Rev. Rob's Office Hours and Contact Information

In keeping with my half-time contract, I am generally be available for UUSMV appointments, calls and emails two days per week, in addition to preparing for and leading worship two Sundays per month. I publish the schedule of my availability at the beginning of each month. Please feel free to reach out by email or phone to schedule an appointment with me on one of these days. If you contact me on a day I’m not working, you can generally expect to hear back from me on my next UUSMV work day. If you have a pastoral emergency or a time sensitive matter that requires attention before my next work day, please call or text me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

My availability in February is as follows:
Week of Feb 27: Monday Feb 28, Wednesday Mar 2

Members and Friends Updates
Please hold the following members and friends in your thoughts and prayers:
Emily Solarazza (recovering from a broken wrist), Mike Shepard, the Hackney and McBride families as well as Ann Hollister, Tad Crawford, Betty Burton, Diane Holt, Isabel Noel, Jacqui Noel (with the passing of her brother).

Nancy Cox who is nearing the end of her grateful life, would love to receive cards or texts but no phone calls, please. Nancy's phone for texts is 413-344-3560  

We have received word that Bob Farwell passed away in his sleep, Feb, 20, 2022, at the age of 96.  His family reports, “He was engaged, pragmatic, and loving to the end . . .”   Bob and Martha Farwell were pillars of UUSMV and the MV community in the 1990s. As the Farwell's parting gift to UUSMV when they moved to Ohio in 2008, they offered a challenge match, which ultimately yielded a $14,000 gift from Bob and Martha, as well as an increased, sustained base of pledges.   Martha Farwell passed away in 2016.
Condolence notes can be sent to:  The Family of Bob Farwell, 200 Laurel Lake Drive, E­268, Hudson, OH 44236

For friends and acquaintances of Steve Myrick, his daughter Becky can receive cards and stories of your times with Steve at Becky & James Stephenson, 31 Old Essex Road, Manchester by the Sea, MA 09144.

The daughter of Dick and Martha Mezger, Gayle, was injured at 5 corners and remains in the hospital in serious condition. Dick and Martha were long-time members of the UUSMV until they moved off island a few years ago and would appreciate your prayers and cards. 59 Walpole Street, Unit 312, Canton, MA 02021

UUSMV has COVID-19 Tests
The Town of Tisbury, Health Agent Maura Valley has generously given us COVID-19 quick tests to distribute to our membership.  If you would like a test for you and your family call Ann Cilfone at the Chapel 508-693-8982 or email uu.society.mv@gmail.com.

Celebrating Our Member Authors
Weedy Wisdom by  Rebecca Gilbert
 Available May 8.  How to gather and prepare a variety of plants for different purposes.   


Studying US Slave Songs, a guide for young people  by Jim Thomas 
Wonderful history info about slave songs.  Available at Amazon



Covid Monologues MV: Readings to Nourish, Inspire & Connect edited by Jennifer Knight
Essays and thoughts on the past few years on Martha's Vineyard.  Available on Amazon 



Summer Housing

Rev. Rob and his husband and son would love to be able to spend 2 or 3 months on the Vineyard this summer.  This would allow him to be a more “hands on” minister to us, able to preach in person more, participate in more in-person gatherings, and do more pastoral care work.  A main focus of the Parish Committee once services in the chapel are possible will be to welcome back parishioners who have drifted away and to bring in new parishioners and families to our church family.  Rev. Rob living on the island would be a big help to us in this effort.  It would also enable him to be more helpful as we (hopefully) transition to a “contract to settled” minister in the fall.
As we all know, summer housing on the Vineyard is very expensive.  If you know of a reduced rate housing situation please contact Rev. Rob or Rita.  If you would like to contribute to a housing fund to widen opportunities available to Rev. Rob, please inform our treasurer, Jan Casey.  One generous member has already offered $1000 a month, for which we are most grateful.  Offers in any amount would be most welcome.  Thank you!
Karen Sankey for the Parish Committee

You can view the directory here:  www.uusmv.org/community/members/directory-december-2021/
If you would like to make any changes to the directory please submit them here:  uu.society.mv@gmail.com

February Care Coordinators
Rita Brown  Donna McElroy
March Care Coordinator
 Barbara Caseau
For Care Coordinator contact information and quick reference go to the UUSMV member page: www.uusmv.org

West Tisbury Congregational Church still Looking for Volunteers
The WT Congregational Church needs volunteers for their Community Supper Program. Duties include chopping and preparing food, light cleaning, packing and distribution. Shifts are 2 hours and vary from morning (10-12) and afternoon (1-3) shifts Sunday thru Wednesday, with 2 additional shifts 2-4pm and 4-6 pm for packing and cleanup on Wednesdays. We offer Community Suppers every Wednesday through April.  Please call Marjorie Peirce +1 (508) 221-0314, or email WTCommSuppers@gmail.com for information and how to sign up.