Attend a National Depression Screening Day Event

Got the blues?

You are not alone.

Depression knows no boundaries.

Attend a National Depression Screening Day Event

Take an anonymous mental health self assessment

and learn more about Depression

Ever feel like you are the only one who is sad in a world of happy people?


When you are feeling down, it may seem like you are alone in your misery. You may think that your cultural background,
family life, or financial situation make you more vulnerable to negative feelings.


The reality is, depression cuts across all lines. In a given year, depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older. However, due to stigma and other factors, fewer than half of those suffering actually seek treatment.

*Women are twice as likely to develop clinical depression as men.
*More than 6 million men in the U.S. have at least one episode of major depression each year..
*Older Americans are disproportionately likely to die by suicide.
*People from different cultures express symptoms of depression in various ways. In addition to changes in their mood, Hispanics tend to experience depression as bodily aches and pains (like stomachaches, backaches or headaches) that persist despite medical treatment.


Thursday, October 7, 2010 3pm - 5pm
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Ambulatory Psychiatry Service
361 Plantation St (“The Farmhouse” next to the Beechwood Hotel)
Worcester, MA 01605
508-334-2537

Wednesday November 3, 2010 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Bridge of Central Mass
Worcester Public Library
3 Salem Square
Worcester, MA 01608
508-799-1655


(For more info click here.)

Mt. Wachusett Climb, Sunday, October 9th

On Sunday October 9 we’re climbing Mt Wachusett after Church. We’ll use Mountain House Trail -- an easy trail, about a mile long, on the easterly side of the mountain. Little ones, senior citizens, and everyone in between can do this walk, which is a gradual trail with lots of stopping places for anyone who needs to catch a breath. It takes about 30 minutes, or a little longer if you stop frequently to admire the view on the way up. The other option is to take the chair lift from the ski area, but there’s a fee. In the past, some folks drove to the top, but the road is being reconstructed, and is closed at the moment.

When we get to the top, views of the countryside should be magnificent. Fall foliage should be at its peak. If you bring binoculars, you’ll probably see migrating hawks, and possibly eagles. Little ones (and others) will enjoy hunting for garnets that have eroded out of the rock – not gem quality, but still fun to find.

Mt Wachusett is in Princeton, about 25 minutes north of Worcester. I-190 to Route 140 is the quickest route, but Route 31 through Holden is also an option. Maps will be available. We’ll start from the parking area for Mountain House Trail, on Mountain Road at the intersection with Gregory Road.

The plan is to leave the Church shortly after noon in individual cars. Pack a lunch and eat it when you’re hungry – before leaving the Church, on the way to Mt Wachusett, or on top. The Church will provide cider and cookies on top of the mountain.

Wear boots or sneakers. Dress in layers, with sweaters or sweatshirts and windbreakers. A small backpack is handy for carrying extra coverings, a water bottle, and lunch. If it’s a really chilly day, you may want a hat and gloves. It can be windy and chilly on top. Mt Wachusett is the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River, so the wind comes sweeping up the westerly side. Princeton’s Municipal Light Department has two wind turbines on the westerly slope, which supply about 40% of the Town’s electricity.

For those who want a more rigorous climb, there are many other trails up the mountain. Don’t feel that you have to take the short route, but look for us on top when you get there.

Rain Date: We’ve been blessed with good weather this fall, but if it rains on October 9, we’ll push the mountain climb to the following Sunday, October 16.

Questions? Call John Mirick 978-464-2313

Monday Night At the Church - Oct. 18th at 7:00 PM

The Welcoming Committee presents the film "Preacher's Sons" for the Monday Night At The Church program on Oct. 18th at 7:00 PM.

Produced for the California Council for the Humanities, "Preacher's Sons" is an intimate study of how two men give permanent, loving homes to five at-risk, hard-to-place children lost in the foster care system. Over 100 hours of filming are gathered over five years, in four different cities, to reveal how two Gay men (one a UU minister) parent ( and adopt) five foster boys.

"Discrimination often complicates the adoption process for gays and lesbians. Research shows that less than 20% of adoption agencies attempt to recruit gay or lesbian adoptive parents. Approximately two million gay and lesbian people have considered adoption."

The film is both heartbreaking and ultimately very inspiring. It doesn't shrink from showing local prejudices and/or the many real hardships in raising children with severe and different needs.

If time allows we will have a brief discussion period following the film, ending around 9:00 PM.