|
|
|
|
If your device displays only part of this issue, be sure to click on "View Entire Message" at the bottom to see all of this week's news.
|
|
'Twists and Turns' with Lisa Rose
 We all have our paths in life. Like many of us, Lisa has traveled a path with many twists and turns, hills and valleys along the way. Looking back from this vantage point, she realizes that for all the challenges along her unique path, she is grateful for the blessings she has gathered, including the lessons learned. And ultimately, she is always just where she should be.
Lisa Rose grew up a devout Catholic until she hit a bump in the road that shook her to her core and caused her to seek a new spiritual home. She joined the First Universalist Society of Franklin, MA, 27 years ago and was actively involved there. Lisa and her family moved to Lincoln in 2001 and eventually changed their affiliation to First U.
She has been involved in a variety of committees and projects at First U, including teaching in RE, assisting in the food pantry, choir and music, Neighborhood Social Justice Committee, First U representative on the Loaves and Fishes RI board, and Women's Alliance.
Lisa has had many jobs to support her family, but she considers her job of being a mother to be the hardest and most rewarding, the one she continues to love the most. Now that both of her children are successfully launched into their adult lives, she is eagerly anticipating what is ahead on her path.
Music for the service will be provided by Greg Moses.
We are worshiping in person, expecting all to be masked and fully vaccinated. If you cannot join us, click here to watch on our YouTube channel at 10am.
Click here to access the order of service.
|
|
Chat with friends in breezeway after the service over iced tea, lemonade
 It's summer, which means it is time for refreshments and fellowship in the breezeway after worship! Gather with friends and family after our 10am worship for cool summer treats and a time for socializing.
|
|
Channing Gray's message available
A computer glitch interfered with the sound on the livestream of the Sunday service July 3. We apologize for those who were not able to hear Channing in real time. However he has graciously provided the text of his message - click here to access or download it.
|
|
First U reaches out to help Partner Church deal with effects of war in Ukraine
The Ukrainian conflict has had major ramifications on our partner church congregation in Transylvania. First U's Partner Church Committee has learned through Zoom meetings and phone calls that, for example, gas prices have risen 25% in the last month. As a result of these communications, the Partner Church Committee developed three initiatives to mitigate these increased expenses.
 Food bank
The food bank program has provided food packages to 10 elderly families who are on fixed pensions. In addition, it has assisted 35 families, allowing them to have additional funds to offset their increased energy costs. Rev. Kelemen and their president, Zoltan Lazlo, personally delivered the 65-pound packages of food to members of their congregation. Rev. Kelerman says recipients of the food are very thankful and grateful for the support they have received from us.
 School supplies
To help the children of Szentegyhaza, the school supplies initiative provided school supplies and other products to 45 families with young toddlers, pre-schoolers, and K-12 children. The school supplies will be used for the coming school year and will assure that each child has the necessary tools and equipment to start the year. Rev. Keleman said the smiles on the faces of the children makes all the hard work worth it. This program cost approximately $1130.
 Help for women
The third initiative, funded by our own Woman’s Alliance members, helps our partner church's Women’s League provide basic needs that are impacted by inflation. The Women’s Alliance raised $1060 in donations from its members, wired to Transylvanian to help our sisters. It provided packages of items to 15 women in the congregation, allowing them to save money for other needs like energy and gasoline.
Looking ahead
Funding for these initiatives is supported by generous contributions from our congregation and special collections for our partner church. To date the Partner Church account has used almost $3000 for this outreach.
In their most recent discussion with Rev. Keleman, the Partner Church Committee discussed the future of the food bank. Since energy costs are now lower because of the warmer summer temperatures, he suggested that we wait until September to determine the needs of his congregation. He is also optimistically hoping the conflict will end and things will be getting back to normal in the fall.
For more information about our partner church and First U's initiatives to help, please contact Tom Getz or Janet Downing Taylor.
|
|
Church office now open 9 to 4, weekdays
 For the summer, the church office is open Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm. Feel free to stop by any time; we always look forward to visits from members and friends of the congregation. The administration and building staff wish everyone a great summer.
|
|
New Summer Service Series preview
 New information is now available about upcoming speakers, topics, and musicians in our Summer Services Series. Check back here each week as we post updates.
July 17, "New Ways of Seeing." This second poetry service coordinated by Kim Noble will draw upon the art of Irene Allen. Join this group of poetry lovers as they share some favorite poems paired with selected works from Irene's artistic legacy. Music by Brian Bartling and Stew Armstrong.
July 24, "Finding a Haven Within a Circle of Queer Friends." Join the LGBTQIA+ Soul Circle in examining and celebrating the significance and beauty of our diversity as well as the amazing gifts of inclusivity and strength our community can cultivate. Circle members will also provide the music.
July 31, "Who am I? Identifying and Belonging at First U" with Svetlana Goretaya. We will hear Svetlana's story of her identity journey from mainstream Protestantism to Unitarianism, from mental distress to wholeness, and to embracing her multifaceted identity. Music by Neil Bartholomew and Brian Bartling.
August 7, "Up From the Ashes." A look back at the catastrophic fire at First U in 1966 and the restoration that followed, with Rod Haynes, who witnessed it all. Music by Claire Rosenbaum.
August 14, with Atwater - Donnelly. With readings in the form of questions, join Aubrey and Elwood for a provocative and evocative service of songs and queries. Members of the congregation will be challenged to join in asking difficult questions during turbulent times in an effort to move forward in positive and helpful ways.
August 21, "Letting Love Guide Us" with Rev. Mary Margaret Earl. We are deeply connected to some animals. Compassion and kinship guide those relationships. But modern systems have broken our connection with other animals. This week we consider how we can reawaken our connection and widen our circle of compassion. Music by Janice Okoomian.
August 28, with Sorrel Devine; music by Sally Racket
September 4, with Anne Connor; music by Nancy Nicholson
|
|
Lay Ministry team available during summer months with new email address
 We all experience challenges in our lives from time to time. If you become ill, suffer a loss, or experience a difficult life transition or celebration, call on us. Our Caring Crew, Lay Ministry Team, and First U Buddies want to help. If you have a pastoral concern during the summer months, click here to contact one of the Lay Ministers; they check email often.
|
|
Let us know if you test positive for COVID-19
 If you test positive for COVID-19 and have attended a worship service, a meeting, or made some other visit to First U in the previous five days, please let the church office know immediately so that we can continue to follow our safety protocols and offer you any support you need.
|
|
Tuesday noon deadline
Deadline for submitting materials for each week's First U Times is noon on Tuesday at the latest. Much earlier is better. To submit your article and photo or graphic to Nancy Forsstrom, click here.
|
|
|
|
