Nominating Committee News

It is the time of year to choose leaders for positions in the church.  The nominating committee, (Scott Hayman, Carrie West, Jen Reidy, and Liz Gustavson and one person to be named) have been meeting to discern candidates.  In addition to our consideration of people we know, we are open to ideas and suggestions from everyone in the congregation.  If you--or your friend--who are members of the church would like to be considered for a position, we would love to hear from you!  Email Liz at gustavsonliz@hotmail.com or put a name into the  green-covered box labeled Nominating Suggestions in the dining room.

These are the positions that need to be filled during a vote at our Annual Meeting, the last Sunday in January:

Vice Moderator (two year term, followed by two years as Moderator)
Stewardship ( two positions) (one is for a two year term, one is for a three year term)
Trustee of Parish funds ( (three year term)
 Lay Leadership Program Council (two positions) (three years)
 Caring Circle co-chair (two years)

We are looking for experienced members of the church as well as new members to bring a balance of ideas to the committees.  Many of the positions are for a three year term; hold in mind that we try to support people in new jobs with the idea of enter, mentor, then retire, so no one person is "stuck" forever in a position.

We will be talking to a number of you soon.  Please consider what the church and its missions mean to you and say "Yes!"

Gala History

Five years ago Scott Hayman and Seth Popinchalk conceived of having a

community-building dinner-dance fundraiser.  Linda Wyatt and Lee Bona joined them as the steering committee. The rest is history. 

The current chefs have prepared the food for more than one GALA.  Jay, David, and Linda have been chefs since the first GALA.  Sue and Bob Shaw have been the kitchen coordinators since then, too. Some of the youth like Alana Wyatt, Maddie Hayman, and Will  Hayman have been waitstaff over the same period.  Seth and  Scott have assisted since its inception.

The chefs donate their time and money to prepare gourmet meals.  They've learned to coordinate their efforts in a small kitchen.  Culinary choreography!

Each year, Linda Wyatt, the chairperson, imagines a theme and then makes or finds decorations to develop the theme.  Many times our Wiogora Harry Potter-based summer campers help make them.

The attendees are mesmerized by the transformation of the Bancroft Room and Dining Room into a magical place.  Volunteers, including Abby Hannaford-Ricardi and Diane Mandile create the enchanting atmosphere.  Kate O'Dell and Lee Bona have become experts at arranging and setting the tables.

The band and singer-songwriter, Lydia Fortune, ensure fun music for dancing.  Sometimes the youth contribute a few vocals, too.

The GALA comes alive through the attendees.  All are welcome so don't be shy to attend-come by yourself or with friends. Each table always has welcoming guests.  A great time to make new friends!  

50/50 Collection on October 25 - Regional Environmental Council

The Regional Environmental Council of Central Massachusetts  is a grassroots environmental justice organization located in Worcester. Founded in 1971, REC has been dedicated to building healthy, sustainable and just communities in Worcester and beyond for more than 40 years. 

Our members, staff, board and volunteers work together to accomplish this mission by:

·        Developing and coordinating programs that bring community members together to address environmental justice issues in the places where we live, work, and play;

·        Organizing neighborhood residents–including youth–and training community leaders to tackle environmental justice issues in our neighborhoods;

·        Providing events and forums for environmental justice education, networking, visioning and problem-solving in Worcester and beyond;

·        Advocating at local, state, and national levels for public policies that foster environmental and social justice, ensure ecological sustainability and equitable access to clean air and water, open space, local, organic and nutritious food, clean energy, green jobs, and healthy homes, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods.

The REC’s Food Justice Program has established itself over the past 15 years as reliable and effective at promoting community leadership and creating access to food for Worcester’s most food insecure communities. The Food Justice Program has focused its efforts on four project areas city wide: a community gardens network (UGROW), youth development through urban agriculture (YouthGROW), farmers markets, and a new mobile market program.

Annual Mt. Wachusett Outing - Sunday, October 18

On Sunday October 18 we’re going to 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, most 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 their breath.  It takes about 30 minutes, or a little longer if you stop frequently to admire the view on the way up.  Another option is to drive up the mountain, although parking is limited.  And there’s also the chair lift (“the Sky Ride”) from the ski area for a fee. 

When we get to the top, views of the countryside should be magnificent.  Mt Wachusett is the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River.  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-290 and I-190 to Route 140 is the quickest route, but Route 31 through Holden is also an option.  Maps will be available.  Parking for Mountain House Trail is on Mountain Road at the intersection with Gregory Road.

The plan is to leave the Church by 12:30 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 lemonade 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. 

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

Rain Date:  We’re hoping for clear, crisp fall weather, but if it rains on October 18, we’ll push the mountain climb to the following Sunday, October 25.

Questions?  Call John Mirick: 978-464-2313

                              Or email: jmirick@mirickoconnell.com

First U's Chili Cook-Off

First U’s Chili Cook-Off was a red hot success.  We had a wonderful variety of entries, including white, vegetarian, Cincinnati-style, Southwestern, bean, and authentic Texas chilies. The dinner was sponsored by the LLPC as part of the Stewardship Committee’s Pledge Day on Saturday.  More than 80 people sampled from 11 choices of chili.  Thank you to the many  people who helped organize, set-up, and clean-up.  Special thanks to our chefs:

Sue Popinchaulk         Aunt Linda’s Chili (1st Place)

Sue Shaw                    Southwest Chicken Chili (2^nd Place)

Linda Wyatt                Pork with Black & Pink Bean Chili (3^rd Place)

Lee Reid                     Three Bean Vegetarian Chili (1^st Place Vegetarian, 4th Place Overall)

Jay Lavelle                 Texas Red

Madeline Silva           White Chili, The Virgin Bride

Tom Crowley              Texas Red

Alison Barrows Ronn Vegetable Chili Con Tempeh

Gini Johnson               Hacienda Chili

Jesse Anderson           Vegan “Fast Food” Chili

Ken Mandile               Spicy Cincinnati-Style Chili

Sue has graciously allowed us to disclose her winning recipe:

Aunt Linda’s Chili

2 lbs. Lean ground beef
4 med. onions (2 cups chopped)
2 med. green peppers (2 cups chopped)
1 12-14 oz. package of kielbasa, cubed
1 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
5 teaspoons sugar
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup ketchup
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans red beans (drained and rinsed)
1 tsp hot sauce (or more to taste)

Sauté ground beef, onion, and peppers.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer 2 hours.

Race and Recism Through Page and Screen

Race and Racism
Through Page and Screen

Led by the Rev. Sarah C. Stewart
The First Unitarian Church in Worcester

What can we do about racism today? It is clear to us that the struggle for racial equality and justice in our country continues. Especially if we identify as White people, we need more opportunities to understand racism and explore what steps we can take to become anti-racist allies.

This book and movie discussion will invite us to explore race and racism in America through novels, essays, feature films and documentaries. We will explore historical moments and our present realities. We will follow themes from work to work: What is beautiful? How are dark-skinned bodies treated in America? How can racial equality be pursued and achieved? What has changed since the Civil Rights Movement, and what work remains to be done? As people of faith, what can we do?

These discussions are for all members and friends of First Unitarian Church, of all racial identities. Feel free to bring your friends—no formal connection to the church is needed. They are open to adults and youth, although youth will need permission to watch R-rated movies. You can attend one or all of the discussions. Of course, the more sessions you attend, the fuller your experience will be.

We’ll meet in the Landers Room. All discussions take place at 7 p.m. on Monday nights throughout the church year. Feature films will be screened the night before their discussion, on a Sunday night at 7 p.m. Feel free to attend the movie screening (popcorn and some themes to think about overnight will be provided) or to watch the movie on your own.

At the end of the year, we’ll conclude with a worship service and an opportunity to think about next steps. I look forward to gathering with you for these important conversations.

Race and Racism
Through Page and Screen

All gatherings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Landers Room

September 28               Book Discussion           The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

October 25                    Movie Screening           Do the Right Thing (rated R)

October 26                    Movie Discussion         Do the Right Thing

November 9                  Book Discussion           Between the World and Me
by Ta-Nehisi Coates

December 6                  Movie Screening           Slumdog Millionaire (rated R)

December 7                  Movie Discussion         Slumdog Millionaire

December 14                Book Discussion           Faces in the Bottom of the Well
by Derek Bell

January 10                    Movie Screening           West Side Story (Unrated)

January 11                    Movie Discussion         West Side Story

January 25                    Book Discussion           The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

February 7                    Movie Screening           Caesar Chavez (rated PG-13)

February 8                    Movie Discussion         Cancelled due to snowstorm

February 22                  Movie Discussion          Caesar Chavez

March 13                      Movie Screening           12 Years a Slave

March 14                      Movie Discussion         12 Years a Slave

April 11                        Movie Discussion         The Death of Josseline

April 25                        Documentary Screening and Discussion
                                     Race: The Power of an Illusion: The Difference Between Us

May 9                           Documentary Screening and Discussion
                                     Race: The Power of an Illusion: The Story we Tell

May 23                          Documentary Screening and Discussion

                                     Race: The Power of an Illusion: The House We Live In

June 6                            Closing Worship Service