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Be sure to click on "View Entire Message" near the end to see all the First U news.
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'I can't get no satisfaction'
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 In this time of profound division and struggle, Dr. King's choices and wisdom offer us essential lessons about how to move through our days and stay true to what we believe.
Join Rev. Liz on Sunday when we contemplate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and think about what his work means for us today. |
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This Sunday for young people
Young people this week will gather in their small groups and worship in Chapel. The worship theme is 'Courageous Love.'
The nursery is open, as always, on the second floor of the Parish House.
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Welcome James Ford
James Ford, Minister Emeritus of First U, will be a guest in our pulpit next Sunday, January 26. This is the first time James will be back among us, so plan to come and greet him and his wife, Jan. The Deacons invite you to join them for Lunch with James and Jan after the service - look for details next week.
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Community Food Share Pantry on Monday
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Come help First U volunteers distribute food on Monday, January 20. Even though the church office will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Food Pantry will proceed as usual. To volunteer, contact Judy Ortman by clicking here.
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It's time to return your UUSC Guest boxes
 Now is a good time to bring in your UUSC Guest at Your Table boxes, filled with the gifts you have been collecting since Thanksgiving.
Boxes can be returned to the church any time this month. Thank you for helping us to "Spread Hope" through your donations.
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Make a difference in RI and beyond
Gun violence prevention, climate justice, gender equality, peace, asylum, sanctuary justice, and more. Each week presents new opportunities here in Rhode Island and beyond.
To read an update from the Sanctuary Committee and view the social justice activities and events coming up, click here.
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Imagine the Future report now available
Since this past fall, First U has been engaged in some strategic thinking and planning. The Imagine the Future sessions started the process, and other steps have included a planning retreat, with First U lay leaders and staff, the first weekend in January. You will be seeing more information about these activities in future weeks.
A complete report from our three Imagine the Future sessions in October is now available for you to read.
The report details our responses to a number of specific topics about the future of our church. These topics are important to our congregation and to the development of our strategic planning. To read the full report, click here.
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New security protocols at First U
 In light of the unfortunate incidents in places of worship around our country, we are often asked, "What is happening about security at First U?"
The answer is too long for this space, but we can say that several groups at First U continue to work on the issue. Volunteers with specific awareness and training are present during Sunday morning worship. After many conversations with the Providence Police department, we put together protocols within the leadership and staff. We developed responses to various types of emergencies. We installed security cameras and enhanced our security system with panic buttons; specific people have been trained to use them.
Over the next months, we will be sharing details about what you can and should do if something begins to unfold while you are in our buildings. We will try to answer the question, "Should I run, or should I hide?" We will consider ways that these issues can be discussed in person and effective methods for getting the word out. Be assured that the Prudential Committee and staff take this seriously, and we are working hard at solutions. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact Administrator Nancy Forsstrom or volunteer Security Team member Sandy Schacht.
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Update from our sanctuary family
It h as been a whole year since our beloved Benitez family left for Mexico. We have heard from Daisy that everyone is doing well. Daisy will be starting a teaching job this month at the Superior Technological Institute of the West Side of Hidalgo. She is a little nervous but very excited to be teaching. We know that she will be a great teacher.
 If anyone would like to write to Daisy or her family, their address is Calle Benito Juarez s/n, Col Cañada 42700 Mixquiahuala de Juarez, Hidalgo, Mex. They would love to hear from friends from their sanctuary days. You are also invited to stop by and visit if you have a trip to Mexico planned.
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PruComm minutes now on website
If you would like to know what the Prudential Committee has been discussing in recent months, you can now read meeting minutes and upcoming agendas on our church website by clicking here.
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Update your photo directory info
 Has your phone number, email address, or other contact information changed lately? Is your photo on the First U Online Photo Directory?
Please take a moment to review and update your photo directory entry. If you haven't yet used the directory or need a refresher, click here for detailed information about the directory and login instructions. The directory is password protected and available to First U members and friends.
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Please sign up to bring coffee hour snacks
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Every Sunday, we need coffee hour goodies for around 300 people. Have you contributed yet?
Look for the signup on Sunday morning near the goodies table to help with snacks for our members, friends, and visitors.
Thank you in advance.
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Become a member of First U
 There are many ways to be involved in the life of First Unitarian Church. One way is to become a voting member so that you can help shape the future of our work in Providence and the world.
The next Path to Membership class will be held Saturday and Sunday, January 25 (9:30 am - 1 pm) and 26 (12 - 2pm). You will meet other people, meet with staff, learn about Unitarian Universalism in general and First U in particular, get all your questions answered (well... most of them!), and know more about what it means to be fully engaged in many levels of the life of the church.
If you're interested, curious, or thinking about becoming a member, you can speak to Jenn Nardone in the Newcomers' Cafe after the Sunday service or send her a message by clicking here.
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Get your ticket for tacos, entertainment, prizes
 Delicious tacos, raffle prizes, plenty of fellowship, and fun entertainment for the whole family and all ages are in store on Saturday, January 25, when the Coming of Age students and families present a Taco Supper.
You can purchase tickets from Coming of Age students on Sunday after the service and at the door. Proceeds will help to defray the cost of our comprehensive COA program.
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300th Anniversary events announced
The 300th Anniversary Committee hosted a wonderful kickoff event last week and introduced us to many celebrations ahead this year. They also treated us to a historical presentation about the beginnings of First Unitarian and unveiled the commemorative items that will be available for purchase during the year.
To view the upcoming anniversary events and read about the historical significance of this year we are celebrating, click here to the 300th Anniversary page on our church website.
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Sample a Circle on January 26
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If you would like to experience a typical Chalice Circle or Soul Circle to see what it's like, you'll have an opportunity on Sunday, January 26, after the service.
The Circles provide an opportunity to connect more deeply with a small group at First U and become part of an intimate, accepting community. The Circles help to lift us out of the everyday and reflect on and deepen our spiritual journey through sharing our human experience.
To sample a Circle after the January 26th service, take the elevator or stairs to the third floor classrooms where you can explore our Small Group Ministry offerings and possibly sign up for a group that fits your preferences and schedule.
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Grief groups news
Two groups designed to help individuals coping with grief are forming, and we want to clarify the difference.
Mindful Grieving is a 5-session series aimed at those coping with a recent death of a loved one. They will be meeting on 5 Sundays at 5:30, starting on January 26. This spring session is full.
Good Grief is scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, at 6:30 pm and begins Monday, January 27. This group is designed for those coping with any kind of recent loss - of a relationship, a job, etc.
For more information about either group, contact our Assistant Minister for Pastoral Care, Roger Peltier, by clicking here.
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Giving, Receiving
as Love Shows Us How
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Growth creates needs
by Rick Richards, 2020 Commitment Drive chair
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 In 2010-11, First Unitarian had 413 members; now we have 504. That is 22% growth in nine years - a lot of growth for an organization that was already large. My experience at church tells me that as we have grown we have also changed. I wonder if you also feel our congregation changing. During the same period, our annual fundraising totals went from $313,020 to $424,300, a very healthy 35% increase.
All these numbers seem to indicate a healthy dynamic: people join the church because they like what happens here, and once they are here, they give more money because they like what happens here.
No matter how healthy the dynamic of growth, it pushes any organization out of its comfort zone. Remember when you were growing and needed new shoes? We can expect something similar in our church, except what we need isn't new shoes. What is it we do need? Give that question some thought as we look ahead at the possibilities. |
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Meetings, Events This Week
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Thursday, January 16
Sanctuary Coalition - 7:00 pm
UUA Common Read discussion - 7:00 pm
Sunday, January 19
Newcomers' Cafe - 11:30 am
Atrium Bookstore – 11:30 am
Women's Alliance Coffee Sales – 11:30 am
Food Shuttle - 11:30 am
Legislative Team - 12:15 pm
300th Anniversary committee - 12:15 pm
Book Sellers team - 12:15 pm
Campus UUs - 5:00 pm
Monday, January 20 - Church Office Closed
Community Food Share Pantry - 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Zendo - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, January 21
Deacons meeting - 6:30 pm
Knitting for a Better World - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, January 22
Side With Love - 7:00 pm
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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. Much earlier is better. Submit your article and photo or graphic to Nancy Forsstrom at admin@firstunitarianprov.org.
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