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Do you love to sing?
Members and friends of First U have a unique opportunity to sing with David Smith, Executive Director of Worship at All Souls Church, Tulsa. Plan to join the all-day rehearsal on Saturday, October 19, 8:30-4:30, for a new take on some familiar music. Ability to read music is not necessary. Singers will share in worship on Sunday the 20th. Even if you decide not to sing that day, the chance to rehearse with David on Saturday will be well worth the time.
To sign up, call the church office at 401-421-7970 or email Administrator Nancy Forsstrom at admin@firstunitarianprov.org. And be sure to let us know if you'll need childcare.
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New Beginnings and Fresh Starts by Rev. Liz
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Rosh Hashanah - signaling the first of the high holy days of the Jewish year - is often heralded by the call of the shofar. We will continue to explore the vision we have for our church in our new year. Come and reflect on all the fresh starts which visit us throughout our life as a congregation.
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This week in faith development
 Soul Matters Sharing Circle is a resource used in our program. The October theme is "What does it mean to be a people of Belonging." I will be sharing links for families in this spot throughout the year.
Helping Kids Cope with Cliques - How can parents help? https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cliques.html
This Sunday, young people begin in small groups in classrooms and worship in Chapel. Childcare is open for infants to three-year-olds in the Parish House.
All are encouraged to bring backpacks, bags, briefcases, or totes for our special celebration. You will receive a surprise to keep with you through the year.
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After our Food for the Soul service last Sunday, we were gratified that so many participated in a Small Group Ministry sample. There is still time to join a circle. Follow this link for more info: https://forms.gle/AZC32eZNGNpZZdUL9. You can let us know about your interests, and someone will get back to you.
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As we prepare to welcome David Smith to First U, delicious culinary opportunities are scheduled to help fund the project - and the tickets are going like hotcakes!
Dinners will take place after the October weekend, and will be held at the home of the host. There are a few remaining spots at the home of Nancy Weiss-Fried and Herb Fried at $50 each, and with Beth and Stew Armstrong at $25 each. Sign up in the Atrium with Martha Rice Sanders or email her at martha.ricesanders@gmail.com.
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Loaves and Fishes mission
Tuesday, October 1, is the next opportunity to volunteer for the Loaves and Fishes mission. Come at 11:30 to make sandwiches, and then go out into the community to distribute good sandwiches, great meals, and warm socks. For more info, contact Gerry Spremulli at nsjclfminfo@gmail.com.
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Have you seen these people?
 While Music Director, Fred Jodry, is on Sabbatical, we have two people serving our music program.
Our Sabbatical Music Director is Beth Armstrong, long-time member of the church and the choir. She works closely with the rest of the staff to provide inspiring musical experiences each Sunday.
On the keyboards is Jay MacCubbin. Jay has a wealth of experience in organ and piano playing and accompaniment.
When you see Beth and Jay this fall, be sure to say 'Hi,' and thank them for serving the church in these important ways.
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Welcome to faith development
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 In our weekly reflection from staff, Cathy Seggel, DRE, reminds us that Faith Development for children, youth, and adults is a priority at First U.
"As the earth shifts, bringing a balance of night and day, we begin a new season together. My summer was filled with family time, blended with learning from colleagues at inspirational workshops and lectures focused on family ministry. I am grateful that I can squeeze in a few more plunges in the ocean and walks on a still-warm beach.
"It is heartwarming to welcome new and returning families on Sunday mornings, to gather volunteer teachers, lead orientation for parents, launch soul circles, take part in a UUA Youth Ministry 'reboot,' full of expectation, enthusiasm, and concern, and make choices of how to share precious time and passion...
To read Cathy's entire reflection, click here. |
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Thanks to the efforts of the Green Team, First U now has dozens of recycling bins - one for every waste basket in the building. These clearly-marked bins will make it easier for everyone to remember to recycle.
In the photo, our Administrative Assistant Walter takes a break from numbers and gets the bins ready to distribute.
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Calling all First U gardeners
The landscaping project for the front yard of the church is progressing. Whether you plant or not, there are ways you could help with this important work. Through a combination of contractor work and a First U volunteer force, we plan to plant lots of spring bulbs, install a watering system, and plant low-maintenance grass.
A very simple system for watering and 500 ft. of edging are just waiting for anyone willing to get their hands dirty in a good, clean way. Please come plant spring bulbs or help with any one of many additional opportunities. For more details, please click here.
Many thanks to Max Pounder, our Building Committee chair, for heading up this project. Max would love to have someone who could help manage volunteers. For more information or to sign up, you can contact Max at sine.max1@verizon.net. Put 'landscape help' in the subject line. Thanks for helping to make our property beautiful!
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Mindful grieving
A new mindful grieving group will begin Sunday, October 13, 5:30 - 7pm. This facilitated 5-week program is for those who experience grief and would like to share that grief in a safe, welcoming environment. The group is small - usually 6-8 people - with two facilitators, and this session will be led by Nancy Worthen and Ellie Sordoni. Part of the caring network of First U, our facilitators keep in close touch with church resources through our leaders and staff. For more information, or to sign up, contact our Administrator, Nancy Forsstrom, at admin@firstunitarianprov.org.
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Belong to First U
 If you would like to learn more about the church and Unitarian Universalism, the next Path to Membership class is scheduled for Wednesday evenings, October 2, 9, and 16 from 7-9pm.
Registration forms are available in the Newcomers’ Café and on the Membership Board in the Parish House hallway. Childcare will be provided if requested in advance. Look for Jenn this week in the parlor behind the fireplace, and reserve your spot in class.
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Sunday, September 29
Worship service – 10:30pm
Newcomers' Cafe – 11:30am
Atrium Bookstore – 11:30am
Women's Alliance Coffee Sales – 11:30am
COA Parent Orientation - 12:00pm
Campus UUs – 5pm
(Note: there are closings scheduled, between 6am and 2am, Saturday and Sunday, for College, Canal, Washington, North Main, and Steeple Streets, and Memorial Blvd. Allow plenty of time to get through the city.)
Monday, September 30
Zendo – 7pm
Tuesday, October 1
Loaves and Fishes - 11:30am
Tai Chi – 7pm
Knitting for a Better World - 7pm
Wednesday, October 2
Path to Membership Class – 7pm
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Every Tuesday at noon
Deadline for submitting materials for each Thursday's First U Times is noon on Tuesday at the latest. Even earlier is better. Submit your article and photo or graphic to Nancy Forsstrom at admin@firstunitarianprov.org.
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Women's Alliance – Monday, October 7
Spirit in Life – October 9
Art Reception and Parish House Pot Luck - October 11
Mindful Grieving – October 13
UU Men’s Group – October 13
David Smith music workshops – October 17-20
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