December 2020 Newsletter
/December 20, 2020
December 2019 Newsletter
/
Church Events
Sunday services begin at 10:00am
Music News
November 2019 Newsletter
/
CHURCH EVENTS
Sunday Services begin at 10:00am
MUSIC EVENTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
September 2019 Newsletter
/September 8, 2019 by Julane Deener, Music Director
“Water, Water, Everywhere”
Our first service Sunday, September 8, 2019 will include a Water Ceremony. Please bring water and briefly share a story from your travels this summer. Bring whatever water you want or use water that will be provided.
September 15, 2019 by Nick Boke
“How did it start?”
Reflecting on David Lewis-Williams’ Inside the Neolithic Mind and Julian Jaynes’ The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind, Nicholas Boke will reflect on the origins of organized—or was it?—religion.
September 22, 2019 by Kevin Carson
“Is Nature Good Enough?”
In this morally ambiguous world, is Nature worthy of being our “ultimate concern” – the center of our religious expression?
September 29, 2019 by Lindsay Post
“Faeries & The Power Of Belief”
I’ll discuss Faeries as mythological & cultural archetype for the unexplained, mysterious, and supernatural. In addition, I’ll be discussing their role in healing, particularly healing from grief.
June 2019 Newsletter
/June Worship Leaders
June 2, 2019, by Rev. Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine: A Reflection on the Power of Belief
With poetic, political, and musical interludes.
June 9, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Does a Bear Think in the Woods?”
We are learning that animals and even plants communicate in much more sophisticated ways than we once imagined, and many mammals in display behaviors that indicate they are far more intelligent than creatures acting only on instincts. What are the ethical and spiritual implications of such discoveries?
May 2019 Newsletter
/May Worship Leaders
May 5, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Unitarian Christianity at 200”
On May 5, 1819 William Ellery Channing delivered his famous sermon “Unitarian Christianity” (also known as the "Baltimore Sermon”) at the ordination of Rev. Jared Sparks in Baltimore, Maryland. Does his sermon that defined Unitarianism in his day still speak to us 200 years later?
May 12, 2019, by Rev. Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine
May 19, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Occupations, Vocations, and the Heart’s Bliss”
In response to my invitation for sermon topics, one of you suggested I talk about my ongoing work in both Information Technology and ministry. What (if anything) makes a vocation different from an oc-cupation, and how can we find our heart’s bliss?
May 26, 2019, by Nick Boke: “ How do we act religiously?”
My Shiite friend’s decision to take off her headscarf and sneak out for a glass of wine, combined with some Rhode Island legislators’ decision to dab their fore-heads with ash in March got me wondering about the relationship between what we believe and what we do.
April 2019 Newsletter
/April Worship Leaders
April 7, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Returning to Gaia”
Taking a fresh look at the idea that all life on Earth is part of one superorganism.
April 14, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Tending the Garden of the Soul”
In this season when the warm rays of the Sun reawaken the Earth, it is time tend our gardens, and a good time, I think, to tend the garden of our soul.
April 21, 2019, by Rev. Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine.
“Easter Service”
April 28, 2019, by Buffy Boke: “Busy Being Born”
Bob Dylan sang, “He not busy being born is busy dying.” Thoughts on the diastole and systole of living.
March 2019 Newsletter
/Worship Schedule
March 3, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Requiem for the Animals”
An alarming number of species are going extinct because of human activity, and the total number of non-human creatures with whom we share the Earth continues to shrink as well. Let us pause to reflect on the implications of these trends and how we might respond.
March 10, 2019, by Rev Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine: “Dreaming, Praying, Dancing into Spring
Amidst the rubble of old sweaters and accumulated winter coats, we hope to find ourselves again this spring. After the distractions of paid work and winter chores, we hope to turn to the activities we cherish, the “work” only we can do, and to do it with our whole heart. Not as easy as it looks. Thoughts on what keeps us from what we most love, with a dose of Thoreau for good measure.
6:30 March 17, 2019, by Music Director Julane Deener: Sunrise Meditation
9:30 March 17, 2019, by Music Director Julane Deener and Peace Choir: An Interfaith Concert Service
This annual event, in celebration of the Vernal Equinox, will feature music, readings and interpretive dance. Please join us as we “Imagine Spring” with music reflecting peace and the hope of spring
March 24, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “A UU Encounter with La Noche Oscura”
The 16th century Spanish mystic John of the Cross, and his mentor Teresa of Ávila, spoke of encounter-ing la noche oscura in their spiritual journeys, which is usually translated as “the dark night (of the soul).” What did they mean by this phrase, and how might it speak to us today?
March 31, 2019 by Nick Boke: “Being Creative”
Words like creativity, creative and creation cover a wide range of activities, from finger-painting in kindergarten to setting up the whole universe in six days. It's at the top of Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives and seems to be the buzzword for everything from whatever's going on in Silicon Valley to United Colors of Benneton commercials. Some say it lies at the heart of what matters about the human experience. But what is creativity, anyway?
Principles in Action March 2019
Our March collection will go to the Equal Justice Initiative in Birmingham, Alabama. The Equal Justice Initiative is an organization committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States. Racial and economic injustices are challenged, and this organization works to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy, is the executive director of this organization. Just Mercy is a story of justice and redemption and is well worth reading. Bryan Stevenson works tirelessly on behalf of the poor and people of color to overcome bias in the criminal justice system and he has been a keynote speaker at the UUA General Assembly. Among his numerous awards is the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant.
President’s Message - March 2019
This time of year, inclement weather offers us an excuse to stay cozy inside and work on projects that otherwise get pushed to the back burner. For me it’s been working on genealogy and the ever-extending branches of my family tree. Some of us plan gardens, scouring newly-arrived seed catalogues, or dive into a few good reads on bestsellers lists, and others pursue creative projects like quilting.
My husband has been trying out new bread recipes for the last month (not sure if this is entirely a good thing). But isn’t it lovely to give some attention to the things we enjoy doing inside when we’re not having to dash here and there in the hustle bustle of our too busy lives? Winter storms allows for it without guilt.
Today in church Dick Andrews spoke of a joy during his morning walk that even though it was just barely above freezing the atmosphere was such that it carried up and sent sailing his way the aroma of boiling sap. The collective sigh in the sanctuary was audible, “Ah!” Vermont. Soon enough the ground will thaw, and snow will melt revealing yards full of branches from the wind’s natural tree pruning, and outdoor projects will call us away from our inside indulgences. The sun is inching its way north. Relish these last days of winter!
Take care,
Melody Reed
The board meeting will be held after coffee hour, Sunday, March 24. Members and friends are welcome to attend. If you have an item, you’d like added to the agenda please email me at melodious54@gmail.com.
Music News March 2019
Vernal Equinox Interfaith Concert Service
On Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 9:30 AM, Music Director, Julane Deener will lead an Interfaith Concert Service at the First Universalist Parish in the Stone Village in Chester VT. This annual event, in celebration of the Vernal Equinox, will feature music, readings and interpretive dance. Please join us as we “Imagine Spring” with music reflecting peace and the hope of spring. A special feature of this service is the community-based Peace Choir made up of singers representing a wide range of faiths and backgrounds. The Peace Choir gathers several times a year to share a common love for singing music on a theme reflecting peace and hope.
On this special Sunday, March 17, Julane will also lead a sunrise meditation from 6:30 to 7:30 AM at the First Universalist Parish.
March 3: Anthem: Kyrie Eleison – a Gregorian chant
March 10: TBA
March 17: Choir led Vernal Equinox musical service: Imagine Spring
Anthems of spring and hope, readings, poetry, hymns and reflection. Once again, a highlight of the service will be interpretive dancers Olivia and Greta Bernier.
March 24: Anthem: The Silence and The Song
March 31: Soloist: Will Danforth
The Peace Choir had its first rehearsal for the vernal equinox service last week. The music was lovely, the musicians excited to learn new music to celebrate spring and hope. The choir already sounds great and will only get better – put March 17th on your calendar! Celebrate the coming of spring with us!
The Parish Choir rehearses every Tuesday from 6 to 7:30. All are welcome. Those who cannot commit to weekly rehearsals should contact Julane about other musical possibilities.
The Peace Choir is a great way to be involved with our music without needing to make a weekly commitment. We are just getting started for spring, so if you’d like to sing, please speak to Julane, or come to any Tuesday rehearsal. We’ll also be rehearsing Saturday, March 9th, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Singing Meditation will resume for spring with a special Sunrise Meditation the morning of March 17th, from 6:30 to 7:30. Alternating song with silence, we’ll watch the rising light as it gradually illuminates our glorious windows. It’s a special morning!!
In April the group will resume its monthly meditations on the third Thursday, from 6 to 7 p.m. For information about music at First Universalist Parish, contact Julane Deener at (802) 463-9719 or julanejulane@comcast.net
Food for Warming Shelter
There is a sign up to provide food for the Warming Shelter in N Springfield at coffee hour. On the first Sunday of the month, the children will be making a portion of the meal with Ange Wunderle. Thanks to all who have signed up to help with the remaining portions of the meal. There are a few spots still available and this is an easy way to volunteer to help our neighbors who do not have permanent housing. There are approximately 8-10 guests at the shelter each night from November 15th to April 15th. The Shelter is also looking for volunteers to staff the Shelter on the 1am-7am shift. Talk to Nancy Davis if you can help.
Photos from Our Italian Night, February 24
February 2019 Newsletter
/Worship Schedule
February 3, 2019, by Kevin Carson: "Unity and Diversity”
A look at unity and diversity among the world’s religions and why it is important.
February 10, 2019, by Buffy Boke: “What is Holy?”
The sacred–profane dichotomy is an idea posited by French sociologist Émile Durkheim, who considered it to be the central characteristic of religion: "religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden.” ' Really?
February 17, 2019, by Kevin Carson: "Life as Pilgrimage"
There is an old Celtic saying that, "Life is a pilgrimage, from the place of our birthing to the place of our rising." What does it mean to live life as a pilgrimage?
February 24, 2019, by Rev. Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine: TBA
President’s Message - February 2019
The Board meeting will be held after coffee hour Sunday, February 24. Members and friends are welcome to attend. If you have an item, you'd like to include on the agenda please contact me at meldious54@gmail.com. Take care, Melody Reed, Board President
Music News February 2019
The Parish Choir has been working hard on anthems and chants for coming services. We’re not announcing them in advance anymore – it’s easier to try to match up with the minister’s message if we have the ability to switch things around!
The Peace Choir is once again gathering members for our choir led Vernal Equinox service, Imagine Spring, on March 17th, at 9:30 a.m. Any singers who can’t commit to weekly choir rehearsals can join us in singing anthems and chants about nature, spring, and hope. Once again, this special spring service will include interpretive dancers Olivia and Greta Bernier.
Peace Choir rehearsals will be Saturday, February 23 and Saturday March 9, both from 10 a.m. to noon. Also, any Tuesday in late February or early March will find the choir working on these spring pieces. Join us!
Singing Meditation is on hold until warmer weather encourages meditators to come out and sing. There WILL be a sunrise meditation on March 17th at 6:30 for any who wish to participate. Last year’s sunrise meditation was a magical morning – each time we opened our eyes to chant again, we saw the changes of light in the lovely stained-glass windows. It was the perfect way to start spring!
For information about music at First Universalist Parish, contact Julane Deener at (802) 463-9719 or julanejulane@comcast.net
Children’s Program for February
The Children’s Program is subject to short notice changes due to our smaller sized children’s congregation. Please let us know when you plan to attend or when you cannot make it, by emailing julanejulane@comcast.net or calling Julane at 802-463-9719.
February 10 – End of Pledge Drive Waffle Breakfast
Bring your appetites and join us for this annual event held after the service February 10 in the social hall. There will be real Vermont Maple Syrup, waffles, and sausages. YUM
February Italian Dinner Night - February 22 at 6:00
The fellowship committee invites all members and friends to join us in the social hall on February 22. We are planning an Italian dinner at 6:00 pm. Italian music and activities are in the works.
Marilyn Mason has promised to make her scrumptious lasagna and Gretchen will be making spaghetti with meat sauce. Melody will provide crusty bread with garlic and Nancy will concoct her famous punch. We need volunteers to provide salad and Italian dessert.
Help is also needed to set up and clean up. Join Marcia who has already volunteered for cleanup. The sign-up sheet will be passed around Sunday.
More details will be announced each week.
Food for Warming Shelter: Tgere is a sign up to provide food for the Warming Shelter in N. Springfield at coffee hour. On the first Sunday of the month, the children will be making a portion of the meal with Ange Wunderle. Thanks to all who have signed up to help with the remaining portions of the meal. There are a few spots still available and this is an easy way to volunteer to help our neighbors who do not have permanent housing. There are approximately 8-10 guests at the shelter each night from November 15th to April 15th. The Shelter is also looking for volunteers to staff the Shelter on the 1am-7am shift. Talk to Nancy Davis if you can help.
Principles in Action – February 2019
Each month we take up a collection in the yellow envelopes to support an organization that works to put our UU principles into action. In the February collection, we’ll support the work done by Safe Art of Chelsea, Vt., an institute for Trauma, headquartered in Chelsea, Vermont. Safe Art works with trauma survivors to help them engage with and transform emotional, mental, and physical injuries of all kinds. It is a community-based organization that creates personal and social change and supports mental health and general well-being by using the creative power of the expressive arts. Residencies, workshops, and classes in the expressive arts are available for children, teens, and adults.
Sunday Social Hour after the service.
Everyone is welcome to join us after the service in the downstairs social hall for a Social Hour. Set-up and clean-up for these fellowship times are taken care of by regular volunteers, but refreshments are potluck. Goodies are bring what you have, ready to serve, when you can. If there are leftovers, please give them away or take them home.
Community Events
REVERSING GLOBAL WARMING: INTRODUCTION TO DRAWDOWN – FEBRUARY 9
Local farmer and activist Laurel Green will lead a two-hour workshop called “Reversing Global Warming: Introduction to Drawdown” on Saturday February 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Whiting Library’s basement level meeting room. This workshop is designed to shift the conversation around global warming and is useful to anyone interested in climate crisis issues. It is meant to give people an encouraging place to stand and a clear idea of what actions they can take to contribute to reversing global warming. Laurel would especially like to have young people and adults of all ages participate.
The workshop, developed by the Pachmama Alliance in collaboration with the Drawdown Project, includes several short videos, listening exchanges and group activities. A handout with 100 Drawdown Solutions will be available to take home. “Introduction to Drawdown” fits well with the local climate action groups such as 350 Vermont, Planet A, Living Earth Action Group and church climate action teams.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information go to www.whitinglibrary.org call (802) 875-2277, e, ail whitinglibrary1@gmail.com or stop by the Library at 117 Main St., Chester, VT.