september 2018 p r nyou this summer, directly or symbolically. spare water will be available for...
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Parish NotesThe Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord
September 2018
Join us for a brand new church year September 910 am Worship Service & Water Communion
11:15 am Membership Fair11:45 am Fall Picnic
Our Membership Fair will offer a glimpse into the many opportunities the church offers for learning, service, alternative worship, and more. Learn what “Second Hour” is. Find out about family friendly programs like Movie Nights. Consider if a Covenant Group or Choir might be just the thing to help you connect more deeply with the congregation. Explore the “Healing and Helping” support groups we offer. And more!
Displays will be set up in the parlor immediately after the service. If you lead any church program, you are invited to have a display. Please let Lea Smith ([email protected]) know if you would like to have some table space to share your church activity or project. The picnic will start as the Membership Fair winds down.
Sunday MorningsIntroducing a new Sunday morning schedule, designed to provide more opportunities for learning, service, and practice, for all ages.
This is the general pattern September through June. See online calendar for exceptions (especially for September, as the church year launches mid-month)
1st Sundays 9:15 to 9:45am: Choir Warmup 9:15 to 9:50 am: Children’s Choir 10 to 11:15am: Worship Service (childcare available) 11:15am to 12pm: Social Hour Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation 11:30am to 12:30pm: Children’s Faith Development Classes 11:30am to 12:30pm: Drop-In Covenant Group
2nd & 3rd Sundays 9:15 to 9:45am: Choir Warmup 10 to 11:15 am: Worship Service (childcare available) 11:30am - 12:30pm: “Second Hour” Adult Learning, Service, & Practice 11:30am - 12:30pm: Children’s Faith Development Classes 12:30 - 1 pm: Community Lunch
4th & 5th Sundays 9:15 to 9:45am: Choir Warmup 10 to 11:15am: Worship Service (childcare available) 11:15am to 12pm: Social Hour Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation
Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Upcoming Worship Services
9/6/2018 - 2 pm: “Us versus/with Them” - UU Worship Service at Havenwood-Heritage Heights, Rev. Michael Leuchtenberger, at H-HH Retirement Community, 33 Christian Ave, Concord
What happens when we turn “Us versus Them” into “Us with Them?” What makes that so difficult? How do we practice this switch in perspective throughout our lives?
9/9/2018: “Connecting to The Other - A Water Communion Service” Rev. Michael Leuchten-berger
As we re-gather in our beautiful sanctuary for our annual water communion service we will remember what it means to be The Other, to feel the sting of exclusion, to deal with the taste of rejection. Us - Them is our theme this month. Connecting to The Other is our aspira-tion as individuals and as a religious community.
Our water communion ritual honors the varied stories that join us together - again and again, or for the first time. Share your story of Friendship & Community, of Spiritual Growth & Learning, of Sorrow, Sacred Places, or Works of Justice. Bring some water that has blessed you this summer, directly or symbolically. Spare water will be available for all.
9/16/2018: “Healthy Tribalism,” Rev. Michael Leuchtenberger
So much of the violence in our world seems related to the clash of people holding onto con-flicting tribal identities. Yet Darwin traces the very existence of non-selfish, cooperative hu-man behavior to the emergence of tribes and tribal identity. We need a strong sense of com-munity to be our best selves, a strong “us,” that does not depend on demonizing “them”, the other. We need healthy tribalism.
9/23/2018: “Diversity - A Balancing Act,” Rev. Michael Leuchtenberger
Unitarian Universalism has been at the forefront of advocating for a multicultural, anti-op-pressive world that feels welcoming to all, a world that embraces diversity as a social good, ultimately leading to a kinder, gentler, more peaceful world. What if our good intentions have lead us astray? What if our approach is backfiring? What if there could be such a thing as too much diversity? How do we as UUs engage this balancing act in a cultural climate so polarized by the perceived benefits or perils of diversity?
9/30/2018: “Church is for Children: Please Bring the Kids,” Rev. Lyn Marshall
“Suffer the little children to come unto me,” said Jesus. But do we want the kids in the wor-ship service? Please bring them to this one as our Minister of Lifespan Faith Development, Rev. Lyn Marshall, makes the case that children should be seen and heard in worship.
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Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually
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Ch-ch-ch-changes!Rev. Michael Leuchtenberger & Rev. Lyn MarshallWe are very excited about the upcoming church year and the expanded opportunities for adult learning, practice, and service that will be offered two Sundays per month after wor-ship, followed by a community lunch on those days so that we can socialize and share our experiences over a meal. We are also looking forward to having our children back at Sunday School, learning what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist and to live out your values dur-ing the week. To try to address as many needs as possible, we decided, after consulting with some but not all of you, that we could do it best if we kept the start time of church at 10:00 am as it is dur-ing the summer, rather than switching back to a 10:30 start time as we have for several years. We are aware that change that is exciting for one person may be less exciting, or downright upsetting, to another. We hope that as we come together this month for our water commu-nion, we will treat one another with extra care and respect, recognizing that we are diverse individuals engaged in the challenging spiritual work of building beloved community. We ask that you come with an open heart and a sense of curiosity about how these changes may help us deepen our learning, our practices, and our involvement in service to the com-munity. We ask that you bring us your ideas -- check your email for the survey that will help guide our programming in the months to come, and complete it by September 1. If you have skills you want to share as an activity leader, let us know that, too. Lastly, we ask that if you have concerns, please express them directly to us.Most of all, we ask that you come. We will have hugs and laughter and love to share, even if you’re still bleary or a little late.
Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually
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Mindfulness at Concord UU: an Overview of the 2018-2019 church year Jeanne Ann Whittington, Contemplative Practices ChairOver the past few years the Contemplative Practices Group has offered the church community a variety of ways to explore and deepen in mindfulness practice, and the coming church year is no exception. On the schedule for 2018-2019 are the following events, which are open to all. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us! We’ll let you know as each event approaches, but for more information now feel free to contact me at [email protected] best beginning is a thorough introduction: This fall, Betsy Black is generously offering the now-classic 8 week program, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. See Betsy’s article on page 5 for more information.One Day retreat, “Lojong Practice: Generating Awakened Heart” with guest teacher Rebecca Eldridge: On Saturday October 13, 9AM to 5 PM, join us for a retreat led by Rebecca Eldridge, an instructor at the Center for Mindfulness in Shrewsbury, MA, and a student of Pema Chodron. For more information, see page 5 of this issue. No charge for this day, but pre-registration required—contact [email protected] better to start a new year?: Saturday January 5, 2019, 9AM to 5PM will be a day-long self-led retreat for individuals with some experience in meditation who value the opportunity to practice in silence with others. There will be a schedule of alternating periods of sitting and walking practice, and participants may join for part or all of the day.Fifth Annual Weekend Retreat: Friday March 22 to Sunday March 24, 2019 will be our Fifth Annual Weekend retreat, led by Margaret Fletcher, Rev. Michael Leuchtenberger, and Jeanne Ann Whittington. The retreat begins on Friday night and concludes with the Sunday service, and includes instruction, sitting, walking, mindful movement, contemplative music, time for questions, delicious meals, and a rich sense of community as we spend the weekend practicing together and sharing our practice with the congregation on Sunday morning.A half-day retreat: On Saturday April 27, 2019, 9 AM to Noon we will offer a half day retreat—both as a follow up to the March weekend retreat, but also appropriate for beginners and those not in attendance at the weekend. The theme, leader and other information to be announced.Ongoing practice groups: In addition to these special programs, there are a number of ongoing practice groups which meet weekly, biweekly, and monthly. Check the Contemplative Practices page of the church website for times and dates for these groups.
Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually Growing Spiritually
Lojong Practice: Generating the Awakened HeartOn Saturday, October 13, from 9AM to 5PM, we are delighted that guest teacher Rebecca Eldridge will lead a one-day retreat retreat on the practice of lojong— working with short phrases to generate awakened heart. No previous experience in meditation is required—this day-long retreat is for anyone who wants to love and live fully, and spend a day in the good company of others who want the same. The day will include instruction about lojong practice and mindful living, with opportunities for sharing, participating in small and whole group exercises and practices, and enjoying one another’s company.
Rebecca has taught mindfulness to cancer survivors, people in chronic pain, medical and mental health professionals, lay ministers, and monastics, and was featured giving meditation instruction in two courses taught by her teacher Pema Chodron: “Making Friends with Yourself,” and “How to Live with Compassion and Courage.” She now teach-es Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the Center for Mindfulness at the UMASS Medical School. Before joining the faculty at the CFM, Rebecca co-founded The Integrative Medicine Community of Hampton Roads in Virginia and served as a hospice volunteer.
There is no charge for this day of retreat, but those who are interested should register no later than Friday, October 5th by emailing Jeanne Ann at [email protected]. (There will be an opportunity to make a donation to sup-port Rebecca’s teaching on the day of the retreat.) In preparation for the retreat, participants should read Norman Fischer’s Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong. For any questions, please contact Jeanne Ann at the email above.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction 6-week classMindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is intended for anyone who wishes to develop ways to live more fully, be more present in the moment, and to learn and practice mindfulness with a like-minded group.
In this this experiential and educational program, participants will explore themes including awareness of thoughts, feelings and the body, dealing with difficulties, self-acceptance and self-care. Participants will benefit from the shared experience of learning and practicing with a group, and the daily practice of the techniques.
An orientation (which is required) will help people learn more about the program and meet with the instructor. Then, during the eight weeks of the class, we will learn and practice mindfulness techniques and exercises to integrate mindfulness into everyday life. Partway through there will be a guided full-day retreat. Participants are asked to prac-tice up to one hour per day - with the support of instructions and practice in class and audios available on-line (using a computer or I-phone).
Orientation -- Wed., Sept. 19 - 6:15-8 p.m. [required]
Classes -- Wednesdays, Sept. 26-Nov. 14 - 6:15-8:30 p.m.
All day retreat -- Nov. 3 - 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: The course is free except for $35 to cover costs; any unused funds will be donated to the church.
For more info, please contact Betsy Black, instructor, at 228.6195 or [email protected]. To register, please send a check payable to Betsy Black c/o Unitarian Universalist Church, 274 Pleasant Street, Concord NH 03301.
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord
2018-19 Calendar of Church-wide Events (This listing is for non-recurring events only - see separate list for recurring events)
Sept. 2 Sun Last Summer Service, 10 am
Sept. 8 Sat Mindfulness Conference at NHTI
Sept. 9* Sun 10 am Water Communion Service
11:15 am Membership Fair
11:45 am Fall Picnic
Sept. 16 Sun Exploring Membership Class #1
Sept. 19 Wed Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Orientation for 8 week class, 6:15 pm to 8 pm
Sept. 21 Fri International Day of Peace & Piece of Pizza for Peace @State House Lawn
Sept. 21 Fri Autumn Equinox Ritual @ 7 pm - Earth Centered Spirituality Group
Sept. 23 Sun Exploring Membership Class #2
Sept. 25 Tues Book Discussion “Awakening from the Daydream…” @ 7:30 pm
Sept. 26 Wed Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction 8 week class begins, 6:15 pm to 8:30 pm
Sept. 29* Sat CROP Walk for Hunger
Sept. 30 Sun Book Discussion “Awakening from the Daydream…” @ 11:45 am
Oct. 3 Wed Walk in her Shoes
Oct. 7* Sun Pancake Breakfast @ 9 am
Oct. 7 Sun Earth Centered Spirituality Forum at 11:30am
Oct. 7 & 14 Sun Mystery Match signup
Oct. 13 Sat Contemplative Practice Retreat 9am to 5pm
Oct. 14 Sun Interfaith Choir Concert
Oct. 21 & 28* Sun Mystery Match Note Exchange
Oct. 26 Fri Youth Group Overnight
Oct. 27* Sat Wicked FIT Run for Families in Transition
Oct. 27* Sat Movie Night
Oct. 28* Sun Everybody’s Birthday Social Hour
Oct. 28* Sun Fall Grounds Cleanup 11:30 - 2:30 pm
Nov. 2 Fri Samhain Ritual @ 7 pm – Earth Centered Spirituality Group
Nov. 3 Sat MBSR class day-long session, at Center for Health Promotion
Nov. 4* Sun Pancake breakfast at 9 am
Nov. 4* Sun Mystery Match Party in the Parlor during social hour
Nov. 4 Sun Feedback & Ideas Forum at 11:45 am
Nov. TBA Thanksgiving Food Drive
Nov. 17* Sat Thanksgiving Dinner @ 6:30 pm (social hour at 5:30)
Nov. 19* Mon Thanksgiving Basket Packing
Dec. date TBA Boys & Girls Club Shopping Spree, Giving Tree
Dec. 1-2 Sat-Sun Greens & Artisans Fair
Dec. 2 Sun Exploring Membership Class #3
Dec. 3* Sun UUSC Guest at Your Table launch
Dec. 8* Sat Movie Night
Dec. 9 Sun New Member Covenanting
Dec. 9 Sun OWL Parent Meeting
Dec. 15* Sat Havenwood Holiday Concert @ 10:15 am
Dec. 16* Sun Pancake Breakfast @ 9 am
Dec. 21* Fri Winter Solstice/Yule Ritual @ 7 pm – Earth Centered Spirituality Group
Dec. 22 Sat Caroling with the Homeless
Dec. 24* Mon Christmas Eve Worship Services @ 5 pm and 9 pm
Dec. 24 Mon Christmas Eve Community Dinner @ 6:30 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord
2018-19 Calendar of Church-wide Events
Our Whole Lives class to begin this month, date TBA
Jan. 1* Mon New Year’s Day Games and Chocolate @ 1pm
Jan. 5 Sat Day Long Self-Led Meditation Retreat 9am to 5pm
Jan. 6 Sun Leaders Council @ 11:45 am
Jan 6 & 13 Sun Mystery Match Sign-up
Jan 13* Sun Pancake Breakfast @ 9 am
Jan. 18 Fri Youth Group Overnight
Jan. 19* Sat Movie Night
Jan. 20 Sun Exploring Membership Class #1
Jan. 20 & 27* Sun Mystery Match Notes
Jan. 20-27 Family Promise Week
Jan. 27 Sun Exploring Membership Class #2
Feb. 1 Thu Imbolc Ritual @ 7 pm – Earth Centered Spirituality Group
Feb. 3* Sun Mystery Match Party
Feb. 9 Sat Family Movie Night @ 6 pm
Feb. 17 Sun 2019-20 Stewardship Campaign Launch
Feb. 17-24 Family Promise Week
Feb. 23-Mar 3 Youth Group Service Trip
Mar. 15 Fri Spring Equinox Ritual @ 7 pm – Earth Centered Spirituality Group
Mar. 16 Sat “Turning Visitors into Members” with staff of the New England Region of the UUA
Mar. 16 Sat Movie Night
Mar. 22-24 Fri-Sun Weekend Mindfulness Retreat
Mar. 24 Sun Feedback & Ideas Forum @ 11:45 am
Mar. 24-31 Family Promise Week
Mar. 31 Sun 2019-20 Stewardship Campaign Wrap-Up (all pledges due)
Apr. 7 Sun Exploring Membership Class #3
Apr. 14 Sun New Member Covenanting
Apr. 14 Sun Unitarian Benevolent Association Annual Meeting @12:15 pm
Apr. 18* Thu Maundy Thursday Communion Service
Apr. 21* Sun Easter Worship
Apr. 24* Wed Vacation Movie Night
Apr. 27 Sat Half-day Meditation Retreat
Apr 27* Sat Passover Seder Supper @ 5pm
Apr. 28* Sun Pancake Breakfast @ 9am
Apr. 28-May 5 Family Promise Week
May 2 Thu Budget Forum @ 6pm
May 4 Sat Beltane Ritual @ 6 pm – Earth Centered Spirituality Group
May 5 Sun Budget Forum @ 11:45 am
May 5 Sun Spring Grounds Cleanup 12pm to 3pm
May 12-17 Yard & Plant Sale donations accepted
May 18 Sat Yard & Plant Sale
May 19 Sun Long-time Member Breakfast & Recognition
May 19 Sun Annual Meeting @ 11:45 am
May 31-Jun 1* Fri-Sat UU Village Camp-in @ 5:30 pm
June 2 Sun Music Sunday
June 9* Sun Flower Communion Service, followed by Spring Picnic
June 16 Sun Beginning of Summer Services
June 21 Fri Summer Solstice/Litha Celebration @ 7 pm - Earth Centered Spirituality Group
June 24 Sun 4th Sunday Grounds Maintenance
June 19-23 General Assembly of the Unitarian Univeralist Association in Spokane, WA
Connec ing in Love & Service Connec ing in Love & Service Connec ing in Love & Service Connec ing in Love & Service Recurring Events in 2018-19
Special Worship ServicesDances of Universal Peace - most 3rd Sundays @ 7 pmTaize at Concord UU - every 2nd Sunday @ 7 pm, October through AprilUU Worship at Havenwood - 1st Thursday @ 2 pmEarth Centered Spirituality Rituals - on or near solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days
Events for Children & FamiliesSenior High Youth Group - most Fridays @ 7 pmGames and Chocolate - most 1st Fridays at 6:30 pmFamily Covenant Group - 2nd Fridays at 6 pm (please contact organizers before attending)Parents of Teens Covenant Group - 3rd Fri at 7 pm (please contact organizers before attending)Movie Nights - several times per year, usually on Saturdays at 6pm
Musical EventsChoir Rehearsal - most Thursdays, 7 pm to 8:30 pmChoir Warmup - most Sundays, 9 amVisiting Voices - 2nd Saturdays - 9am off-site warmup, 10am at Merrimack Valley Nursing Home
Contemplative Practice EventsMindfulness Practice Group - 2nd and 4th Mon. at 7 pmMeditation - Tuesdays @ 7 pm
Outreach EventsFriendly Kitchen prep and serve day - 1st Wed. at 3 pmNoah Project on Sustainability - every Sunday at 9 am
Healing & Helping EventsNative American Healing Circle - 4th Friday @ 7 pmThe Journey Continues Elders Group - most 2nd Sundays at 11:30 am, starting in OctoberCaring for Aging Loved Ones Support Group - 4th Sundays at 7 pmMemory Loss Support - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 10 am
Affinity GroupsUU Book Group - 4th Wednesday @ 4 pm Sept to June (may not be open to new people)
Green Team Grounds Maintenance - 4th Sunday after worship, April through October
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Connec ing in Love & Service Connec ing in Love & Service Connec ing in Love & Service Connec ing in Love & Service
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2018 Concord UU Softball TeamWhile we weren’t all that successful in terms of wins this year, we still had a lot of fun. Thanks for the memories!
Potluck Picnic & Bounce House for Kids: Sept. 9David Canfield, Picnic CoordinatorWhat can you bring for our Family Potluck Picnic on September 9th? Let’s outdo ourselves again with another huge array of desserts and side dishes to celebrate the start of another church year! As always, the church will provide hamburgers and hot dogs (all “humanely raised,” of course!), drinks and chips. Suggested donation to cover costs: $5 for adults, kids free.
Transforming Ourselves Transforming Our World Transforming Ourselves Transforming Our World
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Thanks to You, Our Members & Friends, Church as Solid Financially as We’ve Been in Some TimeYour Board of Trustees, Ministers and church staff thank you, our members and friends, for offering your “treasure” so generously to sustain your church in the coming year. Your collective commitment has enabled us, finally, to add a critically needed part-time position to the church office that has been understaffed and over-stretched for too long. As we enter the new church year, we’re now as financially secure as we’ve been in some time.It truly has taken the whole “village” to get us to this good place: 194 generously pledging households, and 21 dedicated stewardship volunteers who have helped tell our story and see that your pledge payments are appropriately managed week-in and week-out. They are stewardship chair David Canfield, assistant treasurers Beth Corcoran and Lorraine Ellis, former board chair Lisa Eberhart, Jeff Fetter and Erin Stewart, Rob and Marianne Fleischman, Kim Gillis, Peggy Herbert, Charles Hillen, Pat and Manfred Hoertdoerfer, Kitty Hok, Barbara Lambert, treasurer Karen Mayo, Tom O’Brien, Fran Philippe, Suzanne Rude, Kits Tunney, and finance committee chair Jack Wakelin.
Williams Walker Society Helps Perpetuate Your Values for Future GenerationsDavid Canfield and Jack Wakelin, for the Legacy Gifts Committee The William Walker Society currently includes 25 Church members and friends who have planned a legacy donation for the Church in their will or estate plan.Have you thought about putting the Church in your will or trust? You would be helping it remain a vital force for good in the world, perpetuating the values you hold dear for future generations.If you have named UUCC in your estate plan, please notify us so we can add your name to the roll of The William Walker Society.
Transforming Ourselves Transforming Our World Transforming Ourselves Transforming Our World
UU Thanksgiving Needs You!Marianne Fleischman, Outgoing Coordinator
After several years of organizing our popular UU Thanksgiving event, Anne Zinkin & I must step away from this task. In order to keep this tradition alive, we need 1 or 2 people to step up and take over. It really isn’t a lot of work - the main tasks are selling tickets and making sure people sign up to bring food and help with set up and clean up. This is done for a few Sundays starting in mid-October. In addition, you would need to be available on the day of the event (Saturday, Nov 17th) to oversee the setup for the dinner. We have everything written down and can help you along the way. All of the cooking and kitchen work is taken care of by another set of wonderful people. Please help to keep this cherished UU tradition going!!! Contact me at [email protected].
Upcoming Parish Notes DeadlineOctober 2018 issue: Sunday, Sept. 23 at noon
Email submissions in the body of an email (not as an attachment) to [email protected]
Submissions are accepted for church-related items that have been approved by a committee, church-affiliated group or staff person. The editor may edit for clarity or to fit available space. High resolution, high contrast photos in .jpg format are welcome, and will be included if they reproduce well and if space permits. If you don’t have email access, call Lea at 224-0291 for an alternative way to submit your piece. Parish Notes deadlines are firm.
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StaffRev. Michael Leuchtenberger, Senior Minister 715-7557 (cell), [email protected]
Rev. Lyn Marshall, Minister of Lifespan Faith Development224-0291 x3 568-8084 (cell), [email protected]
Calvin Herst, Accompanist [email protected]
Linda Mai, Choir [email protected]
Lea Smith, Congregational Administrator 224-0291 x4 [email protected]
Kathie Martin, Facility Manager 717-5268 (emergency only)
OfficersAnne Zinkin, ModeratorSara McNeil, ClerkKaren Mayo, TreasurerJack Wakelin, Custodian of Trust FundsBeth Corcoran & Lorraine Ellis, Assistant Treasurers
Board of Trustees Dick Bennett, ChairAnne Drewniak, Vice-ChairAnn Hoey, SecretaryGary SchroederKelly MahonyTom Fredenburg
Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord274 Pleasant StreetConcord, NH [email protected]
Join Us for Worship on Sundays at 10am
See our calendar online for the most complete and up-to-date list of events: www.concorduu.org/calendar
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