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Weekly Resources
- November Share the Plate: The November Plate Charity is Guest at Your Table (GAYT), the UUSC's longest-established fundraising and educational program for congregations.The 2023-2024 GAYT theme is "Pursuing Liberation." Donations to Guest at Your Table help advance community-led human rights initiatives around the world. Donations of $150 or more are eligible to be matched by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY. You may write a check to First Parish and write GAYT in the memo line.
- Church Calendar
- Minutes from Last Month's Parish Committee Meeting
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Greetings Friends,
The vibrant colors of autumn arrived beautifully though belatedly this season. Almost as soon as the brightest reds peaked, the winds came to sweep them from the skyline. As the leaves crunch underfoot, I’m reminded that one season gives way to another. Soon the crunch underfoot will come from the snow and ice of winter.
With winter approaching and temperatures dipping, the cost of home heating becomes a burden for many. Please be aware that First Parish Bridgewater maintains a Minister’s Discretionary Fund to support community members experiencing financial emergencies. Assistance may be provided for such needs as groceries, fuel, rent, and other urgent needs. This financial assistance is intended to be an emergency stopgap. For support on an ongoing basis, I can help you identify community-based resources. All assistance is provided at the discretion of the minister and is held in complete confidence. If you need assistance, please reach out to me at revjenniferjohnson@gmail.com or (774) 279-6113.
On another note, you recently may have received one or more unusual text/ email messages purportedly from me. Unfortunately, scammers exploit the goodwill of people of faith by sending fraudulent “phishing” emails that appear to come from a clergy leader. Usually the messages express an urgent need for assistance and will include religious language that sounds out of character for me. If you receive such a message, it’s almost certainly a scam. If you look closely at the “from” email address and/or phone number, you’ll see that they are not actually mine. Please disregard and delete it. Do not respond. If you are uncertain, email or call me directly at revjenniferjohnson@gmail.com or (774) 279-6113 to verify.
Sadly, scammers target faith communities because we tend to be generous, warm-hearted people who want to care for others. While these qualities make us vulnerable to such scams, let’s remember that they are also our greatest strengths. As autumn makes way for winter, as the light recedes and the cold descends, let us ever extend the light of love and the warmth of community to one another and all in need in our midst.
In faith,
Rev. Jennifer
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Sunday Worship
Worship on Sunday, November 5th with Rev. Jennifer Johnson,
"The Generous Mind"
This is a hybrid worship service. Please join us in the sanctuary or by ZOOM: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/8261399470
Or via phone: +1 646 876 9923 Meeting ID: 826 139 9470
This Sunday, November 5, families are invited to join our religious education volunteers for our monthly Family Chapel service at 10:30am in the Upper Parish Hall.
Click here for more information!
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Metal Recycling Update
Thanks again to all who made our recent community-wide metal recycling drive a success, including volunteers Sam B., Bob M., Tom and Sue, Quent, and David W. The event netted $117, including cash donations collected from those participating. All proceeds benefit the Bridgewater Food Pantry. If you missed your chance and would like to add your donation, please write a check to First Parish, with “metal recycling” in the memo line or see a member of the Green Sanctuary Team (Janet Dye, Ginger Irish, Debbie Baumgarten) at church on Sunday. We’d love to “round the number up”!!
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Thanksgiving at First Parish
On Thanksgiving Day November 23, First Parish will host a potluck gathering in the Upper Parish Hall. Appetizers at 1 p.m. Dinner at 2 p.m. We would love you to join us in this grateful, loving community meal. There will be a sign up sheet in the Upper Parish Hall where you can sign up to attend and list what you would like to bring.. Or you may contact Susan Irish EIRISH2@aol.com (508) 378-2906. We hope you'll join us!
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MAINSPRING AND EVELYN HOUSE LUNCHES
Thurs., Nov. 2 lunches will be made for MainSpring (75) and Evelyn House (25) Homeless Shelters. The food will be delivered to the home of Betty Gilson by 9:00 am that morning. If you would like to help, contact Betty at gillyflower@verizon.net.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE MEETING
Thurs., Nov. 2 at 7:00 pm the Social Justice Committee will meet on ZOOM to discuss plans for future actions and for the table at the church fair. Ideas and new members are welcome.
Here is the link:
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BLM FILM
The suggested film for viewing in Nov. is “Little Big Man”. Jack Crabb is 121 years old as the film begins. A collector of oral histories asks him about his past. He recounts being captured and raised by Indians, becoming a gunslinger, marrying an Indian, watching her killed by General George Armstrong Custer, and becoming a scout for him at Little Big Horn.
Currently you are able to watch "Little Big Man" streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It is also possible to buy "Little Big Man" on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV as download or rent it on Microsoft Store, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, DIRECTV online.
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T”UU”RNING LEAVES BOOK CLUB
Fr., Nov. 24 at 7:00 pm the Book Club will meet to discuss “The Haunting of Hill House”. Some of us remember being scared by the movie years ago. Here is your chance to enjoy the story completely. The Haunting of Hill House is a 1959 gothic horror novel by American author Shirley Jackson. It was a finalist for the National Book Award and has been made into two feature films and a play, and is the basis of a Netflix series. Location of meeting to be announced.
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