"Your thoughts are like the seeds you plant in your garden.
Your beliefs are like the soil in which you plant these seeds."
~Louise Hay
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Events
Mar 4 Adult Ed Theology
Mar 4 Community Game Night
Mar 5 Youth Group Field Trip
Mar 6 Pysanky Workshop
Mar 7 Belly Dancing
Mar 11 Community Luncheon
Mar 13 Pysanky Workshop
Mar 14 Belly Dancing
Mar 18 Adult Ed Theology
Mar 19 Church Outing
Mar 19 Earth Circle
Mar 20 Pysanky Workshop
Mar 21 New Moon Circle
Mar 21 Belly Dancing
Mar 26 Sunshine Gals
Mar 27 Pysanky Workshop
Mar 28 UU Mass Action
Mar 28 Belly Dancing
Mar 29 Lenten Lunch
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Meetings
Mar 5 Religious Education, 10am, PH
Mar 8 Board of Trustees, 7pm, Zoom
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Sunday Services (Hybrid, 11am)
Mar 5 “A Faith Without Faith",
Rev. Steve Wilson
In this service, we ask if faith in God/a Goddess, Jesus, or something similar, ...something bigger,... is essential for an effective, practical, valuable, contemporary religious/spiritual life. Is belief in something bigger, essential to calling yourself religious? Honestly, seriously, is some leap of faith required? What does it look like when you don’t feel like you can, but want to live intentionally?
Mar 12 "When God Arrived on Horseback",
Rev. Nannene Gowdy
When the middle of our country was still considered the wild west, male ministers, who were usually married, didn't want to travel there because they would be away from their families. Enter a band of single women who traveled from church to church preaching the good news.
Mar 19 “Practicing Meditation”
Rev. Steve Wilson
Today we offer up a sermon that is a “slow breath in” hands-on discussion and participatory service regarding meditations long “slow breath in…” history.
Mar 26 “Everyone Is Welcome Here" - Intergenerational Service
Special Guest: Jim Scott
Jim Scott’s set of seven songs (with some words left over) celebrates our UU Seven Principles – a song for each principle. Jim’s words are inspiring and reaffirming to all ages. We really stand for something, and we can be ready to explain it to anyone who asks. Boiling down some big philosophy to simple and straightforward words, Jim leads us in singing and lifting up these ideas to the world.
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About Our Sunday Speakers |
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Rev. Steve Wilson began serving UU congregations in 2003 after completing his M.Div at Boston University. He recently returned from California to be with family and is our ¼ time minister. He balances humor, spirituality, and a deep commitment to service in his sermons and deeds. In addition to preaching 2x a month, he will also be leading an Adult RE class on the 1st and 3rd Sundays and is helping to bring back youth activities. He is also serving our pastoral care needs.
After 23 years in active parish ministry, Rev. Nannene Gowdy retired. For several years after that, she preached in Billerica and Pittsfield once a month, leaving Pittsfield after she sold her house in the Berkshires. She is happy to continue in Billerica and to stay in touch with this loving congregation. The rest of her time is spent with family, especially her grandson, Griffin, who everyone knows is either Mozart or Einstein.
Jim Scott has visited more than 700 UU Churches across the US, Canada and UK, leading services, presenting benefit concerts, and offering workshops. Jim's songs are included in the UU Hymnbooks and his much loved “Gather the Spirit” has been sung across the denomination. Years of activism are reflected in Jim's work. His songs, poetry and short stories address issues of ecology, justice and peace with insight and gentle wit. Jim's musical-activist journeys have included concert collaborations with renowned Jazz, Classical, and Folk artists as well as numerous concerts with choirs. His list of published choral works continues to grow and his musical creativity includes soundtracks for PBS, a stage musical, and many recordings of songs.
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Hybrid Sunday Service Help/Hints
Give Sarah Mills a call (978-790-8217) if you can help or if you need assistance.
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Church Office Hours
Mon..11 - 3pm
Wed...9 - 3pm
Fri....10 - 3pm
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April Newsletter Deadline
Sunday, March 19
If you have anything that you would like included in the April Billerica Banner, please submit it to Teresa.
Leave a note on the desk, in the mailbox, e-mail admin@uubillerica.org or call 978-663-2293.
Early submissions are appreciated!
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Minister’s Corner - Worship
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At one of the recent Theology discussion groups, we closed the session by all writing our own little chalice words. I was inspired by everyone. It was a little worship, or as it could be translated back in time “worth making.” It got me thinking about Sundays and the absolute privilege of my role with you. |
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I walk into the pulpit every other week with a little fear. Some of the fear involves practical matters, like do I know the hymns, or if am I missing any announcements. But the real anxiety relates to the quality of the worship. I am always worried: “Will this service take people anywhere?” and “Will it touch people enough to warrant them getting dressed and out of bed on a Sunday, and be part of how and why we deserve roughly one morning each weekend?” In particular, I ask myself "will it reach those of you that I had in mind as I wrote it?" I want worship to have a bit of that pensive energy for you too.
If there is a prayer here - it is that what we do together is always a balance between moments so comfortable that we want to take our shoes off and moments so holy that, like Moses, you feel like you need to. You should demand little else. Let’s be purified by a desire to love ourselves for what we are, and purified by a momentum of being better than we are. Ideally, I want there to be a balance in one moment between creating so comfortable a sense of being at
home with loved ones that you lean back into each other’s shoulders. In the next moment, I want it to feel inspiring, and the next moment a jarring challenge. I want you to hold us, and in particular me, but in the deepest sense “us” to high standards. I have faith that it is our relationships with each other, new ideas, and also knowing that we are called to do our little part to save the world which will give us purpose and heal us.
With that in mind, could you please tell me what works and what doesn’t? Not so much that you come to feel like your job as a parishioner is that of a critic, but enough that you feel like you have an outlet for your ideas, feelings, and wisdom.
I try to work out of that space and energy, and can often feel when I am, but I am only one opinion that matters. This community is yours. I never forget that. So, help me, help us get this right.
Steve
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Why did the leprechaun go outside?
To sit on his paddy-o
What is a leprechaun’s favorite type of music?
Sham-rock ‘n’ roll
What do you get when you cross poison ivy with a four-leaf clover?
A rash of good luck
What do you call an Irish spider?
Paddy long legs
What do you call an Irishman bouncing off the walls?
Rick O’Shay
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Theology, Unitarian Universalism, and YOU |
Saturdays | March 4th and 18th | 10:00 - 11:30 am
Rev. Steve is hosting a 90 min Adult Ed Theology program. Each session stands independently and is open to members and outsiders. There will be a meditative piece, an academic/educational component, and a reflective piece designed to aid people in exploring their past and their beliefs.
No preparation beyond your own curiosity is required.
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COMMUNITY GAME NIGHT
Saturday, March 4
Parish Hall 5 - 8 pm
Do you enjoy Rummikub, Uno, Scrabble, or Chess?
Come join fellow gamers (tabletop and more) on Saturday, March 4th. Bring your own games or learn something new.
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BELLY DANCING WORKSHOP
Tuesday evenings, 7 - 8, RM 2
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Join Brita Learned, leader of FPC's own belly dance troupe: The Chalice Dancers, each Tuesday night for beginner belly dance classes held upstairs in Room 2. Please wear loose, comfortable clothes and non-skid shoes. If you have one, bring a hip scarf. There is a suggested $5 dollar donation to First Parish per class.
Come and learn the basics of this ancient and graceful dance! It's a great way to get some exercise and have fun. See you there!
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
Wednesday, March 8
7:00 p.m., Zoom
The Trustees meet once monthly to discuss a wide variety of matters concerning the running of our congregation. All members of the congregation are warmly invited to attend these monthly meetings. If you have any ideas you’d like the Trustees to consider, please let a Trustee know and we will try to place it on the next agenda for discussion.
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PYSANKY EGG DECORATING
Parish Hall
7:30 - 9 pm
During the 40 days of Lent, Sarah Mills will share her egg dyes, tools (kistkas), beeswax, candles, & 50+ years of Pysanky experience. This traditional Ukrainian art brings people together for creative play, spiritual healing, and community.
Learn how to make beautiful eggs with good company every Monday in March
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GORDON GIBB COMMUNITY LUNCH
Saturday, March 11
11:30a.m., Parish Hall
March Lunch: Roast Pork, Mac & Cheese, and Salad
Members of First Parish and volunteers meet to prepare and serve a hot meal at First Parish on the second Saturday of each month. It is open to anyone in the local community who would like to enjoy a good meal without cost to them and an opportunity for conversation and socialization. The Gordon Gibb Community Luncheon is financed by this church with contributions from Billerica’s Enterprise Bank and Stop and Shop. The Social Justice Committee encourages members of all ages to come out and help with setting up, serving, sharing a meal, and socializing with our guests. Everyone is welcome to help out or partake in the lunches!
See Bob or Deirdre Leger or Jeanne Landers to volunteer or for any questions.
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Youth Group Outing
Roller Kingdom and ice cream
March 5th, 1 - 4 pm
In March, the youth group is focused on building relationships and engaging with community. After skating, we will cool off with ice cream.
Youth group members are encouraged to invite friends and interested teens.
Parents/Adults are welcome.
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Church Wide Field Trip - Heart of Transcendentalism
March 19th, 1 - 4 pm
After coffee hour, we will depart to Concord, visiting Emerson’s House (Parlor), Walden Pond, North Bridge, and Poets Seat Graveyard.
For more information, contact Rev. Steve Wilson: stevewilson22@yahoo.com
Essay Opportunity - BASC Notice
Billerica Adventure Series Corp. (BASC) presents an opportunity for students (ages 8-18), to write a 500-word essay on global warming and present a possible solution. Submissions are due Friday, March 17, 2023. Topics should focus on water (fresh and salt), air, land, or endangered animals. Please send essays to Billerica Adventure Series Corp. PO Box 335, Nutting Lake, MA 01865. We are looking forward to reading the thoughts of students who are the future of our world.
On April 22nd, during Earth Day/Green Up Day in Billerica, selected essays will be read by the students. Essays will be compiled into a published booklet and distributed to communities and at the STAND UP KIDS event in May.
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CHURCH WIDE FIELD TRIP
Sunday, March 19th 1 - 4 pm
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After coffee hour, we will visit the Heart of Transcendentalism in Concord, MA.
All members/friends of the church are invited to join Rev. Steve in visiting Emerson’s House where the Hedge Club most frequently met, (TBD if we can get in), The Home of Bronson and Louisa May Alcott (Little Women), Author’s Ridge Gravesites in Sleepy-hollow Cemetery, and at least the model for Thoreau’s cabin at Walden Pond. Perhaps depending on the nature of our group for those physically capable of walking the lake, we will go to the actual spot at Walden Pond. Other sites may also be added.
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UU MASS ACTION - DAY OF ACTION
Tuesday, March 28th 11 - 4 pm
Do you care about racial justice but are looking for ways to put your values into action? Do you want to have an impact on critical social justice issues facing our communities in MA? Do your UU values ground you in your social justice work?
Join UU Mass Action for our annual Virtual UU Advocacy Day to live out our values by taking action together this March! At this annual event, we come together as UUs from across the state to build power for our movements. Participants will meet with legislators about our key areas of Immigrant Justice, Climate & Environmental Justice, Economic & Housing Justice, Indigenous Justice, and Decarceration & Ending Solitary Confinement. As we begin our new 2023-34 legislative session, this will be a critical moment to show up together as UUs, grounded in our faith, to let our legislators know which bills - out of the thousands that are filed - we care the most about.
Crucial changes are needed in Massachusetts. Let’s put our faith into action this March!
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SPRING LENTEN LUNCH SERIES
Wednesdays, 11:45 - 1 pm
After a three-year hiatus, the Billerica Interfaith Association is excited to again hold this series of community luncheons with worship services on Wednesday afternoons during the season of Lent. This year there will be 3 luncheons with faith communities collaborating to provide the buffet lunch and worship service. Each luncheon will be held at the First Congregational Church at 18 Andover Road. The luncheons begin at 11:45 and are followed by a short worship service from 12:30 to 1:00. All are welcome to these free community gatherings and encouraged to come to any or all of these luncheons, enjoy good food and fellowship and to bring family, neighbors, and friends!
First Parish will share responsibility for the luncheon and worship service with the Seventh Day Adventists and St. Anne’s on Wednesday, March 29.
Donations are appreciated for food and supplies, and volunteers are needed to help with making and preparing food, (sandwiches, salad, dessert, beverages, etc.) setting up the lunch and take-down/clean-up after. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall or see Sarah (smills@pobox.com), Brita, (britalearned@verizon.net) or Jeanne (jeannelanders@msn.com).
2023 Interfaith Spring Lenten Schedule and hosts:
March 15 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
March 22 - First Congregational and Anjuman e-Ezzi
March 29 - First Parish, St. Anne’s, Seventh Day Adventist
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Notice from UUA
UUA’s Article II Study Commission (A2SC) was charged to review Article II. Article II is the section in our UUA bylaws that contains the Purposes, 7 UU Principles and our Sources. The Commission has held thoughtful discussions online, at General Assemblies and with groups of leaders across our Association. After two and a half years of study and conversations with thousands of Unitarian Universalists, the Article II Study Commission submitted their report. Printed copies are available on the bulletin boards outside the office and in the Parish Hall and online at https://www.uua.org/files/2023-01/a2sc_rpt_01172023.pdf
Our congregation will send 2 delegates to the General Assembly in June 2023 and will vote on the proposal and amendments for final adoption in 2024.
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UUA Intergenerational Spring Seminar |
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Our congregation has been invited to participate in the 2023 UU@UN Intergenerational Spring Seminar!
This year's Seminar will take place April 1-3, 2023. Join youth (14+) and adults in-person or online for programming and activities!
Online participants will be able to join us for worshipping, learning, workshops, and virtual small group reflection.
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Henny Lewin, a Holocaust survivor with an absolutely amazing story of being smuggled out of harm's way in a suitcase during WW2, will be the speaker at Temple Shalom Emeth in Burlington for their annual Interfaith Holocaust Service on Friday, April 14, 7pm. Rabbi Susan Abrams, member of the Billerica Interfaith Association, has invited members of our communities to participate as in pre-pandemic times and shared this link to a talk she gave a few years ago to get an idea of her story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtI6fyLPjns
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Talking Membership: Every first Sunday of an even numbered month ex. (Dec, Feb, April) we host a post church talk back focused on UU history, this particular church's history, and its present offerings. This discussion would be open to all but have a focus on potential new members. The next date is April 2nd at 12:30
Coffee Hour: We are returning to a rotating schedule of hosting. Please sign up for a Sunday in person or by letting Deirdre Leger or Teresa English know.
Welcoming Committee: Greeters are needed! Greeters are often the first face visitors encounter at our church and can serve as a friendly welcome when they arrive. Sign up here: tinyurl.com/FPBGreeters
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The First Parish Church in Billerica - Contacts |
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Minister Emeriti
Rev. Nannene Gowdy
Rev. Eugene “Woody” Widrick
¼ Time Minister
Rev. Steve Wilson
Music
Jodi Templer, Organist (PT)
Lee Yezek, Organist (PT)
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Church Office
Teresa English, Admin.
978.663.2293
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Contact our Church Office to be added to our email announcement distribution list. |
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President, Barbara Moloney, 978.621.5732
Babsmoloney1@gmail.com
Vice President, Lisa O’Connor, 978.761.3539
loconnor466@gmail.com
Treasurer, Jim Learned, 978.667.4083
Lscalawag@outlook.com
Clerk, Kenny English, 678.343.1133
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Chris Tribou, 978.987.9790
Ida Morrison, 978.667.9680
Bob Leger, 978.667.43762
bob_leger@verizon.net
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The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
The Mission of the First Parish Church...
is to open its doors to all people who seek a religious home where the Unitarian Universalist Principles are upheld. We respect our diversity of views, as we encourage full participation in all aspects of our parish life.
This Congregation affirms and promotes the full participation of persons in all our activities and endeavors, including membership, programming, hiring practices, and the calling of religious professionals, without regard to race, color, gender, physical or mental challenge, affectional or sexual orientation, age, class, national origin, or political affiliation. Our goal is to nurture: An intergenerational sense of community; Individual responsibility; Spiritual inquiry; Moral reflection; Sensitivity to others; Personal growth; Social outreach and public service; A just world
Thus do we honor the gathering of this Church in 1658 by those who sought to walk with God.
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