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Winchester Unitarian Society Highlights – Thursday, February 5, 2015
Worship
Sunday, February 8, 2015
10:00 a.m. Family Worship in the Chapel
10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary
Listening as Love
Rev. Cricket Potter preaching
The “simple” act of listening is not so simple. And yet, it is one of our great natural resources, powerful and
healing. Together we will explore the gifts and challenges of listening well.
Childcare available for infants and tots.
Worship Theme for February
For February, we will be turning our attention in worship to love and belonging and the many ways we
can put those into practice. As always, we welcome your thoughts, questions and stories.
We began the month with a wonderful worship service organized by the Transition Team highlighting
some of the dynamic ministries of this congregation. Truly, love and faith put into action over many years.
See you in church!
Rev. Tricia and Rev. Cricket
Joys, Sorrows, Transitions
If you are facing a time of joy, sorrow, or transition in your life, the Ministers are available to talk with you.
Additionally, we always have a minister on call to accompany members through crisis situations. If you are
facing a crisis and need to urgently reach a minister, call the church at 781-729-0949 and choose voice mail
(option 1 or option 2) they will always give you a cell phone number for the minister on call.
Meeting for Improved / Upscale / Rummage Sale Scheduled for TONIGHT Postponed!
The first planning meeting for our improved/ upscale/ rummage sale scheduled for Thursday nite, 7:00 p.m.
February 5th in the church parlor has been postponed. Look for an invite from from Betsy Bowles and Patty
Cameron, Co-Chairs when it is rescheduled.
Weather Alert! If there is a major winter storm . . .
To find out if Sunday worship is cancelled, check the church’s voicemail (781-729-0949),
look for an all church email or check the church’s website (www.winchesteruu.org).
Please travel only if you can do so safely!
WUSGY Fundraiser on Sunday, February 8 after the worship service –
THIS SUNDAY
Mardi Gras-Themed Lunch & Fundraiser for WUSYG – THIS SUNDAY,
11:30 AM in Metcalf Hall
Everyone is encouraged to come down to Metcalf after the service this Sunday
to support WUSYG and enjoy some of the youth’s homemade-from-scratch
Jambalaya, rice & beans and *special* New Orleans King’s Cakes! Per this
special tradition, each cake will have a small figurine in it; whoever gets that
slice will have luck for the rest of the year! The food is free, with suggested
donation prices. All donations go directly toward offsetting costs for youth to
participate in a service trip to New Orleans this April with Long Haul. WUSYG
will also be selling warm hand-knit hats, and launching a couple of other
interesting fundraising initiatives, so definitely top by even if you’re not hungry!
We’ll also be selling Jambalaya and whole King’s Cakes to-go! Questions?
Contact the Director of Youth Ministries: sam.wilson@winchesteruu.org
Conversations that Matter Salon on Sunday, February 8th, 3:30 to 6:00 – THIS SUNDAY
Growth & Learning invites you to discuss timeless ideas and writings that provide context and insight
to current events. Our reading this month from a Trinity Forum digital reading, please click here: Politics,
Morality, and Civility by playwright and former President Vaclav Havel. It is a clear look at the world
situation and a call for our cultures and our leaders to rediscover or cultivate what Havel terms “higher
responsibility,” a morally grounded vision for the common good.
Please join us in engaging conversation, tasty munchies, good wine and great company at the home of
Shelly Ziegelman and Maury Wood. RSVP to Rebecca: rebecca@winchesteruu.org
The Chili Cook-off is Coming on Sunday, March 8
Please see the article later in this edition of Highlights!
You can sign up this coming Sunday! Look for James Pidacks.
Flower Dedications Available
Available flower dedication dates are February 8, 15 and 22. You may dedicate the flowers in memory of, in
honor of, or in celebration of someone and it will appear in the order of service. The cost is $45.00 (or bring
your own flowers, but let the office know). Please contact Mary Ann in the office (office@winchesteruu.org or
781-729-0949) or sign up in the Symmes Room on the sign-up sheets.
Meditation News
Meets almost every Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Sitting from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Walking
from 7:00 to 7:15 p.m. Discussion 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. Contact Ron Denhardt for info.
Growth and Learning News
Conversations that Matter Salon on Sunday, February 8th, 3:30 to 6:00
Growth & Learning invites you to discuss timeless ideas and writings that provide context and insight
to current events. Our reading this month from a Trinity Forum digital reading, please click here: Politics,
Morality, and Civility by playwright and former President Vaclav Havel. It is a clear look at the world
situation and a call for our cultures and our leaders to rediscover or cultivate what Havel terms “higher
responsibility,” a morally grounded vision for the common good.
Please join us in engaging conversation, tasty munchies, good wine and great company at the home of
Shelly Ziegelman and Maury Wood,
RSVP to Rebecca: rebecca@winchesteruu.org
Spiritual Practice NEW TIME and DAY. We meet first Sunday of the month, the next session, Sunday,
March 1st. From 3 to 4 at the church.
Music Committee – Thank you!
Despite bitter cold weather, nearly 150 people filled our sanctuary on Friday night for another top notch jazz
performance. Many thanks to so many of you for all that you did to make this special tribute to Horace Silver
such a wonderful success. -- Mark your calendar for our last concert in the series on March 27th. This concert
will feature singer and multi-instrumentalist, David Coffin. You may already be familiar with David as Master
of Ceremonies for the Revels, Celtic Sojourn guest performer, and/or singer of sea-chanteys at Boston Harbor.
His performances delight and engage audience members, young and old. To find out more about David
Coffin, please visit his web site: http://www.davidcoffin.com/ Questions about the Concert Series, please
contact Kathryn Maffei.
Social Action and Outreach Committee News
Did you know that the 2014 General Assembly chose “Escalating Inequality” as the issue (CSAI) for
congregations to study for the next 2 years? The UUA has developed a detailed guide to guide our exploration:
http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/299006.shtml If you would be interested working with a small group
of members to plan our exploration please speak with Claire McNeill. UU Mass Action will be developing a
statewide effort related to this issue.
Women’s Lunch Place. There are 2 spaces available to volunteer at the Women's Lunch Place in
Boston on February 14. We meet at 7:00 am at the church and return by 11:45 am. At this winter season it is
good to remember the homeless and poor women in Boston. To learn more please speak to the folks who
have gone this fall. You may sign-up at the SAOC table or speak to Claire McNeill.
Upcoming Dates in the area: See the Social Action and Outreach bulletin board for details.
“Unequal Justice: the Consequences of Race and Class in Our Criminal Justice System. This panel
discussion will be held at Arlington Town Hall from 7-9 pm on February 28.
“A Road map Towards Justice: How to End Mass Incarceration in Massachusetts” will be held at the
UU church in Arlington at 630 Mass. Ave, Sunday March 14 from 1:00 to 4:30 pm. Speakers will explain
proposed legislation and there will be opportunities to connect with other groups.
UU Mass Action is planning its 9th Advocacy Day for Tuesday April 14th. It will begin at the
Arlington Street Church in Boston and then move to the State House, enabling groups of UUs to talk with their
legislators about this year’s important legislative opportunities. Sign-up at the Social Action and Outreach table
if you would like to attend with other members.
Questions about Social Action Outreach Committee, please contact Claire McNeill
WUSYG: Winchester Unitarian Society Youth Group
Mardi Gras-Themed Lunch & Fundraiser for WUSYG – THIS SUNDAY, 11:30 AM in Metcalf Hall
Everyone is encouraged to come down to Metcalf after the service this Sunday to support WUSYG and enjoy
some of the youth’s homemade-from-scratch Jambalaya, rice & beans and *special* New Orleans King’s
Cakes! Per this special tradition, each cake will have a small figurine in it; whoever gets that slice will have
luck for the rest of the year! The food is free, with suggested donation prices. All donations go directly toward
offsetting costs for youth to participate in a service trip to New Orleans this April with Long Haul. WUSYG will
also be selling warm hand-knit hats, and launching a couple of other interesting fundraising initiatives, so
definitely top by even if you’re not hungry! We’ll also be selling Jambalaya and whole King’s Cakes to-go!
Questions? Contact the Director of Youth Ministries: sam.wilson@winchesteruu.org
WUSYG – Winchester Unitarian Society Youth Group
Thank you so much to everyone who supported WUSYG last Sunday by donating to the Share the
Plate! We are so thrilled to have the congregation’s support as we get ready to go to New Orleans. We look
forward to seeing all of you this Sunday after the service for some homestyle New Orleans food and fun!
Updates for Parents and Youth: WUSYG is having its 2nd parent/youth pre-service trip meeting this
Saturday at 6 PM. Parents can bring their 2nd deposit of $400 to the meeting, though it will be officially due by
the 15th. After the meeting, we will be serving pizza and screening “When The Levees Broke,” which parents
are welcome to stay for. Youth will then stick around for a sleepover and fun evening with games and
cooking/other prep for the fundraiser the next day. On Sunday, we’re hosting our 2nd fundraiser (see notice
above), so youth are strongly encouraged to stick around through the end of clean-up (around 2 pm). Youth
and their parents, please sign up to bring a donated ingredient for the event by going here:
http://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=KQYP4018&v=ce81ab2b15 Our latest 2 newsletters had a lot of
detailed information about all of our upcoming events (we have a few busy months ahead!) so please be sure
to check those out and start saving the dates! Remember that the Service Trip is from April 19th (depart in the
early afternoon) until April 25th (arrive around 8 PM).
For more detailed information about all of the above, please be sure to check out the next youth
newsletter. If you are a parent or a youth involved in the program who is not currently receiving the WUSYG
email newsletter and would like to, you can sign yourself up here: http://eepurl.com/3d82j
For more information about youth programs in general, please contact the Director of Youth Ministries,
Sam Wilson: sam.wilson@winchesteruu.org
**Youth are also encouraged to "Friend" Sam on Facebook (facebook.com/dymsamwilson) and/or
follow him on Instagram (@dymsamwilson) for more details about upcoming events.
Religious Education News – Update
Religious Education Morning: Sunday, February 8th
Family Worship: How to Build a Snow House
Religious Education Morning: Children start in the Sanctuary and after the Time for all Ages head off to
age grouped religious education programs. “Regular” RE has resumed now that our very successful Jan Fest
has come to an end. Childcare available for babies and toddlers.
Preschool-kindergarten: Chalice Children: Main level
First and Second Grades: Love Surrounds Us: Upstairs Classroom
Third and Fourth Grades: Bibleodeon: Upstairs classroom
Fifth and Sixth Grades: Neighboring Faiths: Upstairs classroom
Sunday morning child care (six month to three year olds) is available in the playroom with Juanita Simms,
Isabelle Costa and Eleanor Sharon.
Feel the Love. We are making valentines to share with our elder friends in the Winchester area. There are
valentine making materials and ideas for what to do with them (folding, weaving, tearing and gluing paper
craft) at the church – kids of any age, please free to grab a set and make your own during fellowship hour.
There will be a mailbox in the main street foyer to drop them off in.
Our Whole Lives: meets at 4:30 with Mark and Rebecca. Contraception and alternatives to pregnancy.
We have returned to our regular end time, now that Football season has come to an end. Since snow is
predicted this weekend, please check email at 3:00 p.m. for a confirmation (or if necessary, cancellation) of
the class
WUS Chili Cook-Off - March 8th 2015 after service
•
•
Winner in each category gets prizes.
Enter in: Traditional (meat), Chicken, Vegetarian or Vegan
•
•
All entrants get recognition and tokens of appreciation.
New and innovative voting procedures will be introduced.
Waddayawannado? Take your pick:
If you’d like to enter, cook one gallon of chili for tasting and, if possible, four separately
packaged quarts for us to sell to the folks who want to take some home.
(Yup, we like to get a little fundraising in wherever we can.) Label your entry and each of your
containers with a descriptive title for your recipe, including a list of ingredients so people with
allergies know what’s what, and bring your chili to the church kitchen before service. We’ll do
the rest (bringing it warm helps a lot).
If you’d rather bake, we’d love some cornbread or dessert items. You won’t get a prize, but you’ll
get our gratitude.
If you have experience monitoring voting, we could really use your help.
If you want to help in the kitchen, show up at 9:30 (love that!) or stay to clean up.
If you just want to eat, WE NEED YOU FOR SURE!!! $6 will get you a tasting spoon and four
votes, so come on down to Metcalf Hall after Sunday service!!!
Contact James Pidacks at 781-729-1657 about chili, cornbread or to help out with voting or in
the kitchen.
Thanks.
Notes from the office
-Check it out!
Here it the link for the video that Don Daniel made for the Ministerial Search:
http://tinyurl.com/WUSVideo
-Heating Season
The heat is on in the building! But it is difficult to regulate the heat in all the rooms and spaces. Please
consider dressing in layers – sweaters, sweatshirts, etc. Please contact Mary Ann (781-729-0949 /
office@winchesteruu.org with questions or concerns.
-Standing Committee Approved Minutes
Approved Standing Committee minutes are posted on the Standing Committee section of the member pages
on the church website. (www.winchesteruu.org)
-Church Directory Available as a PDF File for Members and Friends of the Society
If you would like a copy of the current church directory please email Mary Ann and she will email you the PDF.
-Electronic Payment Options
Visit the church website: http://winchesteruu.org/donatenowelectronicgiving79.html and click the “donate”
button. If you have questions about church financial matters, contact Mary Ann in the church office (781-7290949 / office@winchesteruu.org).
-Sunday Worship Service CDs and Hardcopies of the Sermons
Every Sunday the worship service is recorded. If you would like to borrow a copy or if you would like to have
a copy made, please let Mary Ann know (781-729-0949 / office@winchesteruu.org). Also hardcopies are
available for most sermons usually a week or two after the sermon was delivered. They are on the table in
the foyer outside the sanctuary.
Community News
Sunday, February 8th, 2015, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
St. Mary's Church Hall, 155 Washington St., Winchester
(The Hall is on the hill opposite the church.)
Please join us as we share an afternoon with Dr. Peniel Joseph, who will deliver a talk titled 'From
Selma to Ferguson: Reimagining the Civil Rights Movement in the Age of #BlackLivesMatter.’
This program is brought to you by St. Mary's Church Peace and Justice Committee and the Winchester
Multicultural Network.
This program is free of charge and all are welcome. Any questions please contact office@wmcn.org or
call 781-729-7100.
Worship Services every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Highlights, our weekly email update about church related events,
is usually sent out each week mid morning on Thursdays. Deadline 9 am.
Please note: Articles submitted need to have a contact name.