The Transition Team

A few words about the Transition Team

The Team's purpose is to ensure that our Interim Minister, Rev. Tracey
Robinson-Harris, has the best support and counsel that we can provide,
throughout the remainder of the time that she will be leading worship and
overseeing the work and vitality of our parish.

Tracey relies on the Transition Team to be her supplementary "sensory and
nervous system." We meet monthly to serve as a sounding board where she can
float ideas, test and refine her sense of the priorities of what the church
needs from her, and also to hear through us what we know of the
congregation's hopes, concerns, and reactions to events. To provide Tracey
with all the support and counsel that she needs to do her job well, the
members of the Team need to hear from you. Please be assured that while you
are always welcome to communicate directly with Tracey, if you have thoughts
or feelings that you are comfortable sharing through any of us, we are here
to help inform and advise Rev. Robinson-Harris in all her official
capacities.

On behalf of the entire Transition Team (Rudy Cepko, Marc Deshaies, Wendy
Innis, Michael Keating, Frankie Knapp, and Jay Lavelle), I thank you for
your continued interest and involvement in making this transition experience
at First Unitarian as rich and wonderful a learning opportunity as it can be
for us all.

David Spanagel, Chair

Galacious Gala 2013

Fran Morrier described the First U Gala 2013 as “galacious”.  There was delicious food delightful fellowship, and vibrant dance music. Thank you to those who attended!

It was amazing how we chefs choreographed our places in the kitchen.  We gracefully swerved out of each other’s way.  Sue and Bob Shaw were invaluable to us helping out here and there. They also washed dishes and more dishes…until there were no more to be washed.

I cannot thank everyone enough who helped in some capacity. Every bit counted.  In fact, we finished set-up in record time this year!  I guess “Three is a charm.”  I was so energized by the gratitude of the guests. Then more encouragement--During the fundraiser one chef told me he has next year’s menu theme already in mind.  The following morning, one of the band members said I “should do it again…this was the best one…you have it down now.” I responded, “It seems the band does, too.”  So I am already conjuring Gala 2014!

This year’s dinner-dance seemed to go by fast.  Why?  From my perspective—smoother coordination of tasks. The congenial participation of these people made my job much easier.  My words of thanks can’t convey my true appreciation of their contribution.  

Kudos to:

Chefs:  David Spanagel, Jay Lavelle, Linda Carney, Kate O’Dell, Susan Anderson, Jesse Anderson, Suzanne Kroll.

Chefs’ assistants:  Becky Spanagel, Paul Kelley, Rob Kroll, Phil Nigro

Chefs’ Servers:  Alana Wyatt, Maddie Hayman, Will Hayman, Ben Mandile, Aria Jordan

Kitchen Staff:  Sue Shaw, Bob Shaw, Peter Haroutian

Bartender:  Seth Popinchalk

General Assistants:  Scott Hayman, Donna Rossio, Jennifer Bowes

Decorations:  Linda Wyatt, Abby Hannaford-Ricardi, Hogwarts Campers, Kris Johnson, Alana Wyatt

Train with Village Team:  Rudy Cepko, Bob Shaw, Seth Popinchalk, Sue Shaw

Christmas Tree:  Jennifer Bowes, Mike Keating and crew

Set-up:  Alana Wyatt, Kate O’Dell, Kris Johnson, Scott Hayman, Maddie Hayman, Phil Malm,  Jean McInerney, Paul Kelley, Peter Merghart

Sweets Team for Dance:  Mahroo Morgan, Sue Shaw

Musicians:  Cindy Bizzarro, Lydia Fortune, Cosmic Slim and His Intergalactic Plowboys (Known in the flesh as—church members/friends—Sten Gustavson, Rick McCarthy, Bill Fisher, Phil Nigro; and friends by default—Rick Levine, Tim Bowles with the “Sound Guy”—Chuck Demers)

Photographer:  Fran Morrier

Childcare:  Jessica Gray, Diane Colon, Nan Gibbons

Clean-up Crew—Many participants, but especially, Seth Popinchalk, Scott Hayman, Sue Shaw, Bob Shaw, Marilyn Dufresne, Kris Johnson, Abby Hannaford-Ricardi, chefs

Pre-Gala Kitchen Cleaner:  Gini Johnson

Hope I honored everyone!

It was difficult to take off the dress and jewelry to finalize the closing of another Gala.  They remain untouched for a week on my bed and dresser, respectively.  I finally put them away this past weekend.

However--more joy to be made--Save the date for Gala 2014—Saturday, December 6, 2014!   6-11 p.m.  I’ll be there, at least some of the same chefs, and Cosmic Slim and his Intergalactic Plowboys.

Happy Holidays and God bless!

Linda

Gala 2013 - November 24 Update by Linda Wyatt

Saturday, December 7, 2013 is the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on the Armenian calendar.  It is also the First U Gala on this Armenian's calendar:  Dreams Are Calling--BELIEVE.  The Gala is a very special event when I hope people can experience magic and joy sharing friendship, delicious food, and dance-'til-you-drop music. This year, Cindy Bizzarro, plays piano for the cocktail hour.  Lydia Fortune will sing a Christmas song from The Polar Express.  Rudi Cepko, Bob Shaw, and Sue Shaw are creating a surprise decoration.  The campers at Hogwarts helped make the unique centerpieces based on the "frost flowers blooming" in the Artic Ocean.  Abigail Hannaford-Ricardi will transform the walls into a wonderland and Kris Johnson creates mood lighting with Christmas lights. I can't give away any more-AND THERE IS MORE MAGIC AND SPARKLE TO WISH UPON!

I would sit at any of the chefs tables, but I am cooking! So I will serve guests, too, including the band crew.  The chefs have carefully planned their menus.  So many cuisines this year. The chefs volunteer their time, treasure, and talents to cook for the Gala. Honor them and thank them by buying a ticket.  The French Twist (chef Jay Lavelle), Harvest Blessings (chefs Linda Carney and Kate O'Dell) and the Greek Vegetarian (chef Suzanne Kroll) tables are sold out. (We can accommodate vegetarian at the other tables, too. Just make a special request.)   So, there's Armenian Fusion (Armenian with Italian and Texas Twists) by Linda Chatalian Wyatt, Kuchnia Polska (Polish cuisine) by Chefs Jesse and Susan Anderson, and Scandinavian Cuisine by Chef David Spanagel.  (The Hungarian Cuisine is no longer available.)

We strive to make this a most memorable night.  Come join me, the other seven chefs, Cosmic Slim and His Intergalactic Plowboys, our bartender, Seth Popinchalk,  and the other volunteers for a fantastic night.  Tickets are $50/person.  Cash bar. Complimentary desserts as you dance the night away.  Free P.J. party for children of attendees downstairs with our childcare staff.  P.J. party-6 to 11:00 p.m.  Gala--6 to 11:30 p.m. Cocktail attire. PLEASE PURCHASE TICKETS BY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th.  Can't attend--consider sponsoring a seat.

Worship: Thanksgiving through December

November 24 – On this Sunday before Thanksgiving we gather to celebrate the harvest and prepare for the winter holiday season.  Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris is preaching.

December 1 – On this first Sunday in Advent, in the midst of Hanukkah, we gather for a multigenerational service.  Rev. Robinson-Harris’s  sermon will explore  waiting, expectation and hope.  Jessica Gray, Director of Faith Development Ministries, and Rev. Robinson-Harris will lead our celebration of Bread Communion. 

December 8 – The theme of this service, Don’t Let the Light Go Out,  is taken from the song Light One Candle written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. We will honor the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah with the lighting of a menorah and reading of prayers.   There will be a Hanukkah party after the service.

December 15^th – We celebrate Christmas with our annual pageant directed by Kris Johnson. The service will include reflections from Jessica Gray, Director for Faith Development Ministries

December 22nd - Christmas Music Sunday is an invitation to listen more intentionally, to the truth,  the harmony and the peace that is calling to us, even now. Your Minister Emerita, Rev. Barbara Merritt, will be delivering  the sermon, "Angel Choirs: 2013".

December 24^th – All are invited to our annual Christmas Eve service of readings, carols and candlelighting.

December 29^th – Rev. Robinson-Harris will lead a  simple service with readings, spoken meditation and a time of silence as the year comes to close. 

Transition Team Update - November, 2013

Transition Team update – November, 2013

            The last time you heard from us was back in early May, when we shared the Good News that we had successfully hired Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris to serve as our second Interim Minister from August 2013 until July 2014. Understandably, attention has shifted to the very important task of selecting just the 12th Settled Minister in our long and illustrious history here at First Unitarian Church of Worcester.  That work is being capably and diligently pursued by the Settled Minister Search Committee, whose Chair (Diane Mirick) and members we appointed at a special meeting of the Parish in the middle of May.

            Meanwhile, the work of the Interim Minister Search and Transition Committee continued, albeit in a changed form. Having completed the two-stage task of recommending interim ministers to be hired, we have shifted our focus entirely to the goal of ensuring that Rev. Robinson-Harris has the best support and counsel that we can provide, throughout the remainder of the time that she will be leading worship and overseeing the work and vitality of our parish.

            Because of two key losses to our team in the spring (Alicia Lenahan took a job and relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia in April, and Jane Beckwith transferred her incredible professional human resources skills from the Interim Minister searches we successfully completed, to the Settled Minister search now underway), we keenly felt the need for some reinforcements. Prudential Committee has responded with two additional appointees to our Transition Team: Jay Lavelle joined just in time to greet Tracey when she arrived late in August, and now we are fully replenished with the recent appointment of Frankie Knapp.

            Tracey relies on the Transition Team to be her supplementary “sensory and nervous system.” We meet monthly to serve as a sounding board where she can float ideas, test and refine her sense of the priorities of what the church needs from her, and also to hear through us what we know of the congregation’s hopes, concerns, and reactions to events. To provide Tracey with all the support and counsel that she needs to do her job well, the members of the Team need to hear from you. Please be assured that while you are always welcome to communicate directly with Tracey, if you have thoughts or feelings that you are comfortable sharing through any of us, we are here to help inform and advise Rev Robinson-Harris in all her official capacities.

            On behalf of the entire Transition Team (Rudy Cepko, Marc Deshaies, Wendy Innis, Michael Keating, Frankie Knapp, and Jay Lavelle), I thank you for your continued interest and involvement in making this transition experience at First Unitarian as rich and wonderful a learning opportunity as it can be for us all.

David Spanagel, Transition Team Chair   davidspanagel@comcast.net

The Joy of Lunch

The Joy of Lunch

Greetings dear friends!  Ever wish for a more substantial “coffee hour” spread before you’re off to that great afternoon workshop or meeting here at the church?  Kids starving so you can’t stay and chat?  What if … what if we fed each other lunch every Sunday!

Now wait, I know what you’re thinking.  You are groaning:  “No! Not another thing for me to do, please, I am already out straight.  You are going to ask me to volunteer and I don’t want to!”

I’d like to share with you one idea about lunch.  Please contact me with your ideas too!

What if… what if someone you know and like from the church invited you onto his or her “team”.   Your team consists of about a dozen people and there are say, six teams.  So every six weeks, you come to church early because you love your teammates and you are honored to play with them in the kitchen.  Your team leader is kind and enthusiastic and has shopped and planned the meal.  You just have to show up and chop veggies or put sandwiches together or stir the soup or chili, or what ever is planned.  Your teammates have all replied to their email reminder in advance so you know who is out of town that week, who can come early to prep, who can stay late to wash pots and pans. 

You do this all not as a chore but with joy in your heart, because you are in a ministry.   It is our lunch ministry and we are happy to do this for each other.  This week I cook and feed you, next week you will cook and feed me.  We trust each other that there will be lunch.  You are nourishing your friends.  Your church has opened its doors and new people want to visit us because we are kind, forthright, open, fun-loving, and our food is delicious.  The food tastes great because your joy has sent its very vibration into the food.  

Logistics: Contributions ( feedback here please: ?$5 person/ max of $10 per family?  Kids under 12 eat free?)  would fund the program so that shoppers are reimbursed, however, food is not withheld based on ability to pay.   Generosity encouraged.  The six team captains would simply march out on the calendar every 6 weeks until the end of the church year.  The captains could get to know their group and have an alternate leader if they had a scheduling conflict.  It could turn out that within the groups, folks may want to take turns being “head chef.” One person in the group would take ownership of the email reminders and let the team leader know how many hands will be on deck.  The spirit is playful.  We will cook to uplifting music.  Maybe even the choir would stop by the kitchen and cheer us on with a song!

I welcome your thoughts

Peace, love, and lunch,

Hari Kirin Kaur Khalsa

Aka Diane Pingeton

dmpinge@gmail.com

774-287-2233

First Unitarian Church October 2013 Worship

October 6 – The Call of Stewardship

Preaching: Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris

This Stewardship Sunday sermon explores the meaning and importance of answering the call of stewardship in support of the ministries and programs of First Unitarian.  Wendy Innis, chair of the Stewardship Committee, will participate in the service and there will be an opportunity to make your financial commitment for the 2014 calendar year.

October 13 - Coming to America: John Murray's Universalist Journey

Preaching: Jessica Gray, Dir. Lifespan Faith Development Ministries

This Columbus Day weekend, we will focus on another ocean voyage – that of our Universalist forefather John Murray.  As we initiate our yearlong Faith in Action program for adults, this week’s multigenerational worship will use drama to tell a story of love conquering fear.  Dr. Jessica Gray, Director of Lifespan Faith Development Ministries, will be leading this worship service..

October 20 – Changed Into Fire

Preaching: Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris

This sermon is about taking on a new identity, using the experience of becoming a tango dancer to explore the reasons, joys, and challenges of such a journey. The service will include a New Member Recognition ceremony.

October 27 – A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Preaching: Rev. Tracey-Robinson Harris

In the season of All Souls and All Saints Days, of Samhein and El Dia de Los Muertos, this service is a time to honor and remember our ancestors. You are invited to bring a small memento of those you wish to remember to place on our altar.