Among Ourselves March 27, 2010

Our congratulations to Brooke and Ihab Belcher on the birth of their son, Emmanuel Ihab Ezzat Bishara who was born on January 31, 2010.

Sign Up to Help with Recording Services

Every week, volunteers record our service.  The recording is then copied and made available for the RE teachers who missed the service.  The service is broadcast on WCUW the following week.
We need volunteers to record the services.  We also need people to learn how to record the services.  You can now sign up online here.

Easter Week at First Unitarian

Sunday, March 28, 2010
10:30 a.m. Palm Sunday

Sermon: "Answering Invitations"
Preaching: Rev. Barbara Merritt
Liturgist: Rev. Thomas Schade
We know that when Jesus decided to go to Jerusalem, he was well aware of the enormous danger facing him in that city, at that time. What invitations, in his short life, did he answer, and which ones did he refuse? Perhaps more importantly, what summons us to "step up to the plate"? How do we answer the challenges and the blessings which arise in our own lives? This Sunday, the choir will be in full song, and the children will distribute eco-friendly Palms. We hope you can be with us!

The one who has surrendered himself to it knows that the Way ends on the Cross — even when it is leading him through the jubilation of Gennesaret( a garden of riches) or the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Do not seek death. Death will find you. But seek the road which makes death a fulfillment.
-Dag Hammarskjold


Thursday, April 1, 2010
6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Communion Service
Led By: Rev. Thomas Schade
We gather in the spirit of Jesus to remember his teachings with candles and flowers, bread and wine. The Maundy Thursday service is simple, beautiful and uplifting.

Saturday, April 3, 2010
4:00 p.m. Passover Seder
The Seder is a moving, participatory celebration in memory of the Hebrew people escaping from Egyptian slavery, with the rituals of the service intertwined with a wonderful meal cooked by members of the parish. Held in the Dining Room. Reservations are required. Contact the Church Office (508) 757-2708 if you have questions.

Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010

6:00 a.m. Sunrise Service at Bancroft Tower
On a quiet hilltop, we gather in the darkness to view together the first light of Easter morning. There will be music, readings from the world's religions, poetry, and silence. Madeline Browning will play flute or recorder music (depending on the weather,) as we welcome the newborn sun. Please dress warmly, it can be quite cold outside at Bancroft Tower. After the service, everyone is invited back to the church for a wonderful hot breakfast, lovingly prepared by Harold Stevens and friends. *Directions: From the corner of Park Ave. and Salisbury St. (going west), go two blocks past Park Ave. to Massachusetts Ave., turn left to past Drury Lane, and stay on Mass. Ave. up a wooded hill. At the top of the hill, take the first (sharp) right. Follow the winding road to Bancroft Tower.

6:30 a.m. Annual Easter Breakfast in the Church Dining Room.

10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday Worship
Sermon: "Love Is Returning"
Preaching: The Rev. Thomas Schade
Liturgist: The Rev. Barbara Merritt
What ultimately matters at Easter, is whether you believe that there is life after pain, hope after betrayal, and love after death. Please join with us for our annual celebration. The choir will be with us with the glorious music of the season. There will be a children's story. We will close with our congregational sing of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. And then, the children of the church will have an Easter Egg hunt!

“Do you wish to know God's meaning in all of this? Know it well, love was God's meaning.”
-Julian of Norwich

Dear All, who made Sunday March 21, 2010, such a grand day at First Unitarian!!

First, kudos to the 225 Committee who have been meeting over the last year to bring such a wonderful and historical moment into focus for the parish. Ably led by our 225th Committee Chair, Lee Reid, we were all given encouragement, goals, assignments, and deadlines. Diane Mirick, assembled a phenomenal team for the reception afterwards, and the flowers and the food at the reception could not have been lovelier. Ellen O"Neall Waite produced an original and lively historical pageant. Our readers were eloquent and convincing. Jim Dolan, through extensive genealogical research, let many relatives of our founders know that we remembered them. Our Honorary Chair, Al Southwick, wrote a fascinating article in the Telegram and Gazette. Rev. Schade was part of our "original research team", scouring the archives for gems from the past. Liz Gustavson was there with us at every meeting, and was responsible for our wonderful banner going up outside.

Sierra Marie helped the children to compose their own beautiful banners for the sanctuary. Will Sherwood made sure that we had music befitting the historical moment. Jesse Anderson took care of our sound system. Bunny Guerrin wrote a new and thoughtful essay about the history of our parish. And I know I have not begun to name all who baked, and attended, and helped to put up the history wall. And the festivities are not over. Sunday we will assemble our collected small toiletry bags to deliver over to Abby's House. And Barry Morgan will have Walter Kring's award winning pottery on display. And there will be a an original one-women show in April, giving a woman's perspective on our history. And we still hope to host a dance. It might take a village to raise a child, but it definitely takes a whole congregation to celebrate a 225th Birthday!

Gratefully,
Rev. Barbara Merritt

photo by David Nase

Monday Night At The Church Monthly Potluck

On the last Monday of each month Monday Night At The Church will have a Potluck Dinner instead of the usual Fellowship Dinner. The first Monday Night At The Church monthy potluck dinner will be Monday, March 29th. Please bring a dish to share.

225th Anniversary News - March 27, 2010

ARCHITECTURAL TOUR OF CHURCH – MARCH 28
Bob Shaw, architect and chair of the church Building and Grounds Committee, will give an architectural tour of the church building on Sunday, March 28, after worship. Bob wrote a chronological history of the church building, which was erected in 1828. He has pieced together a timeline of the building and knows many curious* and interesting facts about the changes over the years. *C1850 “It did not appear that the building was heated, but a decorative opening in the ceiling seemed to aid ventilation in hot weather.” Question: was 1930 the last year the church kitchen was renovated? Bob should know the answer! NOTE: Bob will give another tour of the church on Sunday, April 11.

REV. WALTER KRING’S POTTERY ON DISPLAY – MARCH 28
Rev. Kring, minister at First Unitarian from 1946-1955 was also a world famous artist and potter. He formulated a special pottery glaze which is commonly used today and which was named for him. The Worcester Art Museum has purchased some of his work. Rev. Kring was instrumental in helping found the Worcester Center for Crafts. We at First U are pleased that he decided to leave several pieces of his pottery to the church. Barry Morgan will be on hand to show you Rev. Kring’s work and answer questions.

ABBY’S HOUSE – DONATIONS DRIVE ENDS MARCH 28
Thank you to all who have so generously donated items to Abby’s House as a gift to the church. There is the last week for collecting needed items for women and children at Abby’s House. Please put your donations in the big blue bin in the Bancroft Room.
Here is what is needed: new towels, new washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, small bottles of lotion, shampoo, combs, small notebooks, pens, small cosmetic bags, children’s books, facial care products, small toys, hats, gloves and mittens. Worcester bus passes, gift cards for CVS, Price Chopper and Walgreens ARE ESPECIALLY APPRECIATED.
On Sunday, March 28 we will package everything and deliver it to Abby’s House.

CHURCH VISUAL HISTORY PANELS
Be sure to view the church’s famous history panels which are set up in the dining room area. A new 13th panel has been added to bring the church history up to date. The panels give a unique visual history beginning in 1785…of our church, of Worcester and of some national history as well. Bill Densmore was the chief organizer of this project. Enjoy this original look at who we are, where we come from and who we are today.

CHURCH HISTORY BOOKLET
Be sure to pick up a copy of the church’s new history booklet written by Bunny Guerrin.
Copies are available after worship or you can get it on-line through the church newsletter. We are asking a $1 donation to help defray publication costs. Enjoy!

UPCOMING 225TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

March 28 Bob Shaw will give an architectural tour of the church building.
Rev Kring’s pottery on display
Abby’s House project wind-up
April 11 Bob Shaw gives another architectural tour of the church.
April 12 Monday Night at the Church – Ellen O’Neall-Waite gives a historic performance
April 18 Sunday School Time-Capsule
April 25 Religion in Our Times (after worship) – Ellen O’Neall-Waite gives a repeat performance.
May 1* Dance & Party for adults in Unity Hall with live music (NOTE: the date of the dance may change – stay tuned for updates!)

Passover Seder

This year’s Seder will be on Saturday, April 3rd, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the church dining room. The Seder is a moving, participatory celebration in memory of the Hebrew people escaping from Egyptian slavery, with the rituals of the service intertwined with a wonderful meal cooked by members of the parish. The cost is $12 for adults. Children aged 12 and younger are free. Participants may also be asked to bring some of the food (recipes provided!).

Reservations are necessary, so please make your reservation online. Or call Harvey Green at (508) 756-6939 or Ted Messier (508) 852-8122 by Thursday, April 1 at the latest to make your reservation.