Sacred Writings October 11,2009

This opportunity for spiritual reflection is held on Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Each week we discuss and reflect upon a selection chosen by a member of our church community. Is there a piece of writing that inspires or encourages you, a piece that touches you in a way that is sacred to you? Please let us know and share it with us in an hour of spiritual reflection and exploration. Everyone is welcome to join us when the spirit, or the writing moves you to be with us. You will find the whole selection on our new blog: http://90mainstreet.com/sacred/ Rev. Merritt leads the group. Childcare is provided.

New Chaplains and a Worship Associate

The Prudential Committee last week accepted the recommendation of Rev. Merritt and Rev. Schade to recognize the ministries of three more of our members. Jerry Bellows is our newest Worship Associate: he has contributed his music and managerial talents to the Choir, to Will Sherwood, to the summer services and to the Sunday School. Our newest Chaplains are Jane Beckwith and Joan Russo. Both have worked a lifetime in the medical field, and they have been shown up at hospitals and for members and friends with comfort and a healing presence.

It is our congregants who come to the ministers with reports of "good works" and kindness extended to them by the laity. If you have someone to recommend, (and we get similar reports from others,) then we are pleased to formally recognize their important contribution.

Center for Nonviolent Solutions - Launch Event

Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room
Free and Open to the Public

In response to the growing community interest in acquiring skills for conflict resolution, and access to educational resources in peace, conflict, and nonviolence studies, the new Center for Nonviolent Solutions (CNVS) will launch on Saturday, October 17. The event includes appearances by Congressman James McGovern, and by Colman McCarthy, nationally known journalist and lecturer, and the announcement of a community survey on the subject of nonviolence. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information visit www.nonviolentsolution.org or call Paul and Marj Ropp at 508-752-8373.

Thank You From Tom

Tom Schade wants to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity last week. The celebration seemed just right in every way. Sue and Tom are making the weekend getaway offered by the congregation over the Columbus Day holiday.

Mayor's Breakfast - Daybreak Breakfast

First Unitarian has purchased tables at two upcoming community breakfasts.

The Mayor's Interfaith Prayer Breakfast:
October 13, 2009
Beechwood Hotel 7:00 AM
Clementina M. Chery, Keynote Speaker

Daybreak Breakfast
YWCA Program on Domestic Violence
October 19, 2009
Holy Cross Hogan Center 7:00 AM
Attorney General Martha Coakley, Keynote Speaker

If you would like to represent our church at either of these breakfasts, contact Rev. Schade

Monday Night At the Church October 12, 2009

Come join us on Monday night, October 12th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bancroft Room for a Music Monday with song, verse and good company.

Monday Night at the Church begins at 5:30 p.m. with an hour of Zen (meditation) practice in the Chapel. Come BE with us in the intimate silence - no experience necessary! The centerpiece of MNATC is of course Ken Waugh and friends’ fellowship dinner. Come join us for a home cooked meal among good company. Childcare is available every Monday night. All are welcome.

Yard Sale Success

We made over $2,000 on Saturday's Church Yard Sale. Thank you to everyone who donated items, time organizing and working on the yard sale and to those who made purchases to make this a success.

Wheel of Life October 10, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to Tom Crowley whose mother, Patricia Crowley died on September 27th after a long battle with cancer.

Our deepest sympathy to Katherine Kowaloff whose mother, Mary Bibly died in Illinois on October 1st at the age of 95.

Citizen Diplomacy in Your Own Home

Would you help us extend the hand of friendship and peace around the world? By hosting an international visitor in your home for a short time (1-3 weeks) you can be a Citizen Diplomat and demonstrate the genuine spirit of America. The International Center of Worcester (ICW) is asking for families to provide homestays for adult professionals and future leaders from overseas. If you have a spare bedroom, you can share American life and develop a lasting friendship with a visiting delegate. You and your family will be enriched by the experience while learning about another culture. For more information visit our website www.intcent.org or call us at 508-793-7626. Note: Kathy & Bob Rentsch, members of the congregation, have hosted several times and would be happy to share their experience. Feel free to call them at 508-853-6530.

Pictorial Directories at the Membership Table

The Pictorial Directories have been printed and are available at the Membership Table. Most members have picked up their copy, but we still have about 30 copies unclaimed. So, if you had a photo taken or you submitted a photo, and you haven't picked up your copy of the directory, please stop by the Membership Table after the service.

Autumn Happenings In Our Gardens

We are pleased to pass on a warm compliment paid to Rev. Merritt about our gardeners and our gardens. At a mid-September wedding of a member of the Unitarian clergy, they held their reception in the garden courtyard late one fine afternoon. Visiting ministers told Rev. Merritt that they had never seen a lovelier setting in all New England for such an event! That is welcome and well-deserved reward to all of us volunteers who contributed gardening time during the summer months. On Saturday morning October 17, at 9:30 a.m., we plan to tuck in the garden for the winter. The Garden Committee asks members and other friends to come work together one more morning this season. Bring a clipper, and a digger and a plastic bag; we'll bring the coffee and donuts!