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TRANSCRIPT
The Unitarian April 7, 2017
Sunday Worship, April 9
Major Music Sunday presents Morton Lauridsen’s beautiful Requiem, Lux Aeterna.
Lauridsen composed the Lux Aeterna in 1997, the year his mother died. She was the muse who introduced him to music, playing swing jazz and singing to him as a toddler. She also taught him to play the piano. The consolation for grief offered by Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna is often compared to that of Fauré’s Requiem and Brahms’s Ein Deutsches Requiem, both works inspired by the deaths of the composers’ mothers.
See “Music Notes” for more on this Sunday’s Major Music Service.
Prelude: Prière de Notre Dame by Léon Boëllmann (1862 - 97); Simon Andrews, organ
Homily: Let Light Perpetual Shine; Andrea Spencer-Linzie
One service at 10:30 a.m. Childcare is provided.
The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by Mary Beekman and David Warner.
Directions and parking information at uubelmont.org
Sermon archive: uubelmont.org/sermons
April 16: Easter Sunday, services at 9 & 11 a.m.
April 23: Earth Day Services with FCBGreen; services held in the Parish Hall at 9 & 11 a.m.
April 30: Youth Group Sunday
From Andrea Spencer-Linzie, Ministerial Intern
Louise Penny is the author of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series of murder mysteries, set in the Quebec area of Canada.
Inspector Gamache passes on to all under his command 4 truths of wisdom that will help and guide them in their work and in life. The four phrases of
wisdom are: I’m sorry; I was wrong; I don’t know; I need help.
Four simple phrases, mere words. At the same time, they can create fear and trembling in the strongest of us. How difficult for many of us to say these words after decades of developing long lists of competencies and expertise, or armor against being hurt.
I’m sorry.
Two words. These two words are often mumbled several times a day in a casual way to signal some recognition of another person, like when two people get to the door at the same time and reach for the same handle, or when needing to pass someone on the sidewalk who is walking slower than you are. In these cases, muttering “I’m sorry” is a polite trifle.
Yet, to say, “I’m sorry I yelled at you,” or “I’m so sorry, I completely forgot about the project that was due yesterday. I take full responsibility,” feels different than the “sorry” we mutter as we rush past someone on the sidewalk. Saying “I’m sorry” can be scary, it can create a sense of vulnerability. Yet, in circumstances where it is really needed, it can be a powerful moment of honesty and healing. It can open us up to one another and even create a stronger relationship.
I was wrong.
I don’t know.
I need help.
These words can create fear and trembling down our spines. They connote lack and insufficiency. They can inspire self-doubt.
Yet, none of us are perfect. To show and acknowledge our vulnerability, frailties and shortcomings can be hard and terrifying. Yet, all of us are vulnerable and frail in some way. To recognize that in ourselves and each other is to recognize our common humanity. To show our frailties can be a powerful way to bond one to another. It is a recognition that all of us fall short, and that we can understand and be compassionate with one another.
It is to say, “me, too.”
2017 March Stewardship Drive — Mind The Gap!
We still need over $50,000 to meet our goal of $610,000. Please make your pledge ASAP for the upcoming church year. The Parish Board is already planning the budget, and your pledge matters. Over 240 households have pledged so far. Please be as generous as you can, and please consider increasing your pledge. Pledging is easy:
Pledge online at www.uubelmont.org/stewardship
Send us an email at [email protected]
Send us your completed pledge form, or print a form here.
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Any questions, please contact Roger Read, Stewardship Chair, at [email protected]. And if for any reason you cannot make a commitment to the Stewardship Drive at this time, it’s very helpful if you can let us know that too.
~ With thanks, The Stewardship Committee
Music Notes, by Ian Garvie
Special thanks this week go to Chuck Claus and Andrea Spencer-Linzie, for the incredibly beautiful music this past weekend. The offertory, Mendelssohn’s heartbreaking aria “It Is Enough,” was simply sublime.
This week, don’t miss the Major Music service, at 10:30 a.m. The senior choir will be joined by a professional orchestra to present Morton Lauridsen’s beautiful Requiem, Lux Aeterna.
Lauridsen composed the Lux Aeterna in 1997, the year his mother died. She was the muse who introduced him to music, playing swing jazz and singing to him as a toddler. She also taught him to play the piano. The consolation for grief offered by Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna is often compared to that of Fauré’s Requiem and Brahms’s Ein Deutsches Requiem, both works inspired by the deaths of the composers’ mothers. These works also have in common a deceptive simplicity, yet their capacity to touch the listener reveals mastery at expressing through music the depth of human emotion.
The five movements of Lux Aeterna are based on various references to light from sacred Latin texts: perpetual light, light risen in the darkness, Redeemer-born light from light, light of the Holy Spirit, light of hearts, most blessed light, eternal light — all supporting an earthbound spirit seeking not only mercy, understanding, and consolation but also renewal.
The service will also feature arias from the requiems of Faure, Verdi, and Durufle. With soloists Melanie Bacaling, Irina Kareva, Davron Monroe, and Chuck Claus.
Spring Cleanup — Saturday, April 8, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a spring landscape cleanup at First Church in Belmont this Saturday, April 8, 9-10:30 a.m.
Rain or shine.
Bring a rake, hand clippers and gloves.
Youth Group News
Declaration of Conscience
We the youth group of the First Church in Belmont support this declaration of conscience released by the UUA:
At this extraordinary time in our nation’s history, we are called to affirm our profound commitment to the fundamental principles of justice, equity and compassion, to truth and core values of American society.
In the face of looming threats to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and the LGBTQ community and the rise of hate speech, harassment and hate crimes, we affirm our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
In opposition to any steps to undermine the right of every citizen to vote or to turn back advances in access to health care and reproductive rights, we affirm our commitment to justice and compassion in human relations.
And against actions to weaken or eliminate initiatives to address the threat of climate change – actions that would threaten not only our country but the entire planet – we affirm our unyielding commitment to protect the interdependent web of all existence.
We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil.
As people of conscience, we declare our commitment to translate our values into action as we stand on the side of love with the most vulnerable among us.
We welcome and invite all to join in this commitment for justice.
Youth Group Statement to Invest Responsibly and Divest From Fossil Fuels
To the congregation of the First Church in Belmont Unitarian Universalist:
We the Youth Group are releasing this statement in support of the vote to invest responsibly.
We know that our world and our lives will be harmed by global warming. On our service trip we also saw how climate change and mining coal are destroying the environment and communities in West Virginia. It worries us.
We and our children will bear the full brunt of climate change. To stop global warming, every individual, every organization, and every government needs to do everything it can to stop burning fossil fuels.
As a UU congregation whose values include the preservation of the interdependent web of life, we
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should be the first and the most willing to do everything we can.
So we, the undersigned members of the Youth Group, call upon our congregation to divest from fossil fuels. Please do this. It’s one of the many important things we can do right now. Please don’t let fossil fuel companies use our money to extract and sell fossil fuels. Let’s stand together to put our values into action.
~ Youth Group Members 2017
The Rummage Sale is back! Saturday, April 29
Many ways to help:
Sign up to volunteer during the week before the sale and/or the day of the sale. Two ways to sign up: during coffee hour or at tinyurl.com/fcb-rummagesale. Volunteering for at least 2 hours qualifies you to shop at the Pre-Sale,
Friday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. Thank you!!
And
Donate your “saleable” items: gently used clothes, household items, linens, books (but no textbooks or encyclopedias), jewelry, furniture (but no items larger than 30”x30”x30”), small working appliances and electronics, toys and games, etc. PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANYTHING THAT IS STAINED, RIPPED, MOLDY, DISCOLORED OR THREADBARE.
Transport Hiccough? Nancy McCabe and Richard Curzi will pick up small items (to fit in a car) and bring to First Church if you can’t. [email protected]
Donations will be accepted starting on Sunday, April 23 at 1 p.m. and through Wednesday, April 26 at 9 p.m.
Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected].
Ushers Needed for Spring Term, through 6/11
Thanks to everyone who helped make our Winter ushering a success. Now please consider volunteering to usher for the spring term. You can sign up online at tinyurl.com/springushers or on the Ushering Sign-Up Poster during coffee hour. Thanks for your help.
Newcomers Breakfast — Sunday, April 9 at 9:15 in the Parish Hall
If you are a newcomer to First Church or would just like to meet and welcome a newcomer, come enjoy a bagel and coffee at the Newcomers Breakfast in the Parish Hall at 9:15 before the Major Music service on April 9. For more information, contact Mark Thurber at [email protected].
Community Seder on April 11
Please join us in a community potluck to celebrate Passover. We are hosting a family friendly event on Tuesday, April 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Passover is the story of the Exodus from Egypt many years ago. We share prayers, songs, and the retelling of the story. Each participant is asked to read a small part of the order of service, called the Haggadah.
We ask each family or group to bring a traditional dish to share—and we have lots of recipes. To cover other expenses—$3 child, $5 adult, $12 family.
Contact [email protected], or look for us at upcoming coffee hours.
~ Eleanor Sugarman and Jackie Neel
Second Friday Coffeehouse: Friday, April 14
This week the 2nd Friday Coffeehouse is proud to one present new performer and a group of old friends . Heather Quay and Jon Svetkey (aka The Yellow Room) have delighted our audiences many years and they will have their new CD —”Live At The Second Friday Coffeehouse” —available at the show. Folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Jeffery Isen will be making his first appearance at 2nd Friday and it is rumored that he may join Heather & Jon for a few combined numbers. So join us at 1st Church and support our featured beneficiary The Judith K Record Memorial Conservation Fund.
Easter Sunrise Service — April 16th
Come celebrate the cycle of rebirth at our Easter Sunrise Service. Our service will take place at dawn, surrounded by the interdependent web of all existence in the Highland Farms meadow of the Habitat grounds, in Belmont.
We’ll meet in the Church parking lot Easter morning, leaving at 5:50 a.m. for the brief drive to Habitat. (Or, you can meet us in the Habitat parking lot at 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont, at 6:00 a.m. Take Leonard St. to Clifton St., left onto Fletcher Rd. then 2nd left onto Juniper Rd.)
After the short service, all are invited back to church for a community breakfast. Please contact Kristin Phillips, 781-929-9638, [email protected], or Kathy Crawley, 617-484-3810, [email protected], if you have questions.
Opportunity To Lead Summer Worship Services
Summer Lay-Led Services have become an important aspect of our shared ministry. These are important touchstones during the summer months, when travel and vacation separate us as a community. They provide opportunities to gather in less formal ways
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and smaller numbers to engage in worship led by members and friends of First Church.
Have you ever thought to yourself “This would make a great worship service” or “This aspect of spirituality is rich and intriguing for a lay led theme”? Do you have a personal or professional interest that would enrich us?
The Worship Committee welcomes inquiries about leading a service this summer from June 18- September 3. Committee members will be available for support, resources, and brainstorming themes/ideas for services. Recent themes included Ethical Eating, Buddhist Meditation and Mindfulness in Everyday Live, Tolerating Intolerance, Lughnasadh Ritual Celebrating First Fruits and many others.
If you would like to consider leading a service this summer or partnering with someone else to develop a meaningful experience for fellow parishioners, please contact Ariane Frank at 617-484-2149 or [email protected]. Although it’s hard to imagine with storms and freezing temperatures outside, summer will come to lighten our hearts again!
2017 Women’s Retreat
Thanks to all the members of First Church who helped to plan our annual women’s retreat, which was held last weekend at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover. Twenty-nine women introspected, contemplated, sang, laughed, enjoyed good food and company, and learned more about one another. The memories will remain with us for a long time. It is truly a wonderful way to spend a weekend and we urge you to think about joining us next year.
Ugandan couple seeks housing
Joseph and Cate, a quiet, clean, well-mannered couple in their 20s, can afford $1,000-$1,200 per month. They are looking in Belmont, Watertown or Arlington, beginning mid- to late May. He is working two jobs; she
is working as opportunities arise. Please contact Katharine Canfield, [email protected] with any suggestions.
Adult Programs News
The Spring 2017 Adult Programs brochure is online.
Click here to sign up for Adult Programs e-news.
Call the church office with questions about adult programs: 617-484-1054, ext. 10.
Theatre Discussion Series: Precious Little — Downing Cless, Jane Minasian, Debbie Dobbins Sunday, April 9, 12:00 p.m., Library
Precious Little is Madeleine George’s irreverent exploration of one of our most fundamental questions: when does too much knowledge get in the way of our basic instincts?
A research linguist, Brodie, receives genetic testing results: her unborn child may never be able to learn a language. Her girlfriend’s unsympathetic; her genetic counselor’s a rookie; her own uncompromising intellect betrays her. Her search for guidance takes her to unexpected places.
Come and join us for a lively discussion and refreshments even if you haven’t seen the production.
Mindful Yoga — Jess Hicks
Sundays, April 2, 9, 2:30 p.m., Parish Hall
Mindful yoga for adults of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Jess is a registered yoga instructor with a lifetime of practice to share. Just bring a mat, and a twin-sized blanket, if you have them, and a curious mind. Drop-in. To be continued if there is interest. For more information contact [email protected].
Breast Cancer Wellness Journey — Melanie Deveikas Wednesdays, April 12, 26 (conference room), May 10, 7:30 p.m., Library
An educational series focusing on life & wellness during and after breast cancer treatment. Each week there will be a wellness education topic for discussion. There will also be an opportunity for sharing your breast cancer journey and related concerns through and beyond treatment.
Melanie Deveikas, PT, MHA is a physical therapy graduate of the University of Vermont. With 20 years of clinical experience, in 2011, Melanie was treated for breast cancer and upon completion of treatment, developed a strong interest in women’s health, nutrition and spiritual healing. Having both personal and professional experience with and treating breast cancer, Melanie recognizes the importance of balance and whole body wellness.
For more information or to sign up please contact Melanie at [email protected].
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Criminal Justice Reform — Will Brownsberger
Thursday, April 13, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
State senator Will Brownsberger, and other local politicians are working for Criminal Justice Reform, which recently has been described as an area ripe for progress.
Senator Brownsberger will update us on mass incarceration, restorative justice, the overuse of solitary confinement and other issues being worked on by the Judiciary Committee.
We’ll also learn how we can be supportive of legislative efforts to effect change. Discussion and refreshments. Cosponsored by the Social Action Committee.
Belmont UU Alliance Lobster Sandwich Lunch and Program — All Women and Men Welcome
Wednesday, April 19, 12:00 Lunch, 1 p.m. Program
Please join us for the Alliance Annual Lobster Sandwich Lunch, brief annual reports and program. The lunch includes: lobster roll, salad and dessert. The cost of the lunch is $12.00 per person. R.s.v.p. to [email protected] or 617-484-1054 ( ext. 10) by Friday, April 14.
Andrea Spencer-Linzie, Ministerial Intern, will present “The Leadership Wheel & The Wisdom Of The Five Directions”.
The ideas and beliefs behind the Leadership Wheel have stood the test of time for over 5,000 years. Indigenous peoples from all over the world have surprisingly similar beliefs and archetypes to explain how humans walk in this world. The model provided is based on the wisdom of one of the North American Lakota Sioux and their Medicine Wheel. They teach that we are each born into one primary direction on the Wheel and spend our lives “walking the wheel” to gain the wisdom and understanding of all the directions.
Facing Illness Together — Kathy Lind
Thursday, April 20, 7 p.m., Tinkham Room
We welcome you to join our ongoing group as we explore ways to live bravely while facing health challenges – either of our own, or of loved ones for whom we act as caregivers. Our group provides a safe place for us to talk about our concerns and our ideas for moving forward. We share strategies for setting goals and living positively with the medical issues in front of us. By nurturing our connections, we comfort and support each other. Through compassionate listening, we help one another understand his or her own challenges.
Science and Spirituality — Ken and Nicole Bernstein Thursday, April 20, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
Jack Dennis will lead the Science and Spirituality group discussion. He will present The Doors of Perception by
Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World. In this short book Huxley describes his experience from taking a dose of mescaline, a hallucinogenic drug. How are such experiences related to our dreams, and what do they tell us about our brains and how they function? The book (24 pages) can be downloaded for free: www.maps.org/images/pdf/books/HuxleyA1954TheDoorsOfPerception.pdf and at eftaylor.com/sands/
Fiber Arts Fellowship — Eva Patalas Meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays, April 20, 8 p.m., Location TBD
Enjoy the fun and fellowship of crafting with a genial group. If you knit, crochet, quilt, bead or dabble in other low-mess crafts, please come join us. Projects could include creating items for non-profit organizations such as Caps for Kids, making small gifts for the Holiday Fair or working on personal projects. Everyone is welcome and no commitment is necessary. Email [email protected] with questions.
Poetry and Music — Richard Waring and Sam Waring, with Special Guest Leander Frank
Friday, April 21, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
Enjoy the creative energy between father and son in this presentation of words and notes. Richard will read from his book, “What Love Tells Me,” as well as new works, interspersed with classical pieces for oboe performed by Sam, including works by Bach, Saint-Saëns, Rimsky-Korsakov, Britten, and Ravel. In a special first appearance, Leander Frank will present “Night,” lyrics by Richard, piano and vocal music by Leander. Refreshments.
Parenting Kids with Challenges — Melissa Irion
Friday, April 21, 7:30 p.m., Library
Does your child have special challenges? Has he/she been diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, or sensory problems? We will offer support and share experience in a non-judgmental space. Snacks provided.
Bystander Awareness Training — Rana Abdelhamid Sunday, April 23, 12:30 p.m., Parlor
What do you do when you witness an act of anger or abuse? Are you frightened to say or do something that might help? This training will analyze situations and create some possibilities of response, that will help to protect both the witness and the victim.
Rana Abdelhamid, Founder of Women’s Initiative for Self Empowerment (WISE), a global self-defense, social entrepreneurship and leadership organization for Muslim women, is a long time activist and organizer with Amnesty International. She has led workshops at Harvard Divinity School and is currently pursuing a
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degree at the Harvard Kennedy School. Co-sponsored by Youth and SAC.
Beyond Ferguson: Bridging Class, Cultural and Racial Separations — Social Action Committee
Sunday, April 23, 7 p.m., Library
Please join Belmont Against Racism, The First Church in Belmont Social Action Committee, the Belmont Religious Council, the Belmont police department and graduates of Youth Build as we continue our discussion about how to end racism in Belmont and in the wider world.
Hootenanny/Jam Session — Jon Svetkey
Wednesday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., Parlor
Are you a closet guitar hero with no band? A great shower singer?
Then we've got just the thing for you: a good old fashioned Hootenanny! Bring along your portable acoustic instrument (i.e., guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, shaker, suitcase, jaw harp, spoons...), your voice or just yourself and — most of all — bring your enthusiasm. And your iPads, iPhones, etc. so we can access words to the songs. All levels encouraged!
Save the dates - last Wednesdays of each month.
First Church Book Group — Karl Klasson and Anne Stuart
Wednesday, April 26, 7:30 p.m., Library
This month’s book is Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn.
Divestment Panel Discussion — FCBGreen Sunday, April 30, 12:30 p.m., Parish Hall
In 2014 the UUA General Assembly voted overwhelming to divest from fossil fuels. At annual meeting we will be asked to vote on whether or not FCB should pursue divestment. To learn more about WHY or WHY NOT divestment makes sense for our congregation, a panel discussion is planned for April 30th 12:30-2 p.m.in the Parish Hall.
This discussion will be recorded and made available on a website for those unable to attend.
Social Action News
Click here to sign up for the Social Action e-newsletter.
First Church Resettle Together
The First Church Resettle Together project continues to provide volunteer opportunities for our First community to welcome refugees to the Boston area.
Welcome Teams
First Church has begun a pilot program with the international Institute of New England (IINE) to launch Welcome Teams to work with recently arrived refugee families in Lowell. This is a real opportunity for us to contribute to refugee resettlement in a hands-on,
constructive way. We have launched three teams of eight people each and they will work with IINE's case managers to complement what each family needs. The core of their responsibilities are as follows:
Orient newcomers to America and provide valuable life skills, e.g., bus transportation, grocery store shopping, visit to library, post office, etc.
Provide opportunities to learn and practice English skills (tutoring, conversations, etc.).
Assist with employment preparation (practice interviews, resume preparation, travel to interviews, etc.).
Help with financial literacy (e.g., budget, saving money, learning to pay bills, deal with banks, etc.
Organize social events, especially for the children
The First Church members participating are as follows:
Syrian Family
Lucy Pullen, Toby Lester, Catherine Claypool, Nancy McCabe, Richard Curzi, Steve Bauer, Susie Marcus, Caroline Michel
Somali Family
Janet and Godfrey Amphlett, Priscilla Cobb, Daniel Cherneff, Ann Dexter, Heather LaPierre, Lisa Pullman, Sherry Mulloy
Congolese Family
Sandy Nayak, Eva Patalas, David Warner, Mary Beekman, Connie and John DiCocco, Margaret Marks, Gerri Strickler
Please say thanks to the members of these three teams and the work they are doing for all of us. For more information contact [email protected].
International Institute of New England Updates
An after-school program will be starting soon. As of now youth will meet at IINE-Lowell from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday.
We are looking for 2-4 volunteers with tutoring or ESOL experience to help kids out with their homework after school. If there are any interested volunteers please refer them to Peter Saati, IINE Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected].
Meet and Greets happen in Lowell on the first Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. https://iine.org/events/ Please note at the Boston and Manchester sites they happen on different days and times.
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Grow Clinic!
It’s Spring. Flowers and Children should grow. Won’t you help our Grow Clinic infants and toddlers by buying vitamins this month? Flintstone Chewables and Polysol with Iron Liquid Vitamins. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Pick up a food list for shopping or bring April’s Special Request: Vitamins
Food: One of the Most Important Medicines
Belmont Food Pantry
First Church members staff the opening of the Belmont Food Pantry on the second Tuesday of every month. Volunteers work for about 90 minutes, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. Sign up online: tinyurl.com/belmontfoodpantry. Questions to [email protected].
The Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry
In September 2017, the U.U. Urban Ministry will launch Believe in Success, its exciting new job-readiness training program for survivors of domestic violence. The U.U.U.M invites us all to partner with them in our joint new initiative. Needed are volunteers who want to mentor, teach, career coach, garden, lead yoga and wellness groups, and provide childcare. Requirements are: attending two training workshops (May 9 or May 13 and fall TBA) and a commitment to volunteer on a regular basis. Exact hours for each job will be forthcoming, but all will be within the 9 – 2 weekday timeframe.
The Urban Ministry wants to partner with Boston-area nonprofits, schools, and other organizations which can refer clients, and to which the clients may turn for additional training. Corporate partners are needed to host career exploration visits by program participants, provide mentors, and provide financial support. The Urban Ministry also seeks walking/running shoes, school supplies, and t-shirts/sweatshirts with the Believe in Success logo.
For more information, contact Rev. Susan Chorley at [email protected] or fill out a volunteer form atwww.uuum.org/volunteer.
The complete events calendar is online.
UU Mass Action Advocacy Day, April 11
Let your voice be heard in the People’s House! The program at Arlington Street Church is from 10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., followed by lunch. Legislative appointments begin at 1:30.
Location: Arlington Street Church, 351 Boylston Street, Boston. Doors open at 9:30. With:
Worship Leader: Rev. John Gibbons, Senior Minister, First Parish Bedford UU
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Paul Robeson Ford, Senior Pastor of the Union Baptist Church in Cambridge
Musician: Rev. Fred Small, Climate Justice Minister, Arlington Street Church, Boston
Click for tickets and information: www.eventbrite.com/e/uu-advocacy-day-2017-tickets-32088898760
New England Regional Assembly: April 21-22
Gather with New England Unitarian Universalists for a celebration of spirit. Visit new-england.eventbrite.com/ for details.
UU General Assembly 2017: June 21 – 27, New Orleans: Resist and Rejoice!
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the UUA, where attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through the democratic process. First Church has eight delegate positions and since this year we will elect the next President of the UUA, it is important to vote. You can also be a delegate and not attend or attend remotely. Registration fees for attending GA increase after May 1.
This year's theme of GA “Resist and Rejoice!” will awaken and deepen the commitment of Unitarian Universalists to the power and possibility of working in solidarity with those on the margins. Registration and housing information are on the web-site http://www.uua.org/ga.
If you are interested in attending or being a delegate contact Lillian Anderson at [email protected].
Caring Connection
The Caring Connection provides support to members of our community who need short-term help. Please let us know if you or someone you know would benefit from our support. Contact Laurie Graham at [email protected] or Janice at the Church, 617-484-1054, ext. 10.
Lay Pastoral Care
The Lay Pastoral Care Team works with and supports the senior minister in reaching out to members and friends of the First Church who are adjusting to change, loss, illness or death. We share in moments of celebration and happiness. We reach out to those who are unable to get out and who would like a visit. Please contact us through the Web site or the church office if we might be of help or comfort.
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In Case of Severe Weather
Read the complete, updated weather policy here: uubelmont.org/severe-weather-emergencies-sunday-service-policy/
A list of all church committees & groups is online.
Connect with UU actions, events & resources
Unitarian Universalist Association, uua.org
UU Mass Action, uumassaction.org
UU Service Committee, uusc.org
UU United Nations Office, uua.org/international/un
UU Urban Ministry, uuum.org
Next issue: Friday, April 14
The next issue of The Unitarian is Friday, April 14. Please e-mail items to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, April 12. Items may be edited for space and clarity.
Church Staff
Senior Minister David Bryce is on sabbatical through June 2017; click here for information.
Ministerial Intern ....................................... Andrea Spencer-Linzie
617-484-1054, ext. 15; [email protected]
Minister Emeritus ...................................Rev. Dr. Victor Carpenter
617-676-6186; [email protected]
Minister of Music Emerita .......................... Rev. Alfa Joy Radford
Director of Music ................................................................... Ian Garvie
617-484-1054, ext. 13; [email protected]
Organist & Assistant Music Director ........... …Simon Andrews
617-484-1054, ext. 13; [email protected]
Acting Director of CRE ..................................................... Nate Sellers
617-484-1054, ext. 12; [email protected]
Director of Youth Programs ........................................... Sana Saeed
617-484-1054, ext. 11; [email protected]
Adult Programs Advisor ....................................... Lillian Anderson
617-484-1054, ext. 14; [email protected]
Membership Coordinator ................................................. Jim Staton
617-484-1054, ext. 14; [email protected]
Church Administrator ............................................... Janice Zazinski
617-484-1054, ext. 10; [email protected]
Sexton ...................................................................................... Luis Carrion
617-484-1054
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 9 – 3. The church office will be closed on Monday, April 17, for Patriots Day.
617-484-1054 | [email protected]
Street: 404 Concord Ave., Belmont
Mailing: PO Box 113, Belmont, Mass. 02478
Parish Board, 2016 – 2017
President ......................... Ana Hammock; [email protected]
Vice President ... Catherine Claypoole; [email protected]
Treasurer ................................. Penny Schafer; [email protected]
Clerk ................................................ Downing Cless; [email protected]
Ex-Officio President ........ Todd Schatzki; [email protected]
Trustees
Lauren Corning Eloise McGaw Deveaux Duckworth Sara Oaklander Peter Guthrie Marion Westgate Jackie James
Parish Board minutes are online and posted on the Upper Hall bulletin board.
Easy ways to support & stay in touch with FCB
When you shop at AmazonSmile, First Church in Belmont receives 0.5% of the purchase price.
Our Facebook page is regularly updated with news, events & programs.
facebook.com/uubelmont
Second Friday Coffeehouse is on Facebook! Like the page, check out upcoming shows and “share” great music for great causes with your friends!