THIS SUNDAY: February 23rd--Lay led by Karen Andersen: From The Past, With Love: Our Footstools and Paying It Forward A few weeks ago, the RE kids had an after-service lesson exploring some of the unique features of our sanctuary, especially the footstools. The kids had a great time and got to do some hands-on history. The service this week will focus on the history of the footstools and how one idea and a lot of work gave a wonderful gift to the future. What else could we do to send an act of love and commitment from the past to the future, and 'pay it forward'?
WAY COOL SUNDAY SCHOOL
February 23 From The Past, With Love:
Our Footstools and Paying It Forward
March 2 Spirit Play
RE Team Meeting {Play sign-ups/Prov. Bruins}
March 8 PARENT RETREAT {Saturday 9:30-1:30}
WINTER WEATHER
Well...I don't know about all of you, but I am certainly ready for Spring!! We have had a rough winter so far! If anyone needs assistance, please let us know so we can try to help.
If there is a snow event that forces us to cancel programs or Worship Service, we will post those cancellations on the website and on TV channels 7 and 56 (WHDH). We will also change the message on the phone and send out an email via mailchimp (which is the same as this weekly email). ALWAYS check first before you attempt to come to church during or after a snowstorm. We would hate to have people show up when there's no one here!
UPCOMING EVENTS/
CHURCH NEWS
PROVIDENCE BRUINS NIGHT!
Anyone interested in going to see the Providence Bruins on Friday April 4th, please see Yasmin and sign up on the sheet. Tickets are only $17 and all kids under 12 receive a free hat! Deadline to sign up is March 7th.
PLAYGROUP
Parent and Child Waldorf Play Group
for children 2-3 years old
9:00 - 11:00 Monday mornings in the Green Room
The morning will begin with free play for the children. There will be articles to discuss about various parenting topics while parents work on simple handwork projects. There may be painting or other age appropriate arts or crafts for the children. Everyone participates in a circle time that may include nursery rhymes, seasonal songs, lullabies, and a simple story. Children and parents assist in preparing an organic snack that is shared family-style. The day will conclude with outdoor play as time and weather permit.
The program is free. We will be accepting donations for food and supplies.
For more information and to register (registration is required) please email Victoria Capon, a Waldorf Early Childhood teacher, vruthcapon@gmail.com, or call 508-717-2401.
Social Justice Team News
We worked hard, organized by our Social Justice Team, to collect signatures for a strong minimum wage. The State Senate has passed a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $11.00, but the house wants to reduce unemployment benefits to "off-set" the costs. We do not believe that this is prudent or wise for the people of Massachusetts. This Sunday, February 23rd the Social Justice Team will have at table in the Parish Hall to help those who would call, email, text or tweet, their State Rep, to let them know how you feel about this "compromise".
Race the Power of an Illusion
Please join us for a two part series on race and racism.
Tuesdays- February 25 and March 4 at 6-8pm in the Sanctuary. (postponed from February 18 due to inclement weather)
From the film maker: What is "race"? Race: The Power of an Illusion demonstrates how race is both a biological myth and a social invention. The documentary series uncovers the history of race, the "science" that justified it, and traces how these beliefs took such a furious hold on our imaginations, arguing that while race may be a biological fiction, the consequences of racism are very real.
An hour long video will be followed by discussion.
Please sign up by contacting Linda in the office (nbu718@aol.com). If you'd like to attend and need childcare, please let Linda know.
SPIRIT OF ART
Spirit Of Art meets every Thursday from 9-11am, members and friends of the congregation are always welcome, please RSVP to Victoria Capon at vruthcapon@gmail.com if you plan on joining us. Thanks!
CIRCLE MINISTRY
Circle Ministry to Begin this Sunday
You see, one of the secrets of life is that we are all ministers. We all have the ability to bless one another. It’s true. But it is not easy.
– Webster Kitchell Howell, UU minister (PA)
On Sunday, March 2nd (moved from the 16th due to snow), we will hold our first small group ministry session – which we have chosen to call Circle Ministry – in the Green Room. The session will start at 12:45, and run for 1-1/2 hours. Melody Barlow, Sylvia Daley, and Wendy Wiggins will co-facilitate the sessions. Attendees of this and future circles are requested to be present from the beginning to the end of the circle time.
The group will follow “circle†practice, sometimes known as peacemaking or talking circles. It allows participants to engage equally in a respectful and safe space, and encourages deep listening and sharing. In planning for these meetings, facilitators have studied models of small group ministry, covenant groups, and circle practice from the UUA website/religious education/adults, as well as resources produced by the Center for Restorative Justice at Suffolk University.
The topic of our first circle will be an introduction to circle practice, followed by an exploration of what is meant by shared ministry and the ways we minister to each other as members of a beloved community. How do we “bless one another,†in the words of Rev. Howell? How do we open ourselves to giving and receiving compassion, solace, and the wisdom of shared experiences? How can we share our unique gifts with each other? In the first meeting, we will also communally establish rules and guidelines for our practice. If you cannot attend the first circle but like to participate in the future, please email or speak with Melody (mbarlow527@gmail.com).
BUDGET TIME AGAIN
To all the Chairs of church committees: Please be thinking about the Budget your committee will need in the 2014-2015 fiscal year. We'd like to have all budget requests in by early March so we can put an accurate Church Budget together for the coming year. Any questions? Please call Vikki in the office at 508-994-9686 ext 12.
ORGAN KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
We are beginning a new campaign to raise funds for the much needed repairs to our famous Flentrop organ. We will be putting together what is called a "Kickstarter Campaign", which is an online fundraising system that can broadcast our story far and wide. It is not up and running yet, but when it is finally ready, we will ask all our parishioners that are on facebook, twitter and other social media to "share" it among your cyber "friends". These online campaigns have been very successful and we are hoping ours is just as profitable. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting project....
NEW WEBSITE IS ACTIVE!
Our new website is UP & RUNNING!! Click here---> First Unitarian to check it out! Feel free to give us any feedback you have. It's still in the early stages and we can make changes to it at any time!
"FOLK" SINGERS WANTED
Our church service on Sunday, March 16th will be a "celebration" of Pete Seeger's Life, Words and Songs. Ron White is organizing the service. He will be working with the RE Children and would love to have some adult "folk" who would enjoy singing Pete's music to join in. Since we've had such terrible weather, we should try to rehearse as much as possible. Rehearsals will be held each Sunday right after coffee. Please see Ron after today's service for more information.
FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
BE AN OLYMPIC GIVER!!!
Everyone wins when we give to the LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES! It doesn't matter if you are a GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE medal giver. Bring in whatever you can, and you'll be an OLYMPIC CHAMPION to those who are less fortunate.
Most needed items are: peanut butter, canned tuna or canned meats, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, pancake mix and personal care items such as shampoo, razors or toothpaste.
SAVE THE DATE...
Our Canvass Kickoff Potluck will be held on Sunday, March 23rd after service. Please plan to stay for this event, and perhaps make something delicious to share!
JOYS & CONCERNS
Our fantastic Quilt Group put together the wonderful "draft dodgers" for the Green Room windows. They were an instant success as the cold air was immediately blocked!! Thanks to the Quilt Group for helping to keep us warm!!
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
IN NEW BEDFORD
71 Eighth St
New Bedford, MA
02740-6025
history of race, the "science" that justified it, and traces how these beliefs took such a furious hold on our imaginations, arguing that while race may be a biological fiction, the consequences of racism are very real.
On Sunday, March 2nd (moved from the 16th due to snow), we will hold our first small group ministry session – which we have chosen to call Circle Ministry – in the Green Room. The session will start at 12:45, and run for 1-1/2 hours. Melody Barlow, Sylvia Daley, and Wendy Wiggins will co-facilitate the sessions. Attendees of this and future circles are requested to be present from the beginning to the end of the circle time.
Our church service on Sunday, March 16th will be a "celebration" of Pete Seeger's Life, Words and Songs. Ron White is organizing the service. He will be working with the RE Children and would love to have some adult "folk" who would enjoy singing Pete's music to join in. Since we've had such terrible weather, we should try to rehearse as much as possible. Rehearsals will be held each Sunday right after coffee. Please see Ron after today's service for more information.
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH
