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November 20, 2020 Newsletter
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November 20, 2020
RE News
Lauren

Dear friends, 

As our pageant approaches, I am forced to look back at the 9 preceding pageants I’ve helped orchestrate here and acknowledge that this 10th one will be unprecedented. 

I am committed to … sheep. And a sword dance.  And a beautiful story. And costumes. And a message that leaves us all hopeful and feeling as if we are turning a corner in our lives, in the life of this nation, in the heart of Unitarian Universalism.  I am as yet unclear exactly how it will happen — but I am confident it will happen.  I believe in miracles, even when miracles involve bits of video from 30 children and a prayerful acknowledgement that iMovie is not actually the best video editing software out there, but it is the one I know how to use. 

All Hands on Deck!
Grab Your Favorite Rake and Come to a Party!

Our First Parish trees have said goodbye to their leaves, and we need your help to gather them up and prepare our grounds for winter. Please join members of our Building & Grounds Committee at 9:00 AM on Saturday, Nov. 21, (rain date: 1:00 PM, Sunday, Nov. 22), for our annual fall clean-up. Many hands make light work - so any amount of time you can spare will be much appreciated. Be sure to bring a rake, work gloves, and a mask. All work will be done outside, at a safe distance from one another. This may be one of the few times this fall when we can actually greet each other in person, so please don't miss this opportunity to take care of our church while enjoying the (distant) company of friends.
 
Winter Solstice Planning
 
This year we plan to honor the Return of the Sun over Zoom on Monday December 21st from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. If you have ideas for service elements that might work over Zoom, or would like to participate in some way during the service, please email Izzy (izzyt@rcn.com) with your thoughts.
Join the First Parish Community!
 
Do you consider First Parish your spiritual home?

If so, consider becoming a member!
 
First Parish welcomes people of all religious backgrounds who affirm the worth of human beings, advocate freedom of belief, and the search for advancing truth. 
 
What does it mean to be a member at First Parish?

Membership is how you indicate that you are part of the First Parish community. 

Members can vote on important issues such as the annual and other congregational meetings, including the ministerial search. While the majority of committees are open to anyone who is interested, certain committees require membership.
 
Members are formally welcomed generally twice a year in a New Member Welcome at a Sunday service and Fellowship/Membership committees host social events throughout the year.
 
Okay, how do I become a member? 

Simply speak with our minister, Wendy, or the membership committee to get started (Clint and Sue Sours co-chair, Kat Cass, Melinda Dennis, David Morrison, Martha Scott), email: membership@fpwatertown.org
FPW Virtual Art Show
Looking for Donations

The pandemic has stopped us from hosting our Harvest Art Show but we are creating an Online Art Auction in its place.  Without our usual rental income the church’s budget is stretched thin so our goal is to raise at least $3,000 to help with this year’s expenses.  So far I’ve received commitments from over ten artists who are willing to donate one or two pieces for our auction.  Now I’m reaching out to the whole community to ask for a donation to our auction.  We are primarily looking for handmade items or works of art, but other items are also welcome.  Perhaps a gift basket?  

To donate please send (1) a jpeg of the item, (2) with a description (size, materials, etc.) and (3) an estimated retail value to Carole Katz at katz.carole@gmail.com.  We’re hoping to have the auction available for bidding by December 1st, if not sooner, so please have your donations sent by November 23rd.  Thank you.

Please note: This auction will be promoted widely, beyond our FPW community.  Do you have something to contribute?   Also note:  We will be hosting an online Service Auction that will be available to the FPW community only, date to be determined.
UUA Logo

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.

The theme for November is Healing.

Note - there will be no Community Gathering this Thursday, due to the hoilday.

There will be a newsletter on 11/27, but the deadline for articles is Noon on Wednesday, 11/25

The First Parish of Watertown,
Unitarian Universalist

Warrant for Special Congregational Meeting
Sunday, Nov 22nd, 2020
at 12:00 noon after the service
 
To: Michael Collins,
Clerk of the First Parish of Watertown, Greetings:                                            
 
You are hereby requested to notify and warn the legal members of the First Parish of Watertown to meet on SUNDAY, THE 22 OF NOVEMBER, 2020 at 12:00 noon or immediately after the service, to act on the following articles, viz:
 
Article 1 Vote.  To vote to ratify the election of Norah Mulvaney-Day as a member of the Parish Committee.
 
Article 2.  To transact other business that may legally be brought before the meeting. 

Given under our hand on this 5th day of November 2020.
Parish Committee, Sue Twombly, Chair
Fellowship Event of the Month
Join us on Zoom
Saturday November 21st at 6:00pm
 
FPW Gathering of Friends Potluck

Make and enjoy your favorite meal in the company of FPW friends. This will be an open conversation event. Watch your email the week of for your Zoom invitation.
FPW Social Action Event

In recognition that November 2020 is Native American Heritage Month, the FPW Social Action Committee is pleased to sponsor a community talk-back session on Tuesday December 1st at 7:00pm with Dr. Mishy Lesser, Learning Director of Upstander Project/Dawnland. 

The film “Dawnland” is the untold story of Indigenous child removal in the US through the nation’s first-ever government-endorsed truth and reconciliation commission, which investigated the devastating impact of Maine’s child welfare practices on the Wabanaki people.

This beautiful and awakening film may be viewed for free via PBS at any time during the rest of November using this link. We ask that you take time to watch this film (1 hour) at your convenience this month and then plan to join our Zoom discussion on December 1st. Zoom details will be sent by email the week of the event.
 
We would also like to share the many wonderful learning resources that are available on the Native American Heritage Month website.
Social Action's November Giving Box will be in continued support of our long-time recipient, The Grow Clinic!
 
In light of COVID and hospital restrictions, the Grow Clinic is requesting essential item gifts in the form of $25 gift cards from specific stores in lieu of the usual children's gifts. 
 
Izzy and Beth Tappan-deFrees will be collecting money and then purchase gift cards on 11/30. We can work with Venmo (@bethtd), cash, or checks (mail to 52 Columbus Ave, Waltham, MA 02451.) We will do a bulk purchase the weekend after Thanksgiving, and mail it to  Grow Clinic. If you prefer to send us gift cards directly, please call us.  Let us know your questions! (Beth - 781-248-6936)
Winter Coat Drive, Saturday Dec 12th, 12-3pm, 100 Parker St., Watertown. Contact WatertownMutualAid@WaysideYouth.org
 
First Parish of Watertown

35 Church St, Watertown, MA 02472
Church Office: 617-924-6143 ~ office@fpwatertown.org

Minister ~ Wendy Bell ~ minister@fpwatertown.org
Administrator / Rentals ~ Allison Hewett ~ office@fpwatertown.org
Religious Education ~ Lauren Strauss ~ dre@fpwatertown.org
Music ~ Charlyn Bethell ~ music@fpwatertown.org
Sexton ~ Frank Griggs ~ frankgriggs937@gmail.com
Copyright © 2020 First Parish of Watertown, All rights reserved.


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