UUCM
news & updates
October 2019
Rev. Carol's Message
Our light must spill to shine.” We are called to let our light shine, to spill out into a dark world that desperately needs it. Every person carries a spark that can burn only when those sparks unite, creating one flame. What promises are we called to make to each other that will feed that flame? How can we open our hearts and minds, making room for different sparks, different voices that can help feed the flame? 
Worship Services - Sundays, 10:30am
Choir rehearsal 9-10am. All welcome!
Oct. 6 - The Sparks of Diversity & Inclusion - Worship Committee
As a community we make promises that are layered by our personal relationships, social justice imperative, and a sense of how we create a beloved community that empowers each and all of us. This service will offer opportunities to explore diversity and inclusion as a way to grow, share, and commit to what’s right for our world.
Noon:
  • Family potluck
  • Look for the Green Sanctuary table to discuss planning with others.

Oct. 13 - Diversity & Inclusion in Unitarian Universalism - 20 Years Later 
Rev. Strecker will reflect on changes she’s seen and challenges we face on the anniversary of her 20th year as an ordained UU minister.
Welcome Newcomers: if you’re new and want to learn more about UUCM, meet with the minister and a few church members after the service.

Oct. 20 - Creating Circles of Trust - Rev. Strecker  
Trust is vital in developing relationships that are welcoming and inclusive. Trust is what allows us to stay at the table when things get a little shaky. This morning we’ll look at how to develop and maintain trusting relationships, drawing the circle wide and wider still.  
Noon-1:30 - Congregational workshop on developing a Covenant of Right Relations. A simple lunch will be provided.

Oct. 27 - Centering Voices from the Margins  
Guest Speaker: JerriAnn Boggis, ED at Black Heritage Trail of NH will speak on the heels of the:
BLACK INK: African American News from Slave Songs to Social Media
Oct. 25-26 at SNHU, Manchester, NH
Note: The Fall Congregational Meeting has been rescheduled to Nov 10, so UUCM folks can participate in the CROP Walk today.
Registering Children & Youth for Church Programs
We ask that ALL children and youth be registered -- even if you have registered in prior years. Register online here .
Children’s Sunday Circles will meet each Sunday in October:
     Oct. 6 - Helping our Planet Earth
     Oct. 13 - Indigenous People’s Wisdom and Cultures
     Oct. 20 - Celebrating Autumn
     Oct. 27 - Honoring All Souls
Take the NEW Search Committee Survey!
Please be sure to take the online survey for the Search Committee. It's not the same one as last year, so we all need to respond. After completing the survey OR attending a Search Focus Group, check your name off on the checklist posted in the Garden Door hallway area.
UUCM and the Milford Pumpkin Festival - Oct. 12
This year, UUCM will participate in the Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct.12, in two locations.
On the Oval
  • 10x10 booth on the Milford Oval
  • Selling pumpkin and chocolate mini-whoopie pies, apple crisp, and cold beverages
  • Poster directing folks to UUCM for family friendly, festival activities
  • Small poster and handouts announcing the next free Community Supper at UUCM (Oct 16)
At UUCM
  • Pony rides, face painting, and other family friendly activities

This is the first fundraiser for the church year, and we need your help to make it a fabulous success:
  1. Join other UUCM cooks in the UUCM kitchen on Thursday morning, Oct 10, to make the cookies. We need lots of them!
  2. If you prefer, you can make cookies at home, using the same simple recipe.
  3. Join the stuffing and wrapping team at UUCM on Friday morning, Oct 11, to fill the mini pies and wrap for sale. Also make pans of apple crisp.
  4. Help the Milford DO-IT team set up on Friday morning (to reduce our booth rental cost).
  5. Staff one of the booths (Oval or UUCM) for a few hours during the event.
  6. Help clean up after we close our booths.

Contact Dona Eaton to offer your assistance to make this fundraiser a big success!
#FridaysforFuture - Oct. 4, 4-6pm
Join us for Climate Action visibility on Elm St, right outside of UUCM. Bring a sign of your own or use one of ours. This event is still in the planning stages. If you are interested in helping plan this event, please contact Marti Kennedy, UUCM President.
Game Night - Oct. 4, 7-10pm
Come to Barnum Hall on the first Friday of the month 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.
Family Potluck - Oct. 6 noon
Make new friends and reconnect with your church family at the potluck luncheon immediately after the service. All ages welcome! Bring a dish to share. Please note  Food Allergen Policy .
Green Sanctuary - Oct. 6, 12:15
The meeting agenda includes debriefing the Climate Strike, ways to collaborate with other faith groups and organizations in our area, and possible next actions. Load a plate at the family potluck, and let’s eat while we meet! All are welcome!
Transforming Hearts Video Series
Transgender Inclusion in Congregations
  • Thursdays, Oct. 10, 17 & 24, Nov. 7 - Granite Room
  • 6:30 - Watch videos (Bring a bag supper, if desired.)
  • 7:30-8:30 - Discussion 
Read more about this 6-session course, which you can also stream at home. We will view sessions 3-6 at UUCM, but material from sessions 1&2 will be included in our discussions. Wherever you watch, you can join the discussion at UUCM. Instructions for free streaming here.
"On Being" Podcast - Oct. 18, 6:30-9pm
Join us on the third Friday each month. We 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.
Covenant of Right Relations Workshop - Oct 20
Oct 20 (noon - 1:30)
A covenant of right relations is a statement of promises our congregation makes about how we want to be together. Last year we began discussions, and this fall, in preparation for a congregational vote, we want to delve in more deeply. During this workshop we plan to review the draft covenant, talk more about why it's needed, and talk through gaps and suggestions. A simple lunch will be served. Questions? Contact the team that's been working on the covenant: Ellen Groh, Leslie Bennett, Candy Shirey, or Nancy Danzinger. 
Reading About Racism - Oct. 21
While UUCM’s Reading for Change group is on hiatus until January, those interested in reading and talking about racism might want to join the new Reading About Racism Book Group at Milford's Wadleigh Library. Linda Higgs will be facilitating a discussion of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye on October 21. You can also join a new, private UUCM Reading for Change Facebook group to share ideas with others on this book and other books we’ll be reading.
Crop Walk – Oct. 27
Join or support Team UUCM in the Greater Nashua Area CROP Hunger Walk.
The 3.3-mile walk will include a route through scenic Greeley Park and end with a cookout. 25% of funds raised will go to SHARE and other local orgs assisting those with food insecurity, and 75% goes to Church World Services (CWS), whose work includes assisting migrants and victims of Hurricane Dorian. 
See complete details or contact Susan Dyke Deschenes at suzedesch@gmail.com or
603-673-4347. You can also directly donate to Susan’s walk .
Join Small Group Ministry Now!
Small Group Ministry (sometimes called Covenant Groups) is a lay-led group of about 8-10 people who meet twice monthly to share their lives and discuss meaningful topics with the opportunity for deeper spiritual exploration and search for meaning. SGM is a wonderful way to forge a deeper connection with members of the congregation. Several groups currently meeting have room for new members. Contact a group leader if you are interested. Current SGM groups are:
  • David Wheeler – Hollis – 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7-9pm
  • David Harris – Mont Vernon – 2nd & 4th Weds, 7-9pm
  • Linda Higgs & Linda Pellerin – Milford – 1st & 3rd Tues, 2-4pm
If you'd like to join a group, but none of these work for you, let Pat Nelson know and she will keep a list of names in case another opportunity becomes available.
“Writing Your Life – One Story at a Time”
This group for memoir writing led by Rev. Jeanne Nieuwejaar is opening again for new members. (Due to the personal nature of sharings, the group will close once membership is fixed.)
  • Starts Sunday, November 3
  • 1st & 3rd Sundays, 12:15-2pm - Granite Room
Click here to learn more. If you wish to attend, please be in touch with Jeanne Nieuwejaar. 
Environmental Workshop – Nov. 3
Rev. Fred Small of the Arlington St. Church is offering an environmental workshop, "Give Light: Spiritual Support for Climate Activism” on Sun., Nov. 3, from 2-4 pm, at Northshore UU Church, Danvers, Mass. Actvities will include guided meditation, reflection, conversation, and song to fortify our spirits and deepen our resolve in the struggle for climate justice. Reserve your spot by Oct. 15 with Iain Goddard ( igoddarda@aol.com) or NSUU.Green@gmail.com. Interested in carpooling to this workshop? Contact Cathy Goldwater.
Holiday Fair Planning is Underway!
Announcing the 2019 UUCM Holiday Fair Team, which is already in the planning stages:
  • Chairs: Sharon Verrill & Nancy Danzinger
  • Crafts: Betty Sweeney & Lisa Rothman 
  • Ritzy Boutique: Elise DeMichael & Barbara Livoli 
  • Bakery: Cammie Opre 
  • Café: Dona Eaton 
Ritzy Boutique is now accepting your donations of gently used and new items, including: jewelry, books and CDs, holiday decorations, gift and household items, accessories (scarves, gloves, hats, purses, etc.) -- but not clothing! To drop things off or ask questions, contact Elise deMichael or Barbara Livoli.
Finance Committee News
The Finance Committee has met all summer. We have formed two sub-groups, which have also met over the summer: the Fundraiser Team (which will be an ongoing subcommittee of Finance) and the Rental Team.
  • The Rental Team is updating our rental process and you will hear more about that when we roll it out after the Board reviews it later this year. Dona Eaton, Sandy Frades, and Jamie Ferrier have been involved in this effort.
  • The Fundraiser Team is a new effort whose mission is to enhance fundraising efforts at UUCM by supporting the leaders of fundraising activities, soliciting new ideas for fundraising, and, where appropriate, increasing community participation. If you have ideas for fundraising at UUCM or want to hold a fundraiser, please contact a member of the Fundraiser Team: Dona Eaton, Sandy Frades, or Julie Adl-Zarabi.
  • The Finance Committee meets the first Sunday of the month at 9:00am. We would love to have some new members -- so come see if our committee or the Fundraising Team is for you on October 6 in the Granite Room. For more information, contact the Finance Chair, Sandy Frades.
Outdoor Sign Tells What UUCM is About
Thanks to the many minds and hands of the Task Force that worked together to make this happen: Scott Bennett, Linda Higgs, Cammie Opre, David Wheeler, and Jan Woodman. And thanks to Steve Opre for preparing the frame for the banner, and to Bob Baker and John Mika for installing it. It was a long process, from selecting the banner, getting a sign permit, and getting it framed and installed before Labor Day, the Climate Strike, and the Pumpkin Festival!
From the Board
Thanks to all who turned out for the Global Climate Strike! We made our voices and values seen and heard, and had fun! Special thanks to Cathy Goldwater for getting the ball rolling and hosting folks in Emerson Hall, and to Wilton Peace Action for your presence, your great signs, and "fire sticks".
Community Supper - 10/16
Get out of the kitchen and enjoy dinner and conversation with folks from UUCM and our neighborhood.
Women's Potluck - 10/14
We gather at 11:30 and eat promptly at noon. We'll be cleaned up and ready to leave by 1:30pm. Many hands make light work.
October is Pajama Month
We will collect new pajamas for any age, gender, or size for SHARE. Leave donations in the basket in Barnum Hall labeled SHARE Pajamas. For more information, contact Sandy Frades.
SHARE Donations - October
Canned ham, canned meats, side dishes (seasoned pasta mix, Hamburger Helper, etc.), ravioli and Beefaroni
Pastoral Care Contact
October: Linda Higgs (except October 4-11: Carole Treen)
Try it! Volunteer at NSK This Fall  
Every month we need three volunteers to help serve Sunday lunch at the Nashua Soup Kitchen.  
  • When: 2nd Sunday of every month   
  • 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

Marti and Meghan extend their thanks to all the volunteers who helped out this summer: Debbie Reed, Barbara Livoli, Jean Lovely, Ann Sobel, John Miller, Marty Miller -- and her cousin! If you helped out in June and your name is not here, please know we are very grateful to you too! (We are just forgetful.) We can't do this meaningful work without you all, so thanks for your ongoing help in the coming year. 
Parking Reminder
NO parking in the large lot outside the Garden Door on M-F before 6 and Sat. before 5.  Read more.
Click on the calendar!
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