This is a reflection on my experience serving as a chaplain on a heart transplant unit – caring for people who had literally received new hearts – and the biblical story about having our heart of stone replaced with a heart of flesh. This is a story about transformation and love for the world, amidst all the things that plant seeds of cynicism.

To join online, go to zoom.us/j/89214621289

The RE Committee is very excited about the curriculum for our 6-8th graders this year, called Crossing Paths. We will be learning about different world religions. It is being specially written by the UUA for the particular difficulties of this year during the pandemic; they have created a totally online learning experience.

Each religion will be allotted 3 dates for different online encounter activities. You can sign up to teach/facilitate classes here at this link:

signupgenius.com/go/409084BAFAE2DA6FC1-uucsw2. Please, when you sign up, commit to all the dates for a religion's activities for continuity of learning. For further questions, email the RE Committee at RE@uucsw.org.

Wednesday, November 18th at 7:00 pm: Join Kim Hall and Jerry Breecher as they facilitate a discussion of the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. You and your friends are welcome to bring your reflections, questions, and ideas about the relationship between caste and racism as described by Wilkerson. The book is an excellent read, however if you need something shorter we recommend you read or listen to this interview from NPR's Fresh Air.

All are welcome! Join the discussion at: zoom.us/j/89240463478

Please consider participating in a congregational food drive to benefit the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) which provides meals for homeless people in Worcester. At this time they are especially in need of: 6-8 ounce juice boxes/pouches; fresh fruit, especially apples and pears; 16 oz. packages of bologna, thick slice pre-packaged; and boxes of chewy/soft granola bars. There will be a collection for these items on Tuesday, November 24th between 4:30 and 5:45 pm at the Ruggles Street door of UUCSW. Please reach out to Pauline at psciarappa@gmail.com ahead of time if there's a better time for you. Food will be delivered to SMOC on November 27th. Thank you for help with this. - Your friends on the Social Action Committee

A Blood Drive in Memory of Corinne Sciarappa will be held on Friday, November 27th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Tatnuck Bookseller and Cafe located at 18 Lyman Street in Westborough. Please come into the store first to check in at the registration table. Here is the link to schedule your appointment. There are limited spots so please feel free to follow your own schedule to donate whenever and wherever is most convenient for you. Thank you for helping provide this vital need especially during this time when Covid-19 is impacting blood donor opportunities and the blood supply for patients in need. No additional on site volunteers are needed for this drive but if you would like to bake something to share with the blood donors and Children's Hospital Bloodmobile staff please reach out to me at psciarappa@gmail.com for more details/info. - Thank you in advance, Pauline

We are continuing this fundraiser throughout the year. For every card purchased, the church receives 5% of the face value back. If you are interested in purchasing some cards to support the fundraiser, contact Lisa Shumway at treasurer@uucsw.org.

Anyone who self-identifies as a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) who is interested in forming or becoming part of a MetroWest BIPOC Meditation Group, please contact Lili Christian at jcommunitycreative@gmail.com to discuss the proposed format and the needs and desires of the participants. This group would center the BIPOC experience rooted in positive, compassionate sharing, listening, meditation and mindfulness principles. If there is interest, we would meet on Zoom to meditate as a supportive community.

Sewing helps me feel centered, so this week I've been sewing a stole for a friend in North Carolina who works for UU the Vote. It has seven strands, to remind us of the principles that guide us, woven together, because justice work is about creating connection and doing more together than we can on our own.

What is your small act this week? - Rev. Laurel