Tuesday, April 20, 2010

With Heartfelt Thanks

I’m still reeling from the wonderful outpouring of love, tributes, and all the events of last Sunday’s 25th Anniversary Celebration.

I was touched and incredulous for the depth of your generosity and thoughtfulness of your gifts and kind words.

Having the pipe organ dedicated in my name is incredibly meaningful – as you know the Aeolian-Skinner is my very close buddy in music making.

As some of you may recall, when I began at 1st U, we started a Young Artist program that supported community student musicians (you may know of Alicia Witt and Dmitri Kustanovich among others who have gone on to successful and famous careers). So now, what a great opportunity to be able to help foster other young musicians.

And, “vacation”—What does that word mean?! Well, Blaine & I will be finding out in the coming months (not sure how/when yet), a long-needed respite enabled by your generosity.

With deepest appreciation, I hope that our music making continues to inspire, comfort, and connect with all souls who enter our doors.

Peace and love,
Will

Leaving Well Committee

The Leaving Well committee is a group of parishioners who want to help the parish with preparing for Barbara Merritt's retirement. We will gather together for sharing sessions about our feelings for her and thoughts on being a supportive community during this time of transition. Our first meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 25th in the Chapel. All are welcome to attend this, or other sessions, or to speak with members of the Leaving Well committee.

Thank you,

Cindy Bizzarro
Liz Gustavson
Randy Ingram
Rosel Patton

Monday Night At The Church April 26, 2010

Monday April 26th starting at 7:15pm in the Bancroft Room. It's A Capella night at Monday Night At The Church! We will feature two vocal ensembles with strong connections to First Unitarian Church.

First up is Nothing But Treble, with sopranos Margy O'Donnell and Liz Ryder joining altos Frankie Knapp and Wendy Driscoll. Nothing But Treble is an a cappella ensemble which has sung enthusiastic and polished performances throughout Central Massachusetts for over eleven years, celebrating a wide variety of music styles from madrigal to barbershop to contemporary popular music. The group has sung at many varied venues including: Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston; Lasell Village at Lasell College, Auburndale; Tuckerman Hall, Worcester; First Night Sturbridge; The Worcester Club; Worcester for Crafts Annual Festival; Willows Retirement Center, Westborough and Southgate at Shrewsbury.

Also on the bill, the Unitonians performing selection from the standard barbershop songbook along with a few more contemporary tunes. The Unitonians largely hail from First Unitarian Church. Paul Ropp on tenor, Dave Blodgett and Paul Spanagel on lead, Jim Demetry on baritone, Steve Knox on bass, and David Spanagel and Ryan Ruopp filling in on various parts as needed. The Unitonians have been active at First Unitarian church for many years, performing at church services and going out to many nursing homes and residential homes in the Worcester area.

Be there or be square...

Coming up:

May 3rd - Worcester Poetry Association (1st Monday) - featuring Bernard Horn.

May 10th - A Musical evening featuring Nancy Smith singer and guitarist, along with her daughter Lillian Smith, son Michael Smith and friend of all, Ariana Cordova.

May 17th - To Be Announced

May 24th - A historic performance featuring Ellen O’Neall-Waite an amazingly talented actress, writer, vocalist and all-around entertainer. She will present a one-woman performance focused on an historic figure associated with the church. Bring the whole family and plan to be entertained and enlightened.

May 31st - To Be Announced

June 7 – Worcester Poetry Association (1st Monday) Lisa Fluet, Assistant Professor of English, Boston College, delivering the annual Bloomsday Lecture.If you have any questions about Monday Night At the Church programs or would like to present a program, feel free to contact David Blodgett at 508-340-1041 or email office@firstunitarian.com for contact info. See you there!

Wheel of Life April 24, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to Kathy Rentsch and family for the loss of her brother, Michael Cavuto, who died Tuesday, April 13th in Rochester, New York.