UUCM Monthly News

November 2022

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

A Stable Faith by Rev. Shayna Appel

Welcome to November and the spiritual practice (and Soul Matters theme) of Change!  It’s a great time to get involved.  We are honing our mission, we are sharpening our focus, we are trying new things, and we are learning together every day. In the process, we are growing our UU values and strengthening our UU faith. We are getting to know one another more deeply. But we cannot continue this work without you -- ALL OF YOU!   Read the rest of the message. 

Message from the President's Desk

There's a proverb that says we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, but borrow it from our children. In a similar analogy, this isn't our church. It's not yours or mine -- not really. We are merely (hopefully good and thoughtful) stewards and temporary custodians for the community that will follow us. 


We all say goodbye to everyone at some point -- some of us sooner than we might like -- and our lives are all changed and enriched for the time we had together. Sometimes, if we're really lucky, we get the chance to celebrate the last milestones together. This year can, and should be, our chance to rejoice for the time we've shared with Rev. Shayna -- and have a proper send off. Maybe we can all heal a little bit, and get the closure we might have missed, when Rev. Carol left in the early, dark, scary days of COVID.


As Rev. Shayna mentioned in her announcement letter regarding her decision to retire at the end of this church year, we are at a threshold. We are ready to take the next step, to shake off the dust of the pandemic and emerge as a vibrant and vital congregation. We are ready to do great things, within and beyond our doors, in a way that the community (and future members of UUCM) cannot and will not help but notice and be drawn toward. We can do this. And now we need to find a new minister with the energy, enthusiasm, and entrepreneurial mindset to help us help ourselves become the best version of the congregation we want to be.


In a way, it feels like we just finished the search process, but at the same time, "before COVID" feels like a lifetime ago. Thinking back to previous years of search, and after speaking with the UUA, their recommendation is for us to move forward with contract ministry. Luckily, this is a much less exhausting and less expensive process that gives all involved much more flexibility. And, in our favor is the fact that we are within the New England region, a highly sought after area that is home to the highest concentration of prospective ministers.


As with Rev. Carol and Rev. Shayna, a contract minister is a board hire. This is nothing new to us. Interim ministers are not allowed to become settled ministers, but contract ministers are. And, let's face it, the best interview process will not tell us as much about how well a minister and congregation will gel as spending a couple of years together will.


There will be a search committee assembled, but they will have a much more streamlined process than the one we went through last time, and without the same time constraints. You can search for a contract minister at any time of year, though winter into spring is still the best time for any search. The committee could be composed entirely of board members, we could appoint a separate committee, or we could use some combination of both. Worth noting is that search committee members do not have to give up any other positions they currently hold, so if you are interested in being a candidate for the search committee and have the time and energy to devote to the process, please reach out sooner than later, as there are lots of things that we need to get moving on.


We will keep everyone informed about the process and how it is going. There will be meetings for input and discussion. You will have questions, and we will aim to keep you as informed as we are able as we look ahead to the future we wish to make together.


Looking forward,

Scott Blanchard (president@uucm.org)

From the UUCM Board

Minutes of the September and October board meetings here.

Congregational Vote on Minister Emerita 

Last year a motion was brought before the UUCM Board to recognize the years of meritorious service by Rev. Barbara McKusick Liscord.

  • We will be bringing the matter to a Congregational Vote (in person) on Sunday, November 13, 2022, immediately following the service. 
  • To prepare for this vote, we will have two Congregational Discussions
  • Wednesday, November 2, at 7:00pm via Zoom (see church calendar for link)
  • Sunday, November 6, after coffee hour (in person only) 

Please Read the Full Article for more information on this important vote. 

UUCM Services - Sundays at 10:30am

In the sanctuary and on Zoom

November services will be based on this month's theme: the Path of Change.  Check the Weekly Update on Fridays for details. We are singing with masks on, so be sure to bring one or pick one up on your way in.

Sign Up to Help on Sunday

Membership needs your help to A) Provide snacks for coffee hour, B) Do a little cleanup after coffee hour, and C) Pass the collection basket. Click here to Sign Up To Help

Fair Trade Coffee Brewing on Sundays

UUCM is now serving Fair Trade coffee during coffee hour. Coffee is being purchased from Equal Exchange, which partners with numerous congregations to promote its mission of creating "a more equitable, democratic, and sustainable world." Questions? Contact Dona Eaton

UUCM Annual Holiday Fair

Saturday, December 3 from 8:30am - 2pm

Save the date and plan to spend the day at our wonderful Holiday Fair—in person again after two years!


Lend a Hand - It takes many hands to make the Holiday Fair happen! Join the fun. Volunteer sign-up sheets are online and in Barnum right now! There are lots of ways to contribute -- from setup to restocking to cleanup; from welcoming guests to wrangling the checkout line; from baking goodies to donating beautiful gift items that you no longer want or need! We welcome everyone’s contributions!


Browse the Bakery - Peanut brittle, caramel corn, fudge, candy, jams & jellies, pickles, fresh ground peanut butter, Christmas cookies, gingerbread people, stollen, sweet breads, and meringue mushrooms. YUM! 


Raid the Ritzy Boutique - Marvelous, gently used items to keep or give. A great selection of jewelry, beautiful scarves, home decor items, holiday decorations and children's toys and books.


Chow Down in the Cafe - Come for a leisurely breakfast (scrumptious strata, scones, muffins, pancakes) and a refreshing lunch (sandwiches and hot dogs, hearty soups, yummy pies).

Fall in Love with Beautifully Crafted Items

  • Handcrafted Jewelry
  • Many different kinds of unique ornaments
  • Laurel & pine wreaths
  • Handwoven pillows
  • Upcycled items like baby bibs, hats, and scarves
  • Wind chimes
  • Handmade cards
  • Gnomes
  • Handknit hats, scarves, mittens & more
  • Patchwork potholders & scrubbies
  • Cat toys, dog bandanas & sweaters, dog biscuits.

UUCM Adult Ed: November 2022

Each program will be presented twice at different times to accommodate different schedules.  Watch for links in Weekly Updates and join us!


Member Presentations: 2nd Tuesday (7 pm) and 2nd Wednesday (4 pm), members will present varied topics of interest to appeal to those doing the work of the congregation. In November and December there will be programs on Books and on Fractals. 


Surface of Mystery series: 4th Tuesday (7 pm) and 4th Wednesday (4 pm). The Mind/Body Problem in western philosophy and in theology: How do the ideas of Buddhism differ from those of western medieval and modern thinkers? Can we reconcile what the body tells us through our senses and experiences and what our mind tells us as intellectual thought?

"Rise Up Singing" Song Circle - November 11, 8-10pm

We meet monthly on the second Friday in the Fireside Room. All are welcome to a singalong and jam, using the Rise Again songbook (we have extras or visit www.riseupandsing.org). Instrumentalists and voices of all types are welcome! Use the Garden door entrance or the front (accessible) door. Contact Amy Conley for details, 603-249-9560.

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, will be in the office Monday-Thursday from 8am-3pm. You can reach her at 603-673-1870 or at office@uucm.org.
  • 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 November: Contact Barbara Smith or  office@uucm.org.

SHARE Needs Our Support More Than Ever

This month, please purchase canned fruit, flour, sugar, boxed cake mixes, baking supplies, coffee, tea, juice, and 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.

Newsletter deadlines: 

Where to Find:

Find it on UUCM.org

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UUCM 603-673-1870 office@uucm.org
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