Forty Years of China Watching

Is Rev. Schade Worcester's Funniest Person?

Rev. Schade is competing in this year's Worcester's Funniest Person contest, a fundraiser sponsored by Worcester Rotary Club. The contest will be held on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at Maxwell Silverman's Restaurant. Doors open at 5PM; comedy begins at 6:00 PM. All money goes to Haiti Relief and local charities. $25 per person. More info at http://www.clubrunner.ca/CPrg/Home/storyitem.asp?cid=3707&iid=139346

Help Needed for Church Grounds Spring Clean-up

Church Yard Cleanup, Saturday, April 17, 10 am to 2 pm.

Please join us to rake and clean the church grounds and to turn the compost pile. Bring a rake and, if you have one, a tarp for transporting leaves to the compost pile; and bring whatever lunch you will need. If you have any questions or wish to find out whether or not the event will be canceled because of weather, call Peter Gray, 508-753-1797, or his cell 508 740-7968.

First Monday Poetry Series at Monday Night at the Church

Please join us at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel for the First Monday Poetry Series. Featured poets are:

April 12 - Ann Sweetman

May 3 - Bernard Horn

June 7 – Lisa Fluet, Assistant Professor of English, Boston College, delivering the annual Bloomsday Lecture

Trip to Philip Johnson's Glass House?

Anyone interested in a one-day trip to visit Philip Johnson’s Glass House in Connecticut?

The house, built by Johnson in 1949 in New Canaan, CT, is one of the landmarks of modern architecture.

Since Johnson’s death, the 47 acre-estate has been managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation which has now opened it for tours.

Tours occur Wednesday through Monday from May through November. Basic guided tours are 90 minutes for $30 and 2 hours for $45 (this tour allows photography). A private tour may be arranged if there is enough interest. Private tours are limited to 13 people at a time. There is a Visitors’ Center & Shop in downtown New Canaan.

The tour covers four of the eleven buildings on the site: the Glass House, the Picture Gallery, the Sculpture Gallery, and the Gate House. The tour includes a 0.75 mile walk over moderately-uneven terrain. Only water is allowed on the property. Children 10 and older are welcome, provided they have a ticket.

Given the limited access to the house, I cannot guarantee a specific date or day of the week. Please send me your preferences if you are interested in this trip.

Submitted by Jay LaVelle; please email the Church Office office@firstunitarian.com for Jay's contact info.

225th Anniversary News April 11, 2010

ARCHITECTURAL TOUR OF CHURCH – APRIL 11
Bob Shaw, architect and chair of the church Building and Grounds Committee, will give an architectural tour of the church building on Sunday, April 11. Bob wrote a chronological history of the church building, which has erected in 1828, and has all kinds of interesting information. If you are joining the tour, remain in the Sanctuary after worship to meet up with Bob.

RELIGION IN OUR TIMES - APRIL 25

Ellen O'Neall Waite gives a historic performace after worship service.

MONDAY NIGHT AT THE CHURCH – APRIL 26
Mark your calendars for Monday, April 26 at 7:15 PM. You will not want to miss Ellen O’Neall-Waite’s performance. Ellen is an amazingly talented actress, writer, vocalist and all-around entertainer. She will present a one-woman performance focused on a historic figure associated with the church. Bring the whole family and plan to be entertained and enlightened.

PARTY & DANCE – MAY 8
It’s time to party! Save Saturday, May 8 at 7 PM and show up in Unity Hall with your party face and dancing shoes on. If you don’t dance, come to enjoy Sten Gustavson and his band play popular favorites and spend time socializing with your church friends…and invite your non-church friends too. This is an adults-only party and costs $5 per person.

ABBY’S HOUSE – DONATIONS
Thank you to all who have so generously donated items to Abby’s House as a gift to the church.

CHURCH 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. Look for the letter from the White House! 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!

CHRONOLOGICAL BUILDING HISTORY 1828-2010 BOOKLET

Copies of Bob Shaw's building history booklet are available at the Welcome Table. A $5.00 donation to the Building and Grounds Fund is suggested.

UPCOMING 225TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

April 11 Bob Shaw gives an architectural tour of the church.
April 18 Sunday School Time-Capsule
April 25 Religion in Our Times (after worship) – Ellen O’Neall-Waite gives a historic performance.

May 8 Dance & Party for adults in Unity Hall with live music.

May 24 Monday Night At The Church - Ellen O'Neall-Waite gives a historic perfomance.

Green Exchange Plant Sale

I’m sure the wonderful taste of spring we had this past weekend has many of you thinking about your gardens. The spring bulbs are putting on an amazing display and the perennials are just starting to wake up from their winter hibernation.

As you start to work outside The Gardening Committee would like remind you of the upcoming Annual Green Exchange.

This annual plant sale has become a wonderful opportunity for church members to share their favorite plants with other willing gardeners.

Now is the time to start digging and dividing those perennial plants that have been gracing your lovely gardens. Pot your divisions up and, label them and nurture them in anticipation of our sale.

Sale dates will be May 9, 16, and 23 this year. Please hold your plants until that time.
Supplies such as pots, trays and plant labels will be available starting this weekend. Check for them in the Memorial Garden before and after church.

For more information please contact Diane Mandile at 508-949-2469 or speak with any member of the gardening committee. Contact the church office at office@firstunitarian.com for email contact info for Diane.