We are a spiritual fellowship dedicated to building beloved community within and beyond our doors.

Theme for March

This month is a tricky one for us UUs. We are, after all, the religion of human potential, goodness, and power! We don’t sing at impeded streams; we break through them. We don’t put up with confused minds; we keep at it until we become un-baffled. When we no longer know what to do, we just turn to each other and figure it out together. Read more about the theme - The Path of Vulnerability.

UUCM Sunday Services at 10:30am

In the sanctuary and on Zoom

Services this month will be focused on the theme "The Path of Vulnerability". Information on upcoming services is posted on the UUCM website and in the Weekly Update. Masks are now optional at UUCM!

Message from the President's Desk

NOTE: Guest contributor Amy Blanchard is ably filling in for Scott this month.

“If it’s not fun, don’t do it.” That’s what Rev. Shayna advised us at Ferry Beach last September. It’s what Scott touched upon in his first President’s letter of this church year. And it’s what we try to remind ourselves of everyday.

And now I’m reminding you.

Have you ever seen the 2021 movie “Yes Day”? In it, a frazzled mom and dad, who usually say “No” to their three kids, decide to take a day and just say “Yes!” to whatever they want (within ground rules). Whatever the kids want to do -- Yes! Whatever they want to wear (or have their parents wear) -- Yes! A day of adventure - Yes!

What a concept, right? Just going ahead and saying yes to everything. Turning away from your usual daily activities, going out, and living large. Or, not… I mean, the older we get, the less we tend to want to live a wild and crazy lifestyle. I know Scott would be thrilled to say Yes to a nice hike in the woods followed by a cold beer and a nap. And I’d say Yes to a day of crosswords, a good book, and tea. Just sayin’... But I digress…

What about you? What have you said No to lately? What if you said Yes instead? What would happen? And remember - if it’s not fun, don’t do it.

In this Stewardship season at UUCM, how can you say Yes and have fun in the process? Have you been asked to join a committee? Have you been asked to increase your donation? Have you been asked to step up in another way? Have you said, or at least thought to yourself, “No. Sorry. I just don’t have the time or resources. Surely someone else will do it instead. Maybe next time.”

And what about not only saying Yes, but deciding that you’re going to make it fun while you’re at it? As author Kimberly Debus said in the February 17 “Hold My Chalice” article found in the Weekly Update, parents don’t babysit their kids. Parents take care of their kids -- fun stuff or not -- because they’re their kids. And I think most parents would say their kids are not a burden to them, but a blessing. And a fun blessing at that. Despite all the work and cost, stress and obligations of parenthood, raising kids is fun! In the end, your kids are an extension of you. You want to show them that anything is possible. And it is. You just have to find a way to it that is interesting, fun, and that motivates you on toward success.

Likewise, UUCM isn’t your church. UUCM is you! Really, without you, the building at 20 Elm St. is just that -- a beautiful old building. It’s the people inside that make it what it is. Make it hum. Make it work. A real blessing and a happy place to be.

We are all full of possibility. We all need each other. We all want to show ourselves and the community that UUCM cares and is working toward a better world. How can we do that? Step up. Say “Yes!” Do things how you want to do them to make them fun and worthwhile for you. Shine your light. Make it your own. Be you. Be proud. Be UUCM.

Scott Blanchard (president@uucm.org)

It's Almost Here.... Don't Miss it!

Stewardship 2023-24

This year’s theme is “Let Our Lights Shine!” It is inspired by a quote from Marianne Williamson: As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.



It’s that time of year when we reflect on what UUCM means to us, and to the wider community, and how each of us will commit to sustain UUCM by pledging our financial support. Please join us in worship, for testimonials during worship services in March, and on Stewardship Sunday, April 2, 2023 for a potluck lunch. Pledge brochures and pledge cards will be available for pick up Sundays in March, with instructions on ways to pledge, as well as information to help you decide how much to pledge. For more information, click here, or contact Marti Kennedy

Stewardship Sunday Potluck Suggestion for April 2

This year we ask that everyone bring a meatless, ethnic dish to share. Have a recipe for a favorite vegetarian curry, or Grandma's amazing baklava? How about a Borscht or Mediterranean salad? We can't wait to see (and taste) what you bring!

We also need volunteers to assist with setup and cleanup. Please add your name to the signup sheet in Barnum. Thank you!

From the UUCM Board

The Board will meet on March 26 at 12:30pm in Emerson Hall. Zoom is used if attendees cannot attend in person.

• Minutes of board meetings are posted here.
• Agenda for the next Board meeting is linked from the Weekly Update the Friday before the meeting. 
• If you wish to attend, please email board@uucm.org by end of day Saturday to let us know whether you will attend in person or via Zoom. Time will be set aside at the end of the business meeting for visitor comments on the agenda items that were discussed during the meeting. 

Community Sing Along

Friday, Mar 10 @ 7pm

All are welcome to a singalong and jam session in the Fireside Room. Instrumentalists and voices of all sorts are welcome. Songbooks available, but feel free to bring ten copies of your favorite song lyrics (music or chords optional). Contact Amy Conley for details.

Community Supper

Wednesday, Mar 15, 5:30-6:30pm

Since we resumed these suppers in the fall, attendance is gradually increasing. The menu changes monthly, and we always offer a vegetarian option. Come join us for supper and take a night off from cooking. Questions? Or want to volunteer to help? Contact Nancy Danzinger.

More Ways to Help on Sunday

• Be a Worship Reader.
• Greet at the Garden door.
• Pass the collection basket.
• Make coffee and set up.
• Bring snacks for coffee hour.
• Help with coffee hour cleanup.

Click here to Sign Up To Help.

UUCM Adult Ed: March 2023

Each program is presented twice at different times to accommodate different schedules. Watch for additional details and links in Weekly Updates, and join us!

The Umbrella- Simple Protection and a Metaphor for Inclusion: Mar 7 (7 pm) and Mar 8(4 pm): Umbrellas have a long history dating back thousands of years. They are practical, portable and often pretty. Just about every culture has used them and painters have made them an extension of personality. The umbrella, and its counterpart, the parasol, are a form of protection from rain and sun. But while they protect an individual, they are also a metaphor for social, economic, and political inclusion. In this program Nancy Baker will explore the umbrella in history, art, and literature.



Surface of Mystery Winter/Spring Series, Part III - Loyalty or Fidelity: Mar 21 (7 pm) and Mar 22 (4 pm): Loyalty or fidelity is a key part of building relationships and affirming commitments. It has changed dramatically over time from an essential form of ancient mutual protection to a political and legal arrangement in the Middle Ages. The modern sense of it is more flexible, ranging from a sentiment to a virtue and to an assessment of value. Not just human beings have loyalty. Dogs are famous for it. Why are some people faithful in relationships while others are not? Is faith another word for loyalty or fidelity in a theological sense? What do myths and stories tell us of relationships where fidelity is valued by one partner more than the other? How does art express loyal attachment?

SHARE Needs Your Support in March

This month, please purchase Canned Fruit, Flour, Sugar, Boxed Cake Mixes & Baking Supplies, Coffee & Tea, Juice, Granola for the Food Pantry at SHARE. Leave items in the basket in Barnum Hall, or click to see where to drop off food donations.

Weather Cancellations at UUCM

It’s Snowing – Are Sunday Services/Programming Canceled? If so, you can still participate via Zoom. To find out whether we will be meeting in church:



• Call the Church at 603-673-1870. If in-person church is canceled, the answering machine will tell you.
• Check the calendar on the website. The title will say ‘Worship Service (Online Only) due to Snow’
• Check WMUR-TV (News 9) or http://www.wmur.com/weather/closings and look for “Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Milford” under the letter U.

Note that these closure notices apply to church services and programs only. It is up to group leaders, committee chairs, and renters to notify their people if a meeting is canceled.

Closings on Other Days:

If the office is closed, there will be a message on the answering machine. It is best to call ahead to ensure someone is in the office. For meetings or activities, check with the group leader.

What in God's Name

"What in God's Name" is a podcast featuring Rev. Shayna and her good friend and colleague, Rev. Chris Owen. The weekly show runs about 20-25 minutes and explores current events through the lenses of theology and philosophy. Learn more or sign up to be notified about upcoming podcasts at Whatingods.com.

To contact UUCM leadership:

• Jamie, our administrator, has office hours Monday-Thursday from 8am-3pm. You can reach her at 603-673-1870 or at office@uucm.org. It's best to call ahead before coming to the church.
• Rev. Shayna can be reached at minister@uucm.org or call 603-673-1870 x2. For time sensitive or urgent/emergent situations – text or call 802-579-6066.  
• The UUCM Board can be reached at board@uucm.org.

For Pastoral Care Assistance in March: Contact Linda Higgs or office@uucm.org.

Find it on UUCM.org

The easiest and quickest way to find information on our website is to use the Search feature. Enter a word or two into the search box located at the upper right on any page.

UUCM 603-673-1870 office@uucm.org