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The First Church in Belmont A welcoming Unitarian Universalist Congregation
The Unitarian — March 7, 2019
Daylight Savings Time begins March 10 Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night!
Sunday, March 10 Acting On Our Values — Multigenerational Worship Services
9 a.m. Music
Prelude: Wake Up! by Doris Clevenger; performed by the Junior Choir
Junior Choir Anthem: De Colores, a Spanish folk song
Junior Choir Anthem: A Free Spirit, an Alsatian folk tune
Offertory: A Million Dreams by Hugh Jackman, Ziv Zaifman, Michelle Williams; performed by Anica Kumar Vagnucci
Postlude: The Prince of Denmark’s March by Jeremiah Clarke (1674-1707), Ian Garvie, piano
11 a.m. Music
Prelude: Freedom Is Coming; trad. South African, arr. Anders Nyberg; performed by the Chancel and Youth Choirs
Chancel Choir Anthem: A World of Difference by Joseph Martin
Youth Choir Anthem: Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal, arr. Alice Parker
Chancel Choir Anthem: Build Me A World by Ginger B. Littleton
Senior Choir Offertory: Like a Mighty Stream by Moses Hogan
Postlude: The Fire of Commitment, arr. Jason Shelton; Youth Choir
The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by David Warner and Mary Beekman.
Services at 9 & 11 a.m.; childcare is provided
Directions and parking information at uubelmont.org
Sunday, March 17: Chasing Away The Snakes in Spring — Rev. David Bryce
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister I am writing this on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season.
This is not a major part of the Unitarian Universalist tradition. As I said to a Congregationalist colleague this morning, “We UU’s don’t like to give things up”.
The forty day period of Lent is a time for self-reflection, repentance, and meditation on the suffering endured by and sacrifice made by Jesus.
Many Christians fast during this time or deny themselves certain pleasures (television, certain foods, etc.).
I am not someone who fasts. I have often said that I will celebrate any holiday or event from any culture or tradition if eating food is involved, but I do not fast.
But I see the value of using the time of Lent to “fast” from certain things as a means of deepening one’s spiritual life or of building a life of social responsibility.
For example, if I were to fast from engaging in certain social media and used that time instead for prayer or social action; or if I chose to fast from anger and other forms of what sometimes is self-indulgence or from using plastic items; then I might feel that Lent had meaning for my life and spiritual growth.
What do I wish to fast from?
What do I wish to add to my life?
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Lent seems a good time to practice these. It is only forty days, so it seems possible to do these things. And then, perhaps, I might continue.
Stewardship Drive — All Together Now
A Strong Start! Still Need Your Help
We had an amazing Celebration Weekend at First Church on March 2-3! The Gala on Saturday night was wonderful and our special services on Celebration Sunday, March 3rd, were so moving and inspiring. What musical
riches and heartfelt sharing we were privileged to experience! I hope you too felt the joy, energy and commitment that connects us all at First Church.
The 2019 March Stewardship Drive – All Together Now - has made a really good start! Thanks to pledges from 147 families and individuals, we have raised nearly $459,000 — about 73% of our $625,000 goal to support First Church next year. Importantly, many have increased their financial contribution to get us this far. However, we still need $166,000 to reach our goal. To get there, we need everyone to participate with increases at all levels of giving so that all our programs can continue to thrive. Thank you for being as generous as you can.
If you haven’t made your pledge yet, please do so in the next week to be included in the Stewardship Honor Roll on March 17th and to be in the drawing for Ariane Frank’s legendary Black Forest Cherry Torte. Please:
Bring or mail your completed pledge form to church, or
Pledge online at uubelmont.org/connection/giving/stewardship/
Questions? Need another copy of your personalized appeal letter and pledge form? Please contact us at [email protected] or visit us during Coffee Hour on Sunday. Thank you for your generous support of First Church and this Stewardship Drive – All Together Now.
With gratitude,
Anjali Kumar, Stewardship Chair
Two Weeks At-a-Glance All are welcome to attend
Thursday, March 7 Fiber Arts Fellowship, 8 p.m.
Friday, March 8 Berklee Night at the Second Friday Coffeehouse, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7)
Sunday, March 10 Multigenerational Worship Service, 9 a.m.
Multigenerational Worship Service, 11 a.m.
Youth Group Service Trip Reflections, 12:30 p.m.
Monday, March 11 Meditation, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 12 Second Tuesday Cocoahouse, 10 a.m.
Wed., March 13 Men’s Group (Little/Plass, by enrollment), 7:30 p.m.
Men’s Group (J. Staton, by enrollment), 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 14 Belmont Unitarian Alliance Lunch (noon) and program (1 p.m.)
Sunday, March 17 Worship Service, 9 a.m.
Worship Service, 11 a.m.
“Solving the Harvard Square Murder After 50 Years” with Mike Widmer and Becky Cooper, 12:30 p.m.
Belmont Religious Council “Matters of Faith” Discussion, 1 p.m.
Monday, March 18 Meditation, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20
Small Group Ministry (O’Farrell) (by enrollment; click for details), Library
Men’s Group (J. Staton, by enrollment), 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 21 Science and Spirituality, 7:30 p.m.
Fiber Arts Fellowship, 8 p.m.
The church calendar is at: tiny.cc/churchcalendar
Most events details at: uubelmont.org/news/events/
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FCB FORWARD would like to thank these local businesses for helping to make our March 2 Gala so successful:
Music Notes, by Ian Garvie Don’t miss the Piano Celebration Concert! On Saturday, March 23rd at 7:30pm, organist and harpsichordist Kira Garvie will be giving a concert, featuring composers Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Johannes Brahms, and Jean Langlais. She will be joined on the program by Simon Andrews, Anne Mason, Larry Melnick, and Ian Garvie.
This is a special fundraiser for the Piano/Organ fund, which supports the tuning and upkeep of all of the First Church instruments. Maintaining and tuning our beautiful pianos, harpsichord, and organ is entirely dependent on donations from the community, so we hope you will join us for a wonderful evening of music.
The concert will be followed by a reception in the Upper Hall. Tickets are $15, and will be available at the door.
Upcoming Events Berklee Night at the Second Friday Coffeehouse! Friday March 8, 7:30p.m.
Featuring Ethan Setiawan & Louise Bichan and Beane & Jade
Belmont UU Alliance Lunch & Program — Thursday, March 14
Lunch 12 noon, program 1 – 2 p.m.
Eliza Burden will present “Strategies for Creating an Eco-Friendly Landscape.”
Spring is coming. Let’s welcome church member and Garden Consultant, Eliza Burden, who will be presenting a program titled “Strategies for Creative and Eco-Friendly Landscape”. Eliza’s presentation will begin in the library at 1pm.
Before the program, please join the members and friends at noon for lunch in the church upper hall. Please bring your own sandwich. We will provide soup, cut vegetables, dessert and beverages. The suggested lunch donation is $2.00 person.
Please R.S.V.P. to Pat Hawkins at 781-907-7755 or [email protected].
First Church 101 with Rev. Bryce and Sam Foster, March 24, 12:30 p.m.
New to First Church? Join us on Sunday, March 24, from 12:30 – 2:00 for a free lunch and an introductory workshop in the first-floor library.
First Church 101 is a fun, low-key opportunity to learn more about our programs, our community, and our liberal faith tradition. It is a chance to meet our staff and lay leaders; to explore beliefs and values together; to discover opportunities for spiritual growth and faith in action; to learn about the history of Unitarian Universalism from Rev. Bryce; and to make new friends.
RSVP to Samuel Foster ([email protected]) if you would like to attend. Kids, parents, neighbors, friends, all are welcome!
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First Church Seder, April 13, 5 p.m. in the Parish Hall
The First Church Seder will be held this year on April 13, 5 – 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
This meal commemorates the story of Moses and the Exodus of the Jewish people. We provide tradition, story, song. We ask that you provide a potluck dish— many choices, we have recipes. We also ask a small fee— $5 a person, $20 a family. Please RSVP. to [email protected].
SAVE THE DATE — April 27
The Greatest Rummage Sale on Earth is taking place this year on Saturday, April 27th. We’ll begin accepting donations at the church the afternoon of Sunday, April 21st.
Please mark your calendars! For more information, visit the First Church website or email [email protected].
Program & Committee News Ushers Needed for Spring Term
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 tiny.cc/ushering-spring or on the Ushering Sign-Up Poster in the Upper Gathering Hall during coffee hour. Thanks for your help.
Social Action Committee
The current Social Action Newsletter with updates and volunteer opportunities is online at conta.cc/2TziHyr. Sign up for the newsletter at uubelmont.org/social-action/
Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center
Still time to provide more “Macaroni Miracles” for the Grow Clinic families. Think MAC & CHEESE when you shop this week. Thanks!
Gloria’s Menu for March: Mac & Cheese. There are collection baskets in the Lower Hall and Sanctuary
vestibules.
Food: One Of The Most Important Medicines
Adult Programs Download the spring Adult Programs brochure at tiny.cc/spring-brochure
Small Group Ministry Groups (SGM)are looking for additional members!
We currently have 3 SGMs that are seeking some additional members. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., and the 2nd and 4th Fridays at 4:30pm. SGM’s are for people who want to explore their faith and discuss difficult spiritual/ethical topics in a small group setting. If you are interested please contact [email protected].
Next Two Weeks
Meditation — James Hencke
Monday, 7:30 p.m., Library
In meditation practice, we allow ourselves to dwell in the present moment. We find that by developing our awareness and compassion we can open ourselves, relax into situations, and enjoy our life!
Fiber Arts Fellowship — Eva Patalas
Thursday, March 7 and 21, 8 p.m., Classroom 3/4
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 join us. Everyone is welcome and no commitment is necessary. Contact [email protected] with questions.
Solving the Harvard Square Murder after 50 years — Mike Widmer and Becky Cooper
Sunday, March 17, 12:30 p.m., Parish Hall
Mike Widmer, Town Moderator and former 25-year president of a public policy organization, will describe the drama of being the first reporter at the grim murder scene of Jane Britton in Harvard Square 50 years ago and his determined three-year push for public documents that led to a solving of the case. He will be joined by Becky Cooper, former New Yorker editorial staff member and Senior Fellow at the Schuster Institute for Investigative Reporting. Becky’s We Keep The Dead Close, a true crime narrative about the murder of Jane Britton, is a decade in the making. It is due out next year, to be published by Grand Central Publishing.
The combined efforts of Mike and Becky led to the reopening of the 50-year-old cold case and the identification of the assailant through a DNA match.
Science and Spirituality — Ken and Nicole Bernstein
Thursday, March 21, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room,
Jack Dennis will lead a discussion on Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. Developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are leading to self-driving vehicles
The Unitarian March 7, 2019 – 5 –
and robotic personal services in areas such as medical care. While these advances will likely yield benefits in improved quality, safety and efficiency, there are concerns about how AI entities will behave in their relations to humans. The reading for the March meeting of Science and Spirituality is a report from the High Level Expert Group on AI of the European Commission: “Draft Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI”. It can be downloaded at stuff.alienbill.com/uuss/2019/march/.
Parenting Kids with Challenges — Melissa Irion
Friday, March 22, 7:30 p.m., Library
Does your child have special challenges? Has he/she been diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, or sensory problems? We offer support and share experience in a non-judgmental space. Snacks provided. Meets monthly on the 4th Friday.
Coming Up
Climate Science and Policy: A Call to Action! — FCB Green
Sunday, March 24, 12:30 p.m., Parish Hall
Learn about the latest science from Peter Frumhoff, Chief Climate Scientist of the Union of Concerned Scientists and current policy options presented by Senator Will Brownsberger. There will also be a presentation about local issues and an opportunity to learn about actions where you can make a difference.
Co-sponsored by the First Church Belmont and Beth El Temple Green Teams.
Experiences of Single Parenting — Gerri Strickler
Monday, March 25, 6-7 p.m., Library; Sunday, April 7, 12:30 p.m., Library
Are you single parenting? Do you sometimes wonder if other single parents have similar frustrations? Have you been longing for a way to feel less isolated and connect with others?
If so, please consider attending a new kind of small group meeting to share informally, in a supportive and safe environment. For questions or to arrange for child care please contact [email protected].
“Escalating Income Inequality: How Do We Address It” with Abby Maxman, CEO and President of Oxfam America
Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
As a follow-up to our discussion on wealth inequality and in light of Noam Chomsky’s dire film “Requiem for America”, we are working with Oxfam
America, whose grassroots activity has successfully pressured large corporations to take action on climate change, land grabbing, and improving the conditions of workers in their supply chains. Co-sponsored by Belmont Against Racism, Belmont Religious Council, and the Social Action Committee.
First Church Book Group - Karl Klasson and Anne Stuart
Wednesday, March 27, 7:30pm, Library
Educated by Tara Westover was selected by The New York Times for its list of the Ten Best Books of 2018. Feel free to join us for a single evening’s discussion or to become a regular participant. Please contact Anne Stuart at [email protected] if you are interested in participating or have any questions.
Anne Allen Memorial Lecture - Belmont Garden Club
Thursday, March 28, 7pm, Parish Hall. A free public lecture honoring the gardening legacy of Anne Allen.
“The Entry Court Garden” by Tom Strangfeld
Slides and commentary by noted landscape designer and horticulturalist consultant to WGBH’s “Victory Garden” and “This Old House”. The lecture series is sponsored by the Belmont Garden Club and the First Church in Belmont.
In Our Community Ugandan immigrant seeking a home
Joseph Ssali, 25, has been in the United States for the past few years, and is in the process of seeking asylum. He is honest, hard-working, and looking for a place to live beginning May 1st. He has a car and a job. Ideally, he’d like to live alone in a small private apartment with rent no more than $1,000. If you know of such a situation, please contact Katharine Canfield (617-319-5037; [email protected]), who can share more and introduce you to Joseph.
First Parish in Arlington to host a Multicultural Potluck, Auction and Dance to benefit the work of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism — Saturday, March 23rd
Pot luck dinner begins at 6 p.m. — bring any dish that is significant to your family’s culture. Then dance the night away to classic rock tunes from 7:30-10 p.m.
Score cool items at our auction! Items include a quilt, artwork, a behind the scenes tour of MIT, a gift certificate to Oleana restaurant...and more!
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Suggested Donation: $10 – $15, children are free. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Connect with UU events & resources
Unitarian Universalist Association, uua.org
Jobs at the UUA: uua.org/jobs
UU Mass Action, uumassaction.org
UU Service Committee, uusc.org
UU United Nations Office, uua.org/international/un
UU Urban Ministry, uuum.org
Caring Connection
FCB’s Caring Connection provides short-term help to members of our community. Please contact Laurie Graham at [email protected] or Janice at the church office, 617-484-1054, ext. 10 if you, or someone you know, are in need of support.
Lay Pastoral Care Team
The FCB 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.
In Case of Severe Weather
If a service is to be canceled a message will be placed on the church’s website, voicemail (617-484-1054, ext. 18) and Facebook page. However, in any weather condition which concerns you or your family, it should be clear that no one should ever feel pressure to come to the church if their travel conditions seem unsafe.
Next issue: Thursday, Mar. 14 Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, March 13. Photos are welcome! Submissions may be edited for space and clarity. Complete newsletter and communications guidelines at uubelmont.org/2018-19-communications-guidelines/
Stay in touch
Support First Church when you shop through AmazonSmile: smile.amazon.com/b?node=18541223011.
Updated 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!
Contact Us 404 Concord Avenue, Belmont, Mass. 02478
617-484-1054 | [email protected]
Congregational Administrator’s office hours: Monday – Friday, 9 – 2.
The Congregational Administrator will be out of the office on Tuesday, March 12.
Facility Rental Information: uubelmont.org/about-us/building-rental/
Staff
Senior Minister ................................................... Rev. David Bryce 617-484-1054, ext. 15..................... [email protected]
Minister of Music Emerita .................... Rev. Alfa Joy Radford 781-646-2123 ............................................ [email protected]
Senior Minister Emerita ................................. Rev. Diane Miller
Acting Director of Youth Programs .................... Cora McCold 617-484-1054, ext. 11.................. [email protected]
Adult Programs Advisor ................................. Lillian Anderson 617-484-1054, ext. 14.............. [email protected]
Congregational Administrator ........................ Janice Zazinski 617-484-1054, ext. 10........................ [email protected]
Director of Children’s Religious Education .... Nate Sellers 617-484-1054, ext. 12................... [email protected]
Director of Music ............................................................. Ian Garvie 617-484-1054, ext. 13..................... [email protected]
Organist & Assistant Music Director...... …Simon Andrews ... .................................................... [email protected]
Membership and Outreach Manager ................... Sam Foster 617-484-1054, ext. [email protected]
Religious Education Program Assistant ..... Wendy Conroy ... .................................................................... [email protected]
Sexton ............................................................................... Luis Carrion
Sunday Child Care Provider ................................... Denise Azar
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Parish Board, 2018 – 19
President................................................................ Marion Westgate [email protected]
Vice President .................................................................. Sam James [email protected]
Treasurer ..................................................................... Penny Schafer [email protected]
Clerk ................................................................................... Jody Renouf [email protected]
President Ex-Officio .............................................. Ana Hammock [email protected]
Trustees
Lauren Corning Eloise McGaw
Deveaux Duckworth Hanspeter Pfister
Michael Griffin Steve Saar
Karsten Kueppenbender
Parish Board minutes are online and posted on the Upper Hall bulletin board.
