm - Spring CleanUp
After the budget hearing, j oin us in tidying up the church grounds and church furnishings. The Friday Guys have done some of the work, but they can't do it alone. Come and help tidy the gardens or lend a hand doing some deep cleaning of the kitchen and tables and chairs in Barnum.   Refreshments will be provided.  All are welcome!
~ Barbara Smith for the Property Committee  
 
All Women's Potluck
May 13, 11:45am 
Enjoy one another's company and learn a bit more about each other in a relaxed setting with delicious food. We'll gather in Barnum Hall at 11:45 to set up, and enjoy lunch at noon. Afterwards, many hands make cleanup fast. For questions, call Elise deMichael. 
 
'On Being' Podcast & Potluck - Third Friday
May 17, 6:30-9pm
Join us on the third Friday of each month. We will start by sharing a potluck meal and listening to a Krista Tippett " On Being" podcast, which promises "intelligent conversation on religion, meaning, and moral imagination."  Following dinner, we'll talk about what we heard. It's like a book club with no homework!  Questions? Call Leslie Bennett. 
 
New, Better, BIGGER Spring Fling! 
Saturday, May 18 from 8:30am-1pm

Yard Sale: Declutter now!  Gather up your unwanted stuff to sell.  We do the advertising and provide you with a table (or two) in front of UUCM.  You set up and sell your stuff and take home whatever does not sell after the sale, and donate 20% of your profits to UUCM.  

Plant Sale: UUCM will make beaucoup bucks if you donate perennial plants from your garden. Label your plants, please. If you need pots or help digging or more information, contact Dona Eaton.

Bake Sale: People love to spend money on big muffins, scones, and cookies.  If the great UUCM bakers can make something for us to sell, that would be great!

Help is needed at the end.  See more information and the signup sheet in Barnum Hall or contact Jane or John Mika.

 
Sacred Circle Dancing - Fourth Thursdays
May 23 - 7-8:45pm in Emerson Hall
Open to the public. All are welcome -- from teens to seniors. No experience (and no partner) necessary. Sacred Circle dances are easy to learn, and every dance is taught by leader Mary Koon.  Dances range from playful to meditative, with ancient to modern music and choreography. They are good for the body -- and for the soul!  Questions?  Contact Mary at maryfloyd62@comcast.net or 603-487-2732.

Take Your Spirit to the Sea - Ferry Beach 2019
Friday, Sept. 6 - Sunday, Sept. 8 - Saco, Maine
(Register by May 31st)
Every year for decades, UUCM members and  their families have come together by the sea in September for fun, relaxation, and spiritual grounding. Please join us this year as we mark the beginning of a new year of fellowship!  All the information you need, plus registration and scholarship request forms, are on our website
Please don't hesitate to ask for a scholarship if you need one. If you have questions or want to help with the planning, please contact Beth Soederberg
 
New UUCM Members
During a recent service, we welcomed some of our new members. Read their brief biographies near the photo wall in Barnum or by clicking here to learn more about:
  • Vic Baur  
  • Dory D'Vann
  • Lorna Fuller
  • Rachel & Scott Merrick-Maggs
  • Brenda Perry
  • Benjamin & Akiko Voelcker
Outreach - Helping Others
UUCM Community Suppers  - HELP Wanted!
On the 3rd Wednesday every month (5:30-6:30pm) UUCM provides a free supper to the greater community and generally serves around 70 meals. 

We have a core group of volunteers, but would LOVE to have you join us.  
The jobs at UUCM are 1-2 hours. Or you can bake at home. Training and free dinner provided!   
  • Set-up team -- 4:30 - 5:30  
    • Set tables, beverage & serving area; plate bread and desserts.
  • Serving Team -- 5:15 - 6:30
    • Serve food; restock buffet and beverages as needed.
  • Clean-up Team -- 5:45 - 7:00 
    • Dishwashing
    • Pot washing 
    • Busing tables, scraping & stacking dishes
    • Drying dishes & putting them away
    • Laundering dishtowels
  • Clear Dining Room and Kitchen -- 6:30 - 7:00
  • Donate baked cookies/bars.
  • Pick up bread at Dutch Epicure on 101A.
Each month Nancy Danzinger sends a message soliciting volunteers for that month.  Contact her to get on the distribution list.

 

Try it!  Volunteer at NSK This Spring
Every month we need three volunteers to help serve Sunday lunch at the Nashua Soup Kitchen.  
When: 2nd Sunday of every month (Next on May 12 )  
Time:   10:30am-2:30pm 
Duties: Setup, simple food prep, serving, cleanup 
Who:   Adults and youth 12 and older (accompanied by a responsible adult). 
You can sign up online or contact Marti Kennedy or Meghan Hoye. 
 
SHARE Collections in May/June
UUCM supports SHARE by 'sharing the plate' and donating to their monthly collections. Your donations help people in Milford, Amherst, Brookline, and Mont Vernon. 
  • New School Supplies: Items needed are (but are not limited to): pens, Ticonderoga pencils, notebooks (1-5 subject), USB memory sticks, and back packs.  
  • Groceries: Toothbrushes & paste, Deodorant, Bar Soap, Wipes, Shampoo & Conditioner, Feminine Hygiene Products, Diapers.
Please place your donation in marked baskets in Barnum Hall. 
 
Reminders  
Pastoral Care pcareContact
May:  Irene VanKanan

Monthly Newsletter Deadline - 20th of Each Month
Monthly newsletters offer a way to plan ahead.  See all information about upcoming UUCM events in the monthly newsletter.  Articles must be sent to news@uucm.org by the 20th of each month.  
 
Updated Member and Leadership Directories
The Leadership and Member Directories are updated as necessary to reflect changes to leadership and to add new members. Now that the newsletter is public on the website and no personal contact info is provided, it is especially important to make sure all your info is correct in the directories. Look for the directories online. Let Jamie know if you need to update your email address, phone number, or other information (office@uucm.org or 603-673-1870).
 
Log On to the Members & Friends Section of UUCM.ORG Why? Get the latest Church Directory, Council minutes, services provided by UUCM members & friends, ways to shop to benefit UUCM, and more. Contact commteam@uucm.org if you need help logging on. 
  
Guidelines: Bringing Food & Serving Alcohol at UUCM
Please observe UUCM's Food Allergen and Alcohol policies on the UUCM Policies webpage. 

Parking at UUCM
 
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 .