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Winchester Unitarian Society Highlights – Thursday, March 26, 2015
Worship
Sunday, March 29, 2015
10:00 a.m. Family Worship in the Chapel
10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary
We're in This Together
The changes to our climate are scary and overwhelming, but less so when we face them together, and
together forge a new way on living. Join Rev. Tricia and members of the Green Sanctuary Committee to
celebrate victories, share our love of the earth, and envision the new world we are called to create together.
Childcare available for infants and tots.
On the Rise to Great Pledgeportunity! 77 pledges for $230,986
Thank you so much to all who have already turned in their pledges for the 2015-16 fiscal year! We are off to
a great start! It is critical that those of you who are able, turn in your pledge cards by March 29th - the
official close of our campaign. That is when we will pass along the "ON the Rise" total to the Standing
Committee and our new Co-Treasurers so that they are able to set a budget for next year.
Joys, Sorrows, Transitions
If you are facing a time of joy, sorrow, or transition in your life, the Ministers are available to talk with you.
Additionally, we always have a minister on call to accompany members through crisis situations. If you are
facing a crisis and need to urgently reach a minister, call the church at 781-729-0949 and choose voice mail
(option 1 or option 2) they will always give you a cell phone number for the minister on call.
TONIGHT – Occupy Event
On Thursday, March 26 please join us for a Free Presentation and Q and A with Jack Cole,
Co-founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
"DISCUSSION OF DRUG WAR EXIT STRATEGIES" from 7-8 p.m. in the Symmes Room.
Jack Cole knows about the "war on drugs" from several perspectives. He retired as a Detective Lieutenant
after a 26-year career with the New Jersey State Police - fourteen in narcotics, mostly as an undercover
officer. His investigations spanned cases from street drug users to international "billion-dollar" drug trafficking
organizations. "This is Not a War on Drugs - it's a War on People." Jack Cole For more information about our
presenter Questions? Contact Patty Shepard.
From the Music Committee - March 27th Concert!
Please join David Coffin for a spirited evening of traditional and contemporary folk music and songs from the
Maritime tradition on Friday, March 27th at 8:00 in our sanctuary. David Coffin has performed throughout
New England since 1980 and is known for his rich baritone voice and his extensive collection of Early Wind
Instruments, from the primitive ocarina to medieval gemshorns to the recorders of the Renaissance and
Baroque periods. Based in Gloucester, MA, David has performed with Cambridge-based Revels since 2000 and
currently is its Master of Ceremonies; he also directs the narration program for Boston Harbor Cruises. Don't
miss this one-of-a-kind performance with New England's own David Coffin, joined by pianist extraordinaire
Kent Allyn.
Easter Hunt with a Difference on Sunday, April 5
REQUEST FOR DONATIONS!!!: PLEASE donate, our boxes are empty!
Please bring non-perishable goods and personal care items (these are lighter and easier for kids to
carry). Drop them off in the boxes outside the RE office or in the church collection boxes. Please bring these
items during the weeks of March 22nd to April 5th. We will be hiding things prior to the worship service, so
please bring them by the church early on April 5th, Easter Sunday. Thank YOU!
WUSYG Service Trip Fundraiser on Sunday, March 29 after Worship
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE - Afternoon in Wonderland: Live
Auction & Luncheon to Support WUSYG: THIS
SUNDAY! Mar 29 at 11:30am. Fall down the rabbit hole and
join the Youth Group in Metcalf Hall after the service for this
enchanted event. Enjoy a homemade feast while the youth
auction off services that they can provide themselves (for ex.
Babysitting, Music Lessons, Dog-Walking, Tutoring, etc.), along
with some other special items. All proceeds go toward offsetting costs for their Service Trip to New Orleans this April.
Please contact the Mad Hatter, er…Director of Youth Ministries,
Sam Wilson, with questions: [email protected] This
is your last opportunity to support WUSYG before their big trip,
so come ready to bid and be fed, or OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!
Covenant Group Sample on Sunday, March 29 after Worship
Please join the conversation on trust. Beth O'Donnell will offer a sample session of a covenant group, with
trust as the topic. This will give folks a chance to go deeper into the subject, and experience the covenant
group model as well. This will happen on March 29th, in Michelsen, starting at noon and lasting 90 minutes.
Budget Team Update
It is getting to be that time again, as the Budget Team prepares a budget for Standing
Committee approval and then congregational approval at the May 17th Annual Meeting. It
seems as if that date is far away, but a lot of voices need to be heard. Committees and
staff please give us your budget requests ASAP. We are putting together the first draft
of the budget this Wednesday, April 1st.
Congregants who are interested will have an opportunity for information and input
Sunday April 19th after church in the Chapel and Wednesday April 22nd at 7:00 in the
Parlor. Please join us. If you are not available for either of these meetings, please feel free to contact any
one of the budget team if you have any questions or comments.
Budget Team:
Don Landing Kate Ebbott, Steve Milt, Judy Murray, Karin Sangster, Cricket Potter, and Mary Ann Young
From the Ministerial Search Committee - Save the Date!
We’re in the midst of meeting with our ministerial candidates, and we want to remind you to keep
candidating week open! If all goes well, our ministerial candidate will be in Winchester Sunday, April 26
through Sunday, May 3 to preside and preach at two Sunday morning services and to meet throughout the
week with members of the congregation and committees of the society. The vote to call him/her as our next
settled minister will take place Sunday, May 3. Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in this major event
affecting the future of our church
Gordy McIntosh, Pete Baldwin, Lee Barton, Julie Khuen, Fritzie Nace Forcucci, Maria Shepherd
and Toni Wegner
Parking on Sundays
Parking at the church on Sunday mornings and many weekday evenings sometimes is quite
challenging. It would be much appreciated if those of you who arrive early at church and are sure footed,
could park further down Main Street past McCall, down the Parkway or closer to the downtown area. Also any
one arriving at any time and who can walk a bit further could do the same. This would allow people, who find
navigating more challenging, the opportunity to park in the church parking lot or on Main Street close to the
church.
If you have stories and anecdotes of difficulties and challenges you have had in parking at the church,
especially this winter, please contact Mary Ann in the church office ([email protected] / 781-729-0949.
Hymn Sing on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:15 p.m. in the Chapel
This is an opportunity and invitation to deepen our connection to the great tradition of hymn singing. Come
because you love to sing hymns. Come to learn how to sing with a stronger voice, or maybe to read the music
with more confidence. Come with your questions about the hymns and ask why we sing them. Come for
some fun fellowship and enjoy the wonderful spirit contained in our hymns! Led by John Kramer, Music
Director.
New Member Class on Sunday, April 12 from 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Have you found a spiritual and religious home at Winchester Unitarian Society? Have you begun to
identify yourself as a Unitarian Universalist? Would you like to have a vote in the decision ahead about calling
the next settled minister for Winchester Unitarian Society? If so, we invite you to learn more about joining this
community as a member so that you can be an active part of all that lies ahead.
Please come to this informal class where one of the ministers along with several staff and lay leaders
will share about what it means to become a member of this community and join in its vibrant ministry.
Child care is available and a light lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Rev. Cricket at:
[email protected]
PCAs’ Alliance & Friends Luncheon, Music Sunday, April 12th at noon in Michelsen
The Pastoral Care Associates invite you to their 3rd Alliance & Friends Luncheon on Music
Sunday, April 12th, at noon in the Michelsen Room. This is an opportunity for Alliance members and friends
to gather together over a delicious lunch after our all-music service.
If you would like to join us for this special occasion, please RSVP by April 9th by calling the office at
781-729-0949 (and let us know if you need a ride and a PCA will be in touch).
Lay Leaders and Musicians Needed for Summer Services, June 21 – August 30.
If you would like to give a sermon or reflection on something related to our church values and plan a
service around that this summer, please contact the Coordinator, June Edwards. Men, women, young people
are encouraged to apply, whether you have done one before or this will be your first time. It can be a
traditional service or something completely different and informal.
Please write a proposal that includes the topic, a brief description, all Sundays that you will NOT be
available and any that are preferred. The summer schedule will be finalized by May 15, but June needs to
know much sooner who wants to participate and when they can.
Those who would like to sing or play an instrument should see John Kramer who will be scheduling
musicians for the summer, including previous ones or newcomers. Service leaders please note: if you plan
to provide the music yourself, John must know this by May 1 to avoid duplication conflicts.
Meditation News
Meets almost every Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Sitting from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Walking
from 7:00 to 7:15 p.m. Discussion 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. Contact Ron Denhardt for info.
Spring Yoga Starting April 6
This session will run from April 6th through June 22nd. No class on Monday, May 25th in honor of
Memorial Day. Tuition is $154 ($14 per class for 11 weeks) for the session. $15 for a one time trial yoga class.
Classes meet at 6:30 p.m. and run for 90 minutes. The structure of the class is accessible to all levels of
students, including those who have never tried yoga previously.
If you are interested in attending but would like more information, please contact the class instructor,
Samantha Baker, at 978-505-1016 or [email protected]
Growth and Learning News
Conversations that Matter on Sunday, April 12th, 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Growth & Learning invites you to discuss timeless ideas and writings that provide context and insight to
current events. Our reading in April is the article How Will You Measure Your life? by Harvard Business
School Professor Clayton M. Christensen. It will surely evoke some disruptive thinking as we share and discuss
our strategy in life and seek answers to Christensen's question: "How can I ensure that my relationship with
my family proves to be an enduring source of happiness." Please join us in engaging conversation, good wine,
delicious food, and great company at the home of Cynthia and Scott. RSVP to Rebecca
[email protected]
Social Action and Outreach News
Are you planning to sponsor a grant application? The deadline for submitting is April 1. Copies
are available on the Social Action and Outreach table. If you have any questions please contact any of
the committee members: Claire McNeill, David Kronberg, Carol Delaney, Donna Denio, Mike Hyde, Mary
Saudade, and Patty Shepard.
Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate may be ordered through March 29. There are new varieties
available. All the chocolates are delicious! Pick up your order form at the Social Action and Outreach table or
contact Claire McNeill. We order at the wholesale interfaith prices; there is no mark-up.
Are you available to join other UUs in Boston on April 14? Sign-up at the Outreach table to travel
together to UU Mass Action’s 10th annual UU Advocacy Day, Tuesday April 14th, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM,
Arlington Street Church, 351 Boylston St., Boston. The more people who attend the stronger will be our
impact. Sign-up to attend as a group at the Social Action table in Symmes. “Join with UUs from across the
state. We will hear a special message from Bill McKibben, world renowned climate activist. Our Keynote
speaker is Senator William Brownsberger, D-Belmont. Senator Brownsberger is a Unitarian Universalist, Chair
of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, and strong leader and ally in legislation to address climate change,
ending mass incarceration, immigrant rights, and economic justice.” Register by April 1st and the appointment
with your legislator will be made for you. Ticket Price $25 - Covers breakfast, lunch, & beverages.
Registration: http://tinyurl.com/mzuo33z
Join “Commit2Respond” for Climate Justice Month! From World Water Day (March 22) to Earth Day
(April 22), Unitarian Universalists and other people of faith and conscience will embark on a spiritual journey
for climate justice. To get faith-filled resources, engage in powerful practices throughout the month, and
discern how to most effectively shift to a low carbon future, advance human rights, and grow the climate
justice movement, check out: http://www.commit2respond.org/news
The next date to work at the Women’s Lunch Place is April 11. We meet at 7:00 am at the church and
return by 11:45 am. A recent volunteer shared her experience: “I volunteered at the Women’s Lunch Place for
the first time, and what a rewarding experience. It was an easy commitment—just one Saturday morning.
When we arrived at around 7:45, women were already sitting in the large dining room, and food preparation
was well underway. The head chef was friendly and helped us get right into the swing of things. This is a
good organization. It provides dignity and assistance to women whose lives have fallen on hard times, and I
am aware of how fine the line is that divides me from them. I felt productive and useful and I plan to go
back. I hope you join me!” You may sign-up at the Outreach table or contact Claire McNeill.
Woburn Food Pantry
This month the Woburn Council of Social Concern’s Food Pantry’s “wish list” item for the month is
POWDERED OR SHELF-SAFE MILK. Please place this item in the bins throughout the church during the
Sundays in March. As always, any non-perishable item is welcome. Help us support the Council’s mission of
providing food for those in need in our community. Questions? Please contact Mary Saudade, member of the
Social Action and Outreach Committee.
WUSYG: Winchester Unitarian Society Youth Group
Note from Sam about the March 22 Service:
Thank You to everyone who participated in the interactive part of Director of Youth Ministry Sam Wilson's
sermon last Sunday. Congregants can still participate and answer the question "What questions or comments
do you have about UU Youth Ministry / the sermon last Sunday" by going to
https://PollEv.com/samwilson222 (poll closes this Sunday). Anyone can also check out all of the
(anonymous) responses by going to poll
https://www.polleverywhere.com/free_text_polls/SEuW27cgtPgYxDM?preview=true Sam will
be posting his answers to his favorite 10 questions in a future issue of Highlights. Thanks so much to everyone
for their compelling questions and interesting insights about this vital topic!
WUSYG: Winchester Unitarian Society Youth Group
Youth are asked to join us in Metcalf Hall on Saturday from 2-4 pm to help set up for our event on
Saturday. Then on Sunday, they are asked to arrive by 9 AM and expect to stay until 2. Please check Facebook
and read the Newsletter (both will be updated/sent later today) for items to bring on Saturday/Sunday. Youth
are also strongly encouraged to send out their fundraising letters ASAP and distribute the link to our
fundraising page via all of their social media sites. The trip is coming up really soon - so this our last
opportunity to raise money for it!
For more detailed information about all of the above, please be sure to check out the latest youth
newsletter. If you are a parent or a youth (or interested congregant!) involved in the program who is not
currently receiving the WUSYG email newsletter and would like to, you can sign yourself up
here: http://eepurl.com/3d82j
For more information about youth programs in general, please contact the Director of Youth Ministries,
Sam Wilson: [email protected]
Religious Education News
10:00 a.m.
Family Worship in the Chapel
Religious Education Morning: Children start in the Sanctuary and after the Time for all Ages head off to
age grouped religious education programs. Childcare available for babies and toddlers.
Preschool-kindergarten: Chalice Children: Main level
First and Second Grades: Love Surrounds Us: Upstairs Classroom
Third and Fourth Grades: Bibleodeon: Upstairs Classroom
Fifth and Sixth Grades: Neighboring Faiths: Faith visit for Palm Sunday (watch your inbox)
Sunday morning child care (six month to three year olds) is available in the playroom with Juanita Simms,
Isabelle Costa and Eleanor Sharon.
COMING UP Canned Goods Hunt On Sunday, April 5th, the Winchester Unitarian Society will have
our annual “Easter Hunt with a difference”. As a faith community, committed to sustainable practices,
we are once again forgoing the plastic eggs and inviting our children to partake of a different experience. On
April 5th we'll ask our children to hunt for nonperishable food items hidden around the church. This year, as
we look at the snow piles which may melt into mud piles by the 5th, it’s likely that we will hunt inside. When
done, our young hunters will be able to trade their goods in for a more traditional treat. It's a very different
way of having an Easter Hunt and although the candy "haul" is a lot less, the sum total of good in the world is
a lot greater
REQUEST FOR DONATIONS!!!: PLEASE donate, our boxes are empty!
Please bring non-perishable goods and personal care items (these are lighter and easier for kids to
carry). Drop them off in the boxes outside the RE office or in the church collection boxes. Please bring these
items during the weeks of March 22nd to April 5th. We will be hiding things prior to the worship service, so
please bring them by the church early on April 5th, Easter Sunday. Thank YOU!
What happens now for our 7th and 8th graders? With the Our Whole Lives program completed for the
year, we are on a brief hiatus until Easter. Our spring program begins April 12th for this group. We will be
focusing on a service and learning, with a heavy tilt toward service. Many sessions will be off site, although
we will have preparatory meetings to give context for the service learning opportunities. Possible sessions
include visits to homeless shelters, meals to the homeless of Boston Common, trail maintenance in the local
greenways, work at the Food Project and partnering with Community Cooks.
Notes from the office
-New Administrative Assistant
Please welcome Jenny Goh as the new Administrative Assistant! She will be working Tuesdays – Fridays from
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. She comes with previous office experience and rave reviews from her references. Please stop
by the office to meet her!
-Deadline for Annual Reports – Mark Your Calendars
Reports are due to Mary Ann ([email protected]) at noon on Monday, May 4
-Standing Committee Approved Minutes
Approved Standing Committee minutes are posted on the Standing Committee section of the member pages
on the church website. (www.winchesteruu.org)
-Church Directory Available as a PDF File for Members and Friends of the Society
If you would like a copy of the current church directory please email Mary Ann and she will email you the PDF.
-Electronic Payment Options
Visit the church website: http://winchesteruu.org/donatenowelectronicgiving79.html and click the “donate”
button. If you have questions about church financial matters, contact Mary Ann in the church office (781-7290949 / [email protected]).
-Sunday Worship Service CDs and Hardcopies of the Sermons
Every Sunday the worship service is recorded. If you would like to borrow a copy or if you would like to have
a copy made, please let Mary Ann know (781-729-0949 / [email protected]). Also hardcopies are
available for most sermons usually a week or two after the sermon was delivered. They are on the table in
the foyer outside the sanctuary.
Community News
UU Urban Ministry
Spirit and Action – Moving Forward on Race and Justice
This three part series is sponsored by the UU Urban Ministry, 10 Putnam Street, Roxbury, MA from 7-8:30pm. A light
supper will be served at 6:30pm before each session. Participants are asked to attend all three sessions.
Monday, March 30
State Representative Byron Rushing unpacks the history of “race,” and we explore the
impact of racism in 2015.
Monday, April 6
Monalisa Smith, founder of Mothers for Justice and Equality, will lead participants in the
creative expression of our own experiences with, or reactions to racism.
Monday April 13
Moving into Voice. We will learn how to confront the spoken and unspoken racism we
see, in ways that create love and justice.
Register by contacting Rev. Rebecca Hinds at [email protected] or 617-318-6010 x214.
If you’d like to carpool, contact Karen Erikson 781-729-7249 or Kate Ebbott 781-729-1995.
Winchester Multicultural Events
Communicating Effectively in a Multicultural World on Saturday, April 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the
Sanborn House, 15 High Street, Winchester.
The Multicultural Network’s annual workshop for the community will focus on learning tools and skills—needed now more
than ever-- for addressing issues such as race, class, religion and other challenges that occur across differences. Valerie
Batts, Ph.D., the Executive Director and co-founder of VISIONS, Inc. will lead the workshop on To register, email
[email protected]. or call 781-729-7100. A $20 registration fee is requested but can be waived on request.
UU Urban Ministry Hope Out Loud 4,
Bridging Communities and Families through Praise and Music on Sunday April 12, 3-5 p.m.
Hope Out Loud is an annual celebration of community and joy held at our UU Urban Ministry (located at 10
Putnam Street in Roxbury). This intergenerational and interfaith performance on April 12 features children and adults
from all over the area dancing and singing; it is a way for us to hear a diverse collection of voices speak their truths; and
it is a time for all to sing together. “For nearly 200 years, the UU Urban Ministry has been working side-by-side with
individuals and communities in Boston to create opportunities and instill hope for a brighter future.” (www.uuum.org)
At this year's Hope Out Loud, UU singers from congregations in the Boston area will combine to sing two
beloved songs (“Draw the Circle” and “How Good!”). Children from Union United Methodist Church's Liturgical Dance
Team, and their Radical Praise children's choir, will perform, as will the dynamic Youth Choir from Mattapan’s Greater
Victory Temple. There will be lots of group singing as well, led by the gospel singers of the Boston Community Choir; so
bring your voice and help us make HOPE come alive!
Hope Out Loud is free and open to the public, with a reception following. It is a wonderful and engaging
afternoon – perfect for all ages! More information can be found at www.uuum.org/hopeoutloud
Worship Services every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Highlights, our weekly email update about church related events,
is usually sent out each week mid morning on Thursdays. Deadline 9 a.m.
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