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What will the future bring?
 Members and friends of the First U community are coming together with the opportunity to discuss topics which matter for the future of our church. Have you signed up yet?
In each two-hour session facilitated by UU leaders, we will have the opportunity to strengthen our bonds of community and share our thoughts with congregation leaders. We will cover topics ranging from worship to faith development to social justice.
Choose the date which fits best with your schedule.
- Saturday, October 12, 9-11 am
- Thursday, October 24, 6:30-8:30 pm
- Sunday, October 27, 12-2 pm
Childcare can be available upon request. Click here to register, or sign up at the table after worship.
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Regarding Evil by Rev. Liz
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 This service will begin our consideration of this month's theme with a few different reference points. Two popular cultural items, the 1980s film Network News and the 2000s internet production Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, will feature prominently in our morning reflections. Technically we do not require "homework" in advance of worship (and synopses will be offered that morning), but if you have time you might want to look them up and check them out.Note - There are weekend events with road closures, although there don't appear to be races. On Sunday, parts of Atwells, Harris, and Sims Streets will be closed until 3:00 pm. On Saturday, Benefit Street is closed all day, and our parking lot IS NOT available for parking after 11:00 am.
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This Sunday for young people
 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.
Worship will focus on honoring Indigenous People's Day as part of October's theme: What Does it Mean to be a People of Belonging?
Remember that enrollment for our Spiritual Pathways Program for children and youth must be completed every year. Please sign up your young people now. To download the sign-up form, you can click here.
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Have you met our Lay Ministry team?
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 Our Lay Ministers who were commissioned this past June work with Rev. Liz to help provide spiritual support, companionship through tough turns, or simply a listening ear for members of our congregation.
Here Sandy Schacht, Mary Frappier, Elissa Emerson, Andy Wilby, former pastoral care intern Kevin Carson, and Domenic Napolitano stand to be charged by Rev. Liz and recognized.
Feel free to leave a message in the church office, 401-421-7970, or contact a member of the Team directly if you or someone you know is in need of support. |
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We have many group meetings and events happening in the next week. Join us!
 Friday, October 11: Art reception and Parish House Pot Luck with a program from the Green Team. It is not too late to decide to go. To sign up, click here.
Sunday, October 13: The first gathering of the Mindful Grieving group. This group is full, but you can leave a message with Nancy in the office if you want to be on the list for the next session.
Sunday, October 13: The monthly meeting of UU Men led by Jim Estey around the topic of Men and Happiness.
Monday, October 14: The church office will be closed during the day, to observe Indigenous People's Day. Zendo will happen in the evening, as usual.
Next weekend is full of music and David Smith. Contact Beth Armstrong if you have any questions about participating.
Be sure to take advantage of every opportunity at First U for fellowship and community. See you there!
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PRONK
 Our Side with Love contingent will be marching in the PRONK parade on Monday, October 14, at 5:30. Don't know what PRONK is? You can ask a member of the committee at the table in the Atrium after worship.
First U is going to help feed the parade bands, so any pot luck foods you could donate will be greatly appreciated. Bring food to the info booth at the Hot Club before the parade starts. See you there!
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A Taste of Romania on October 20
The Transylvania Partner Church Committee invites you to a presentation of our recent trip to our partner church in Romania. Join us after worship on Sunday, October 20. We will begin with a light lunch, representing typical Transylvanian cuisine, including vegetarian options, an interesting meat dish, and possibly even some famous Palinka.
The program will last about 30 minutes, followed by time for questions. Make your reservations at the table near the Transylvania display. It will be important for us to know how much food to prepare.
Pictured below is the delegation from First U, along with members of our Partner church, during the June visit.
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Spirit in Life group begins October 23
All are invited to attend an introductory Spirit in Life meeting on Wednesday, October 23 at 1:30, at the church. This group is dedicated to the exploration of our spirituality by sharing in the practice of deep listening and careful speech, and by offering an opportunity to reflect on times and events which heighten our sense of the spirit within us. We consider what we think it means to be human as we live our relationships with our families, our community, and in society.
If you would like more information, or are interested in joining, contact Rick Richards, rickarichards@gmail.com Pat Gifford, pgiffordmd@gmail.com or Ellie Sardoni crescenzio4@gmail.com.
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 Bruce Knotts, the director of the UUA's United Nations office, will be the guest in our pulpit on October 27.
On Saturday, October 26 at 3:30 pm, there will be an opportunity to meet with Bruce and ask questions. Marcia and Phil Lieberman will host us at their home at 141 Elton Street, Providence.
Please register in advance with Neil Bartholomew at ngbart@gmail.com so that we will know how many are coming. You may contact Neil if you want more information, or you can visit the UUA website by clicking here. |
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Reach out, create community
by Jenn Nardone, Membership Coordinator
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Last week we started a new Path Class session. Rev. Liz, DRE Cathy, and I sat around a table and lit a chalice -- reflecting our tradition of pausing, reciting an opening, lighting a candle, centering ourselves, and uniting with each other and many other UU congregations. A ritual in services, chalice circles, and meetings which I cherish after attending this congregation for 19 years. An anchor.
We sat around a table with individuals who have been attending our congregation for 20+ years as well as those who just started this fall; with those who are from or have lived abroad; with those who are new to Unitarian Universalism and also with those who have been UUs for many years and have recently moved to RI. We come here where perhaps we feel at home because of a lit flame. Sharing stories.
Each week in worship services there are new faces. A large congregation can pose challenges for connection, and that is why it is crucial to connect. I encourage us all to reach out to someone -- someone you have seen for years and do not know or someone you have never noticed. Perhaps you could say, "Hello, I do not think we have met. I am ______ and it's nice to meet you." You could invite them to coffee hour; it is much easier for someone if they have a friendly presence showing them around. You could bring them to the Newcomers' Cafe and introduce them to me, or bring them to the bookstore and introduce them to someone else. Community.
It takes a whole congregation to create a community. Remember what it's like to enter a new space. Invite someone in. It may take some discomfort, but being bold and welcoming will be worth it.
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Meetings, Events This Week
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Friday, October 11
Art in the Atrium reception - 5:00 pm
Parish House Pot Luck - 6:00 pm
Green Team program - 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 12
Imagine the Future - 9:00-11:00 am
Sunday, October 13
Worship service and small groups – 10:30 pm
Newcomers' Cafe – 11:30 am
Atrium Bookstore – 11:30 am
Women's Alliance Coffee Sales – 11:30 am
Campus UUs – 5:00 pm
Mindful Grieving - 5:30 - 7:00 pm
UU Men - 7:00 pm
Monday, October 14
Indigenous People's Day - Church Office closed
Zendo – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, October 15
Knitting for a Better World - 7:00 pm
Tai Chi - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, October 16
Path to Membership Class – 7:00 pm
Finance committee - 7:00 pm
Side with Love - 7:00 pm
Thursday, October 17
David Smith workshops begin
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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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Thursday, October 17 - Friday, October 18
David Smith workshops
Saturday, October 19
David Smith music rehearsal
Sunday, October 20
Partner Church presentation
Wednesday, October 23
Spirit in Life
Thursday, October 24
Imagine the Future conversation
Sunday, October 27
Imagine the Future conversation
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