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My dear friends,
I am looking back on the time since last I wrote my column – last June! And wondering at how the world has changed. I’ve been easing myself into the idea of a year of online programming with our children and youth. I dove in headlong back in March, but I did not at that time think that I’d be planning all our programming this year in this way.
Reimagining your whole world is hard – and energizing. In the RE program, it means thinking about how best to serve families with children in different age categories. It means realizing that different people respond differently to online programming, and so some of our kids and youth will find it difficult to experience classes online while others will find it comforting. It means being willing to change course when something isn’t working. It means stepping outside my personal comfort zone to find new ways to do things. Sometimes it ends up being fun. Sometimes it’s just plain scary.
Continue Reading
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Adult Enrichment and Learning Forums in October
Wednesday, October 28, 7:00-8:30
“Listening Deeply to Poetry”
In the Christian tradition, there is a practice of listening deeply to scripture, which is called Lectio Divina. The basic idea is to deeply listen to a text by reading it multiple times with different questions in mind each time. Some questions might be:
- What FEELINGS arise?
- What MEMORIES does it stir?
- What MESSAGE does it have for you? (“words of comfort or challenge”)
Christians believe this is a powerful way to allow God to speak through the text. They often describe it as a “prayerful” way (versus “analytical”) way of reading.
This same technique can also be used with other types of writing. In this forum, participants will apply this lectio divina approach to two or three poems, reading each one through carefully three times and discussing what we hear as we listen deeply to the text. There is no need to prepare anything ahead of time. Just bring yourself, perhaps a love of poetry or a longing for deeper spiritual engagement, and an openness to listening in community.
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Join us for the FPW Halloween Dance Party!
Saturday October 31st for 5pm to 7pm
Watch your email for the Zoom link the week of the party.
Hosted by Fellowship Committee
and DJ Katherine Calabro
Grab a costume or come as you are. Dance in your favorite room or just enjoy the music and comradery. This event is for all who just wanna have some fun!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Don't want to miss a service or fun community photos?
"LIKE" the First Parish of Watertown Facebook page, accessible from the FPW website or from this link.
Questions about the FPW FB page? Reach out to Beth Tappan-deFrees or Carole Katz.
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from the Search Committee
Thank you to everyone who continues to participate in discussions about our congregation's vision for a new minister. In addition to several focus groups this week, there is one more "cottage meeting" this Sunday, October 18 at 2 PM on Zoom.
Next week, please join us for a workshop on Saturday, October 24: "Beyond Categorical Thinking." This program, through the UUA, is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister. To break up the virtual meeting, we will have two 90-minute sessions at 10 AM and 1:30 PM - please plan to attend both! Read more...
[link: https://fpwatertown.org/beyond-categorical-thinking/]
You can continue to find updates from the Search Committee on the FPW website and contact us with questions and comments at searchcommittee@fpwatertown.org.
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We want YOU...to stay connected!
If you or someone you know is having any trouble accessing our online offerings (Worship, Fellowship events, RE for children/teens/adults, etc) for any reason, we want to know so that we can help you!
Perhaps your current technology is an obstacle, and you're not sure how to fix it or replace it with something that will work. Perhaps you could simply use some assistance learning how to use ZOOM or upgrading your internet service. Maybe your obstacle is a financial one. Or maybe you're simply frustrated with not being able to meet in person...and want to talk.. No matter what the issue is, the church is here to help...just let Rev. Wendy know.(minister@fpwatertown.org).
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Sunday Services are currently being held on Zoom. Please contact office@fpwatertown.org by Saturday for this week's link or to be added to the weekly mailing.
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Want to put a church or community announcement in the Arbella? Email the information (text, please, and images if you have them) to office@fpwatertown.org
Deadline for each Friday's Arbella is Thursday at noon.
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Many of you know me, my name is Charlotte Holt and I grew up going to First Parish. I just graduated from Smith College this spring with a degree in studio arts with a focus in printmaking. I just wanted to share with you all that I’m participating in a global art sale through a group called Printmakers Against Racism this week. Printmakers around the world are selling their work and donating the funds to various organizations supporting Black lives, fighting systemic racism, and ensuring fair elections. If you want to learn more about them here’s their website,
and social media. They ran a similar event in July and raised over 30,000 dollars! I’m selling my work and donating 50% of proceeds to the organization Black Voters Matter. My website is https://www.charlotte-holt.com, check out my work, buy a print if you want, or share with others. There are a lot of amazing artists participating in this event who are donating to a huge range of organizations. |
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Due to heavy rain, the candlelight vigil for Black lives and Indigenous people that was planned for Tuesday, October 13th was postponed until Tuesday, October 20th.
Updated details:
Candlelight Vigil for Black Lives & Indigenous People
Tuesday, October 20th
5:30-6:30pm
Watertown Square delta area
(across from CVS on Main St.)
Watertown Citizens for Black Lives and the Kingian Response Team are co-sponsoring a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, October 20th from 5:30-6:30pm . As the date of this vigil follows Indigenous Peoples Day on October 12, we are including
a focus on the history of indigenous people and their exploitation with the arrival of European settlers. We will also continue to end the vigil with a silent reflection in memory of George Floyd and others that were killed by racial bigotry and police brutality. Some paper lanterns will be provided.
Some paper lanterns will be provided
Dr. Mishy Lesser (Learning Director, Upstander Project/Dawnland) will still be able speak at the vigil in spite of the change of date.
For the vigil:
• Bring a flashlight instead of candles for safety. Free paper lanterns will be available.
• Please wear a mask or covering over your mouth and nose
• Spread out to maintain at least 6 feet between household groups
• Bring signs in support of Black lives and justice for Indigenous people; we suggest refraining from depicting violent and potentially retraumatizing imagery. (We will have a few extra signs.)
• Please join us in quiet reflection for the last 8 minutes and 46 seconds of the vigil, kneeling if you are able, to remember the murder of George Floyd and others.
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Food Drive "Drive-Thru" Day!
Saturday, October 17th, 12-4pm
80 Mt Auburn St, Watertown
Supporitng the Watertown Food Pantry and Catholic Collaborative Food Pantry.
Please drop off non-perishable and non-expired food donations in brown paper bags. Monetary donations made be made by check to:
Watertown Community Foundation-October Food Drive
P.O. Box 334, Watertown, MA 02471
or online: watertownfoundation.org |
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Film Discussion: The Condor and the Eagle
Friday, October 16, 2020 7-9pm
This award-winning documentary demonstrates the ongoing collective climate awakening and the imperative of urgent change, featuring Indigenous women leaders. Registrants for the film discussion will receive a link to watch the film prior to the event. The virtual event is hosted by the First Church in JP UU, and the panelists for the film discussion are Erika Perez, Mayans without Borders (Guatemala); Jean-Luc Pierite, NAICOB; Sherri Mitchell, Wicuhkemtultine Kinship Community & Learning Center.
All proceeds will benefit their organizations on a $0-$50 sliding scale. Register here.
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