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The First Church in Belmont A welcoming Unitarian Universalist Congregation
The Unitarian — March 14, 2019
Sunday, March 17 Worship Chasing Away the Snakes in Spring — Rev. David Bryce
Spring is a good time for deep housecleaning. I will be thinking about the “inner housecleaning” that we can do and the celebratory renewal of our spirits.
Prelude: Improvisation on Lo, the Day of Days is Here; Simon Andrews, organ
11 a.m. Senior Choir Anthem: Non Nobis Domine by William Byrd
Offertory: On Golden Pond by Dave Grusin (b. 1934); Richard Curzi, piano
This week’s offering will benefit the Partner Church
Postlude: New Hampshire Hornpipe by Dave Grusin; Richard Curzi, piano
The flowers on the Chancel table this Sunday are given by Eva Patalas in memory of her mother, Josefa Patalas.
Services at 9 & 11 a.m.; childcare is provided
Directions and parking information at uubelmont.org
Sunday, March 24: Kindness — Rev. David Bryce and Worship Assistants
Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister
In the Orthodox Christian Tradition, today is “Clean Monday”; the beginning of the Lenten season. A quote:
“Liturgically…Clean Monday and thus Lent itself begins on the preceding
Sunday night, at a special service, in which all present will bow down before one another and ask for forgiveness. In this way, the faithful begin the Great Lent with a clean conscience, forgiveness and renewed Christian love.” (from GreekReporter.Com)
The idea of beginning anew, beginning a new life with a cleansed soul, is a longstanding one in human
history. Most of us have things we would like to leave behind, and both religion and culture give sanction to this is various ways.
Whether the secular festival of the New Year, or religious events like the Jewish Days of Awe or the Christian Baptism ceremony, there are ritualized means by which we may begin again.
Of course, a true new beginning is rare. We are often held to account for things we did “before”, in our “old life”. While it sometimes works to say, “I am not the same person who did that”, if we have committed crimes or have violated someone’s trust, we may still suffer consequences for our acts.
Still, even if others will not forgive us, there is something very freeing about leaving behind our own feelings of guilt for past behaviors.
On this Clean Monday, if there are any of you whom I have hurt or injured through action or inaction, through harsh words or the failure to speak kind words, through intent or obliviousness, I request your forgiveness now. I do not claim to be a different person than I was, but I do say that I am sorry.
May this day, and every day, be a time of renewal for us all.
Addendum: The UU World, which is sent to all members of UU congregations, recently published an article that has caused pain for many in our Unitarian Universalist community.
The article was titled “After L, G and B”. Whatever the intent of the article (which was to be supportive of efforts to include trans and non-binary people) the result was hurt and greater alienation.
There have been a number of response to the article, and links to some of these are below.
There is much learning that we can gain from this issue, and I hope everyone will take the time to read the messages in these links.
From Transgender Religious professional Unitarian Universalists Together (TRUUST): https://transuu.org/2019/03/06/putting-the-t-first/
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From the Transforming Hearts Collective: transformingheartscollective.org/stories/2019/3/8/tips-for-talking-about-the-uu-world-article,
From CB Beal: medium.com/@jpc_cb/centering-the-marginalized-symphony-and-triptych
And an apology from the UU world Editor can be accessed here: uuworld.org/articles/apology-spring-2019
Stewardship Update – Pledge Today for Honor Roll
We will be posting the Stewardship Drive Honor Roll in church on Sunday to acknowledge those who have pledged already. They will also be entered in a drawing for the delicious Black Forest Cherry Torte. If you have not done so already, please send your pledge today!
As of Thursday morning March 14th, we are at almost 79% of our goal, with 172 households pledging $490,820. Thank you — we are so grateful! A majority of households have increased their pledges, but we still need about $134,000 to reach our goal. We haven’t yet heard from many members and friends. As you know, pledges are 80% of our operating budget - First Church depends on each one of us, so we really need to hear from everyone and generous increases at all levels of pledging.
If your pledge is in the mail and you think it might not arrive by Saturday afternoon, please just let us know and we’ll include you in the Honor Roll and enter you in the drawing. If you are not able to make your pledge this week, it would greatly assist us to know when to expect it.
Questions? Need another copy of your personalized appeal letter and pledge form? Please contact us at [email protected]. To make your pledge, please:
Bring or mail your completed pledge form to church, or
E-mail us your pledge form or simply confirm your pledge amount, or
Pledge online at uubelmont.org/connection/giving/stewardship/
Thank you so much for supporting our beloved church, our programs and this loving community. Let us all do our part - All Together Now!
With appreciation, Anjali Kumar, Stewardship Chair
Two Weeks At-a-Glance All are welcome to attend
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.
Friday, March 22 Parenting Kids with Challenges, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 23 Piano Concert, 7 p.m.
Are you curious about what an alternative worship service might look like at First Church in Belmont? A group of staff and congregants have been meeting to identify the elements of an alternative worship experience (AWE), share a simple potluck supper, and develop a general format for worship. Our next planning meeting is on Wednesday, March 27th at 6 p.m. in the Upper Hall and we will gather, eat, have a brief candlelight walking meditation and plan our first full AWE service for April 10th. If you are interested in helping to plan AWE we encourage you to join us! Bring a candle and food to share.
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Sunday, March 24 Worship Service, 9 a.m.
Worship Service, 11 a.m.
“First Church 101,” 12:30 p.m.
Climate Change Discussion, 12:30 p.m.
Beyond Ferguson, 7 p.m.
Monday, March 25 Single Parenting Issues, 6 p.m.
Social Action Committee Meeting, 6:45 p.m.
Meditation, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 26 “Escalating Inequality,” 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27
Hootenanny, 7:30 p.m.
First Church Book Group, 7:30 p.m.
Men’s Group (J. Little/M. Plass, by enrollment), 7:30 p.m.
Men’s Group (J. Staton), 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 28 Anne Allen Memorial Lecture, 7 p.m.
The church calendar is at: tiny.cc/churchcalendar
Most events details at: uubelmont.org/news/events/
Music Notes, by Ian Garvie Don’t miss the Piano Celebration Concert! On Saturday, March 23rd at 7:30 p.m., 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
New to First Church? Join us on Sunday, March 24, from 12:30 to 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]). Kids, parents, neighbors, friends, all are welcome!
First Church Seder, April 13, 5 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].
Mark Your Calendars! The Greatest RUMMAGE SALE on Earth is taking place this year on Saturday, April 27th, 9-4pm. We’ll begin accepting donations (in good condition) at the church the afternoon of Sunday, April 21st. For more information about volunteering and the types of donations needed, please visit the Rummage Sale section of www.uubelmont.org, 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
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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.
Becoming A Member Of First Church If you have been attending our services or programs for a while, and think this may be the right place for you, we welcome you to become a First Church member by signing our Membership Book.
Choosing to become a member of First Church means that you feel this church makes a difference in your life, giving it greater strength, depth, significance and direction. It means you feel a sense of belonging and commitment to the liberal religious values this church represents. It means willingness to support the church with ideas, energy, time, and money, so that these values can be realized in the world.
By becoming a member, you will also gain a voice in the governance, programming, and finances of First Church. Your vote at the Annual Meeting of the congregation in May will have a significant impact on how the church is run. And with a new minister on the ballot this year, members have a rare opportunity to determine the future of First Church.
If you’re not yet sure, we welcome your questions, and we affirm your choice to pursue your individual spiritual journey at your own pace. We also encourage you to attend our First Church 101 workshop on March 24.
Get in touch with our Membership and Outreach Manager, Samuel Foster, at [email protected] if you would like to become a member.
Social Action Committee The current Social Action Newsletter with updates and volunteer opportunities is online at conta.cc/2EX76zP. Sign up for the newsletter at uubelmont.org/social-action/
Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center Only two weeks left to cap off a great campaign to make this an extra bountiful drive. Gloria says, “Make a three-pointer by tossing MAC & CHEESE boxes into your shopping cart!” Think MAC & CHEESE. Thanks so much!
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
Small Group Ministry Groups (SGM)are looking for additional members!
We currently have 2 SGM’s that are seeking some additional members. They meet on the 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!
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.
Climate science, single parenting support, film discussion, theatre talk, and so much more …
download the spring Adult Programs brochure at tiny.cc/spring-brochure
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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 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/.
Fiber Arts Fellowship — Eva Patalas
Thursday, March 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.
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.
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.
Following the presentation, an electric school bus will be available for viewing. 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? Do you find that your married friends, though VERY caring AND wonderful, don’t truly understand your challenges? Have you been longing for a way to feel less isolated and connect with others?
If you answered yes to any or all of those questions, consider attending a new kind of small group meeting to share informally, in a supportive and safe environment. Whether you are new to your situation or perhaps you’ve graduated into a shared parenting situation and still wish to contribute, sometimes it really does take a village, and your recent past experience could offer good perspective. For questions or to arrange for child care please contact [email protected].
Escalating Income Inequality: How Do We Address It?- Abby Maxman, CEO and President of Oxfam, America
Introductory remarks by State Senator Will Brownsberger
Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
As wealth inequality continues unabated in America and the world, we at First Church have not stopped asking ourselves “What can we do?”
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. A recent Oxfam report made press headlines at the Davos World Economic Forum stating: “Billionaire fortunes increased by 12 percent last year—or $2.5 billion a day—while the 3.8 billion people who make up the poorest half of humanity saw their wealth decline by 11 percent.” (Oxfam International Jan 2019)
Join us for a discussion with local Boston-based President and CEO of Oxfam America, Abby Maxman … “My career has led me to work in some of the most challenging parts of the world, seeing first-hand the impact of poverty, injustice, war and disasters. Today, the fight against global poverty and injustice is more relevant than ever, and I have been honored to lead the Oxfam team through this important chapter.”
Co-sponsored by Belmont Against Racism, Belmont Religious Council, SAC, Belmont Human Rights Commission
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First Church Book Group - Karl Klasson and Anne Stuart
Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Library
Educated by Tara Westover, selected by the New York Times for its list of the Ten Best Books of 2018:
Westover’s extraordinary memoir is an act of courage and self-invention. The youngest of seven children, she grew up in Idaho, in a survivalist family who lived so far off the grid that she lacked even a birth certificate and did not attend school until she went to college. Getting in wasn’t obvious: At home, reading meant studying the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and much of her childhood was spent helping her mother, an unlicensed midwife, and her father, a paranoid man who maintained a scrap-metal junkyard. In recounting her upbringing and her triumph over it — she would earn a Ph.D. in history at Cambridge — Westover took great risks and alienated family members. The reward is a book that testifies to an irrepressible thirst to learn.
The Book Group is always open to new members. Feel free to join us for a single evening’s discussion or to become a regular participant. We ask only that you confirm your intention to attend on a particular evening by the Monday before each session. Please contact Anne Stuart at: [email protected] to confirm attendance or if you have any questions.
Anne Allen Memorial Lecture - Belmont Garden Club
Thursday, March 28, 7 p.m., 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.
Anne Allen, member of First Church in Belmont, was an Honorary Member of the Belmont Garden Club who gave the use of her greenhouse, her horticultural expertise, and her loving personality to the Club and to many other civic groups. This Lecture Series was founded by a grant from Anne Allen’s family to the Belmont Garden Club. The lecture series is sponsored by the Belmont Garden Club and The First Church in Belmont UU. Donations to the lecture fund may be made at the lecture.
Coming Up
Beyond Ferguson: Bridging Class, Cultural and Racial Separations -- Social Action Committee
Sunday, March 31, 7 p.m., Library
Caring for Older Adults - Miriam Baker and Deborah Blumberg
Tuesday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room
This is a drop-in group so please attend when it is convenient for you.
Morning Yoga - Teresa Howe
Wednesdays, April 3 - 29, 9:30am, Parish Hall
For all levels; registration not required.
Prequel to Major Music - Ian Garvie
Wednesday, April 3, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall
Ian will explain the origin and complexities of Carl Orff’s 1936 majestic cantata Carmina Burana.
In Our Community FCB (former) Youth Matthew Gallagher to exhibit at the Belmont Gallery of Art
Matthew Gallagher grew up in First Church, and many of you may remember him from musicals, choir, RE, OWL, or Youth Group.
He is now an artist residing in Cleveland, Ohio. He will be opening an exhibit at the Belmont Gallery of Art Saturday March 16 (opening reception from 5 - 8 p.m.) and the show runs through April 6. To learn more, visit www.matthew-gallagher.com
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 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.
Folksinger Tracy Grammer in Concert in Winchester, March 22
Tracy Grammer will perform with her band on Friday, March 22ndat 8:00 p.m. at Winchester Unitarian Society, 478 Main St.
Grammer has recorded and performed with Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Dave Carter, and has enjoyed 12 years as one of folk radio’s top-played artists. The concert venue is handicapped
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accessible, and street parking is available. No advance sales. Suggested donations at the door: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $5 students. For information visit www.winchesteruu.org/news/concert-series.
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
Next issue: Thursday, Mar. 21 Please send submissions to [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, March 20. 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.
Facility Rental Information: uubelmont.org/about-us/building-rental/
Staff Senior Minister ................................................... Rev. David Bryce 617-484-1054, ext. 15..................... [email protected]
Senior Minister Emerita ................................. Rev. Diane Miller
Minister of Music Emerita .................... Rev. Alfa Joy Radford 781-646-2123 ............................................ [email protected]
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
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.
