The First Church in Belmont A welcoming Unitar ian Universal ist Congregat ion

The Unitarian — February 7, 2019

Sunday, February 10

When Love Is Denied — Rev. Doris Hunter

A reflection on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for Valentine’s Day.

Prelude: Freu dich sehr, O meine Seele Op. 65 No. 2 by Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877 - 1933); Simon Andrews, organ

11 a.m. Senior Choir Anthem: O Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem by Herbert Howells

Offertory: O Waly Waly, an English Folk song arranged by Benjamin Britten; Davron Monroe, tenor

Postlude: Grand Chorus in March Form by Alexandre Guilmant (1837 - 1911); Simon Andrews, organ

The flowers on the Chancel Table today are given by Kathy Crawley in loving memory of her parents Richard and Ann Crawley on the occasion of her 70th birthday.

Services at 9 & 11 a.m.; childcare is provided

Directions and parking information at uubelmont.org

Sunday, February 17 — Escalating Hate — Rev. David Bryce

Reflections from Rev. David Bryce, Senior Minister

Time is a fascinating thing.

The first twenty years of my life lasted for eons. The next twenty lasted a pretty long time. Since then, it has whooshed by.

I was looking at television listings the other night, and saw “King Kong” as one of the movies. Then I saw that it was the “remake” in 1976, and I said to myself, “Oh, that’s the new one”.

The new one.

It is forty-three years old and I was thinking of it as “the new one”.

And I am mindful of two facts: first, that the 1976 version was made forty-three years after the original, so it is now as old as the original was then; second, there has been yet another “new one”, the 2005 version, now thirteen years old. (And, yes, there was “Kong, Skull Island” in 2017.)

The point is that the one I think of as “the new one” is now quite old; but I do not experience it that way.

The last forty-three years went by much more quickly than the time before that.

This strikes me as a bit disturbing. It means the next forty-three years will go by even more quickly.

As I have often said, those folk who walk around (used to walk around?) with signs reading, “The End Is Near” are absolutely correct. Human life is brief, and out end is coming sooner than we think. We should make of life what we can while we can.

Of course, there is a saying attributed to different people (I first heard it credited to Muhammad) which goes, “Live every day as if it will be your last; live every day as if you will live for a thousand years”.

The point being to take pleasure in the now, but to be cognizant of the fact that we are accountable for our choices. So let our choices for today be good ones.

MSC News For anyone who may have missed our meeting two weeks ago, please join members of the Ministerial Search Committee this Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Conference Room to discuss our progress and plans with the search process and review findings from our Congregational Survey and Listening Circles.

As you may know, we will be meeting with our finalist candidates over the next month. At this point in the process, it is imperative that we protect the identity of our precandidates, since the candidates may not have yet informed their parishes they may be leaving.

We will invite a final candidate for “Candidating Week” at FCB Sunday, April 28 through Sunday, May 5. The candidate will preach twice during that

https://uubelmont.org/about-us/directions/

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period, meet with various committees, and be available for social opportunities. FCB will sponsor a series of events all week long, e.g. pot luck dinners, in order to create opportunities for every member to meet and get to know the candidate.

SAVE THE DATE: May 5, 2019

All Member Meeting to vote for our new minister

Some longtime congregants never may have gotten around to signing the membership book. If you would like to become a member, or if you are unsure about your membership status, please contact Sam Foster: sfoster@uubelmont.org. See Sam’s article further down, for more information.

Thank you for your support, and as always, feel free to email us with questions: mailto:fcbministersearch@gmail.com.

Warmly,

Ministerial Search Committee

Doug Burden, David Deese, Ann Dexter, Abby Donner, Ariane Frank, Gabby Garschina-Bobrow, Laurie Graham, Rick Hawkins, Leslie Talmadge

Stewardship News We have kicked off this year’s Stewardship Drive, All Together Now. Last Sunday David spoke eloquently about our role as stewards of our beloved First Church, and the collective responsibility we have to those that came before us, as well as to our children and future generations.

As we reflect upon what this community means to us, particularly in these times, we are counting on sustained and increased financial support from everyone. Our goal is to raise $625,000 and it is crucial that we all participate and pledge as generously as we can. Our pledges account for 80% of the church’s operating budget for next year and it is up to all of us to ensure that our programs continue to flourish.

Pledge packets will be mailed next week. Please also visit our web page at uubelmont.org/connection/giving/stewardship. Online pledging is also open. Remember, while we are looking for pledge commitments now, pledge payments can be made through June 30th, 2020 - the close of the next fiscal year.

Please join the congregation in joyful and festive worship services and bring your completed pledge form for collection during a special Offertory on Celebration Sunday, March 3rd, 2019.

With appreciation, Anjali Kumar, Stewardship Chair, on behalf of

Your Stewardship Committee: Anjali Kumar, Katherine Canfield, Brian Kopperl, Karsten Kueppenbender, Bruce Logan

Among Us Our deepest sympathy to Susan Hawkins and family on the death of Susan’s sister of February 2.

Our deepest sympathy to Sebastian Grimm on the recent death of his grandmother, Patricia.

Two Weeks At-a-Glance All are welcome to attend

Thursday, Feb. 7 Fiber Arts Fellowship, 8 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 8 Second Friday Coffeehouse Open Mic Night, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 10 Worship Service, 9 a.m.

Worship Service, 11 a.m.

48 Peaks with Cheryl Suchor, 12:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 11 Meditation, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 Second Tuesday Cocoahouse, 10 a.m.

“World Religions” with Sandy Nayak, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 13

Yoga with Teresa Howe (by enrollment), 9:30 a.m.

Men’s Group (Little/Plass, by enrollment), 7:30 p.m.

Men’s Group (J. Staton, by enrollment), 8 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 14 Belmont Unitarian Alliance Lunch and Program, 12 noon lunch, 1 p.m. program

Friday, Feb. 15 Moth Hour with Ian Garvie and Richard Waring, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 17 Worship Service, 9 a.m.

Worship Service, 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 20

Yoga with Teresa Howe (by enrollment), 9:30 a.m.

Small Group Ministry (J. O’Farrell, by enrollment), 10:30 a.m.

Men’s Group (J. Staton, by enrollment), 8 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 21 Science and Spirituality, 7:30 p.m.

Fiber Arts Fellowship, 8 p.m.

The church calendar is at: tiny.cc/churchcalendar

mailto:sfoster@uubelmont.orgmailto:fcbministersearch@gmail.comhttps://uubelmont.org/connection/giving/stewardshiphttp://tiny.cc/churchcalendar

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Most events details at: uubelmont.org/news/events/

CRE News, by Nate Sellers

CRE’s New Curriculum: Enlighten, Camera, Action!

“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” -- Edward De Bono

In the next few months, students in our Religious Education program will be exploring Wisdom stories from the Bible through creative writing, and filmmaking. The end result of the three month curriculum will be a student made short film!

I’m more than excited to begin this journey with the kids; creative writing encourages kids to use their imagination, and see different perspectives. It improves their ability to come up with alternatives, and broadens their thought processes. I’m hoping the new curriculum invites kids to see both the importance, and value, of our Judeo-Christian heritage, while also helping them develop new skill-sets! It’s all so exciting from this end of things.

I look forward to updating our community at FCB about their progress.

Youth Group News, by Cora McCold

“Let us work together”

If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together. — Lilla Watson, Indigenous Australian artist

Lilla Watson’s quote and another from Robert Egger have been on my mind as the youth and I prepare for our upcoming service-learning trip. Like Watson, Egger says that giving (whether money, time, or service) should not be about the redemption of the giver, but the liberation of those receiving.

Next Saturday, a group of 37 youth and adults from First Church will head down to the coast of North Carolina to assist with disaster relief. We’ll spend the week rebuilding houses that were damaged by flooding and mold. But our service work has implications beyond the physical structures. As our partners at the Fuller Center say, the work is “rebuilding lives, not just homes.”

All this leaves me wondering: How do we contribute to someone’s liberation? What will we

need (besides eye protection, dust masks, and gloves) to serve the folks we meet in North Carolina? For now, all I can do is guess. In addition to our tools and boots, we’ll need compassion, curiosity, and a willingness to be liberated ourselves.

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. Watch this space for more details!

Get in touch with our Membership and Outreach Manager, Samuel Foster, at sfoster@uubelmont.org if you would like to become a member.

Upcoming Events

Friday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. Open Mic Night at Second Friday Coffeehouse!

Join us for our second annual open mic night. Bring your instrument, sing a song, or just come to listen. We’ll have a featured set by our very own Bayard Klimasmith midway through the night. Don’t miss it!

http://uubelmont.org/news/events/mailto:sfoster@uubelmont.org

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A Discussion About Non-Binary Gender Issues — February 27 in the Parish Hall

Over the past several months there have been individual conversations with FCB members about gender issues, within both their own lives and the lives of their families.

How might FCB help foster education, support, and discussion around these issues? The first step is to gather anyone who is interested to attend a meeting where we can start exploring questions, including:

What do the terms non-binary and gender fluid mean?

How are these different from transgender?

How can our programming meet the needs of the congregation concerning gender issues? What inclusive language is necessary to have everyone feel truly welcome?

Would a dialog group for those who are facing these issues or have insights into these issues be helpful?

Here is a resource we might use from the National Center for Transgender Equality: transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-non-binary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportive

Rev. David Bryce, Donna Ruvolo, and Lillian Anderson will facilitate a discussion on Wednesday, February 27th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. High school age youth and adults are encouraged to attend.

Celebration Saturday! March 2, 6 p.m.!

Join us for an all-ages gala party to celebrate the kickoff of our FCB Forward capital campaign! There’ll be food, dancing, surprise musical performances and lots of fun for everyone! FREE.

Welcome, Hungarian Scouts This weekend, February 9 – 10, FCB will be hosting an overnight for a group of Hungarian scouts who are in town to do a leadership training. They will be spending Saturday night in the building, using the kitchen, Upper Hall, Parlor, and Library, and will join us for services on Sunday. Welcome!!

Program & Committee News

GA is June 19-23 in Spokane, WA

Did you ever wonder what General Assembly is all about, but never wanted to go by yourself?

Here is your chance to join other First Church members to participate in the largest gathering of UUs, experience the excitement and fellowship between like minded folks from around the country, and spend quality time with fellow First Church friends.

Here is more information for you to research: https://www.uua.org/ga.

Interested? Contact Lillian Anderson (landerson@uubelmont.org) or Ariane Frank (worship@uubelmont.org) for more details.

Looking forward to hearing from you!!!

Social Action Committee The current Social Action Newsletter with updates and volunteer opportunities is online at conta.cc/2Ur2Len. Sign up for the newsletter at uubelmont.org/social-action/

Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center

Dr. Deborah Frank, Grow Clinic Founder writes: “We are very grateful for your congregation’s sustained generosity, particularly as we are concerned about the increasing proportion of our young patients who are homeless. Your generosity will support nutrition and social work outreach to them in the shelters (and worse yet, motels).”

Gloria’s Menu for February: Baby Food and Formula. There are collection baskets in the Lower Hall and Sanctuary vestibules.

Food: One Of The Most Important Medicines

https://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-non-binary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportivehttps://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-non-binary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportivehttps://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-non-binary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportivehttps://www.uua.org/gahttps://conta.cc/2Ur2Lenhttps://uubelmont.org/social-action/?fbclid=IwAR2tbJXWaBEj6QftCTy_mK-95fs6jrSg6q0DGKWkNn-ViLaKB9Giu2vDPvwuua.org/ga

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Adult Programs Download the Adult Programs Winter Brochure at tiny.cc/adultprograms-winter2019

Meditation - James Hencke

Mondays, 8 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!

A Historical Look at World Religions - Sandy Nayak

Tuesdays, February 12, 26, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., Classroom 5/Library

This five-session class will examine several major faith traditions and look at the planet-wide religious picture at five different time periods. We’ll see who was influencing whom in the 15th, 5th centuries BCE and the 1st, 7th, and 17th centuries CE. It is not necessary to attend all sessions.

Sandy has academic degrees in archaeology and anthropology and has taught several world religion classes both at First Church and in Newton. To register, contact Lillian Anderson at landerson@uubelmont.org.

Fiber Arts Fellowship - Eva Patalas

Thursday, February 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 fiberarts@uubelmont.org with questions.

48 Peaks: Hiking and Healing in the White Mountains - Cheryl Suchors

Sunday, February 10, 12:30 p.m., Library

A compelling story of friendship, redefining success, overcoming breast cancer and loss, and connecting with nature. Cheryl (good friend and hiking buddy of Nancy Holland, our former assistant choral director) will share her insights about her journey. Books available for purchase and signing. Refreshments.

Floundering in her second career, the one she’s always wanted, 48-year old Cheryl Suchors resolves that, despite a fear of heights, her mid-life success depends on hiking the highest of the grueling White

Mountains in New Hampshire. All forty-eight of them. She endures injuries, novice mistakes, and the heartbreaking loss of a best friend. When breast cancer threatens her own life, she seeks solace and recovery in the wild. Her quest takes ten years. Regardless of the need since childhood to feel successful and in control, climbing teaches her mastery isn’t enough and control is often an illusion. Connecting with friends and with nature, Suchors redefines success: she discovers a source of spiritual nourishment, spaces powerful enough to absorb her grief, and joy in the persistence of love and beauty. 48 Peaks inspires us to believe that, no matter what obstacles we face, we too can attain our summits.

Belmont UU Alliance Members and Friends — Ian Garvie presents “Shocking Stories from the World of Classical Music”

Thursday, February 14, 12 noon lunch, 1 p.m. Program, Upper Hall

All men and women are invited to join the members and friends of the Alliance on Thursday, February 14 at noon for lunch. Please bring your own sandwich. We will provide soup, cut vegetables, dessert and beverages. The suggested lunch donation is $2.00 person.

At 1 p.m., Ian Garvie, Director of Music, will present “Philanderers and Murderers: Shocking Stories from the World of Classical Music.” Ian is active throughout the Boston area as a conductor, pianist, and teacher. Please R.S.V.P. to Pat Hawkins at 781-907-7755 or pathawk4@gmail.com.

Back by popular demand! First Church Second Annual “Moth” Hour - Ian Garvie and Richard Waring

Friday, February 15, 7:30 p.m., Parish Hall

Join us for First Church’s own “Moth Hour”, an evening of unscripted, first-person storytelling in five to six minutes. Stories affirm who we are and allow us to experience the similarities and differences between ourselves and others. Refreshments. For more information or to sign up see or e-mail Richard (rwaring@nejm.org)or Ian (igarvie@uubelmont.org)

Science and Spirituality - Ken and Nicole Bernstein

Thursday, February 21, 7:30 p.m., Conference Room,

First Church Women’s Retreat, March 29-31, 2019

The wonderful women of First Church are invited to attend this year’s retreat at Rolling Ridge, in North Andover, Mass. Registration ends February 10. There are just a few spaces left. Stop by our display at Coffee Hour if you have questions.

http://tiny.cc/adultprograms-winter2019mailto:landerson@uubelmont.orgmailto:fiberarts@uubelmont.orgmailto:pathawk4@gmail.com

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Bill Zinn will lead the following discussion; Sapiens by Yuval Harari, is a sweeping, though controversial, history of human existence. Bill Zinn will lead a discussion focusing on the chapter “And they lived happily ever after,” a review of the current state of humankind.

Coming Up

Parenting Kids with Challenges - Melissa Irion

Friday, February 22, 7:30 p.m., Library

Does your child have special challenges? Has he/she been diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, or sensory problems? We will offer support and share experience in a non-judgmental space. Snacks provided. Meets monthly on the 4th Friday.

“To Move or Not to Move: A Later Life Question” - Kathy Kemp

Sunday, February 24, 12:30 p.m., Library

There are many questions about how/when to choose where to live as we age, such as understanding the difference between independent/assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, and continuing care communities. Kathy will offer information and advice for acute situations or planning for the future.

Kathy is a member of First Parish Arlington and a Certified Geriatric Care Manager, Occupational Therapist and Social Worker.

First Church Book Group - Karl Klasson and Anne Stuart

Wednesday, February 27, 7:30 p.m., Library

February selection: A Man Called Ove: A Novel by Erik Backman

In Our Community

Connect with UU events & resources

Unitarian Universalist Association, uua.org

UU Mass Action, uumassaction.org

UU Service Committee, uusc.org

UU United Nations Office, uua.org/international/un

UU Urban Ministry, uuum.org

Caring Connection

FCB’s Caring Connection provides short-term help to members of our community. Please contact Laurie Graham at caring@uubelmont.org 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, Feb. 14 Please send submissions to office@uubelmont.org by noon on Wednesday, February 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 | office@uubelmont.org

Congregational Administrator’s office hours: Monday – Friday, 9 – 2.

Facility Rental Information: uubelmont.org/about-us/building-rental/

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Staff

Senior Minister .................................................... Rev. David Bryce 617-484-1054, ext. 15 ..................... dbryce@uubelmont.org

Minister of Music Emerita .................... Rev. Alfa Joy Radford 781-646-2123 ............................................. alfajoy@comcast.net

Senior Minister Emerita ................................ Rev. Diane Miller

Acting Director of Youth Programs ................... Cora McCold 617-484-1054, ext. 11 .................. cmccold@uubelmont.org

Adult Programs Advisor ................................. Lillian Anderson 617-484-1054, ext. 14 .............. landerson@uubelmont.org

Congregational Administrator........................ Janice Zazinski 617-484-1054, ext. 10 ........................ office@uubelmont.org

Director of Children’s Religious Education ..... Nate Sellers 617-484-1054, ext. 12 ................... nsellers@uubelmont.org

Director of Music ............................................................. Ian Garvie 617-484-1054, ext. 13 ..................... igarvie@uubelmont.org

Organist & Assistant Music Director ..... …Simon Andrews .. ..................................................... sandrews@uubelmont.org

Membership and Outreach Manager .................. Sam Foster 617-484-1054, ext. 14 ..................... sfoster@uubelmont.org

Sexton ................................................................................ Luis Carrion

Parish Board, 2018 – 19

President................................................................ Marion Westgate president@uubelmont.org

Vice President .................................................................. Sam James vp@uubelmont.org

Treasurer ..................................................................... Penny Schafer treasurer@uubelmont.org

Clerk ................................................................................... Jody Renouf clerk@uubelmont.org

President Ex-Officio .............................................. Ana Hammock ahammock@uubelmont.org

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.

mailto:dbryce@uubelmont.orgmailto:alfajoy@comcast.netmailto:cmccold@uubelmont.orgmailto:landerson@uubelmont.orgmailto:office@uubelmont.orgmailto:nsellers@uubelmont.orgmailto:igarvie@uubelmont.orgmailto:sandrews@uubelmont.orgmailto:sfoster@uubelmont.orgmailto:president@uubelmont.orgmailto:vp@uubelmont.orgmailto:treasurer@uubelmont.orgmailto:clerk@uubelmont.orgmailto:ahammock@uubelmont.orghttp://uubelmont.org/parish-board/