Your Weekly Link – News and Updates 4/4/2013

This Week in Worship & Religious Education

Sunday, April 7
Building A New Way
Rev. Parisa Parsa

Many of us love to sing the new UU song “Building A New Way” from our teal hymnal. Many of your most dedicated lay leaders have spent the last 18 months in deep conversation with leaders of Temple Shalom to determine whether we might join in physically “building a new way” through a joint building project on our campus. This morning we will hear testimonials from lay leaders who have been part of this process, and Rev. Parsa will reflect on the significance of this deliberation for our faith and for our future.

It’s the last Children’s Church of the year!

Informed by the story of how love guided Unitarian minister and martyr, James Reeb, we will explore how the love inside ourselves guides us to act in the world. We will also vote on where to give the money we have received as offerings this year, so be sure to bring any final gifts you wish to give and the name of whatever charity or cause is closest to your heart!

This Week in Religious Education

Spirit Play I (ages 3-5) will meet in their classroom downstairs, where they will hear the story of Francis David.
Passages (2nd grade) will meet in the third classroom downstairs to explore the fifth UU principle: the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
All other children and youth will begin the month with a worship service in the Children’s Church.

You have been CHOSEN!

In the interest of efficiency, the Worship Committee has designated a “Chosen Few” to assist during Worship Services as ushers for the remainder of the Church year. Please check the list below to see if you are one of the “Chosen Few”.

The Worship Committee is grateful for your participation as an usher. If, for some reason, you are unable to fulfill your usher duties on your “Chosen” Sunday, please either trade with someone else, or find a replacement.

Thank you, in advance, for your help!

If you do not see your name on the list and you would like to usher, please let Miriam, our new office assistant, know and she will try to fit you in.

Happy spring!

The Worship Committee

Usher Assignments for April, May, and June

April 7 – Jennie Mulqueen and one other
April 14 – Mark Whall and Liz O’Rourke-Harris
April 28 – Rick Malmstrom and Carolyn Newman
May 5 – Laurie Webster and Karl Pastore
May 12 – Elise Henricks and Tony Dutzik
May 19 – Charlie Franich and Ruth Hannon
May 26 – Dianna Wilson and Alyson Allen
June 2 – Ruth and Clara Heiden
June 9 – Beth Gray Nix and Lisa Beck

Events and News

First Friday Feast

April 5, 2013

The Differences that Make a Difference: Exploring the Layers of Culture
Rev. Parisa Parsa

We talk often about multiculturalism as a very good thing, but living it and understanding its meaning is left in a fog of mystery. This evening we’ll spend some time peeling back the layers of identity that make us each who we are, and consider how cultural self-awareness can help us be better ‘neighbors’ to those whose cultures are different from our own. We will begin with a shared meal at 6:00 pm. The program will begin at 7:00. If you plan to come for dinner, please RSVP via evite or to membership@fpmilton.org

The Story of Unitarian Universalism

Sunday, April 7, 12-2 pm in the Chase Parlor

What do we believe? Where did we come from? How did we get here? And why should we care? These are important human questions with particular relevance for Unitarian Universalists – ours is the “Living Tradition” after all! Only when we know our history can we benefit from its inspiration. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to membership@fpmilton.org

Communion & Community

Listening Circle hosted by the Worship Committee
Thursday, April 11
Share your experience and listen to others as we explore the diversity of feelings and thoughts on these topics within our own community.

7PM in the Meetinghouse

Listening Circles are guided opportunities to reflect on powerful questions that get to the heart of our spiritual life together.
Responses to melindaandharris@gmail.com – reference Communion & Community in the subject line, or call Melinda @ 617-696-6052

April 12, 7:00pm

Film Premiere

Two Who Dared

The remarkable story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, an American minister and his wife who boldly committed to a life threatening mission in Europe to help save imperiled Jews and refugees at the onset of World War II

Hope and Caution: The Trans Clergy Experience

Wednesday, April 24, 7pm

In the final Common Hearth program for this year, Rev. Jamez Terry will share his groundbreaking research on transgender clergy members. While covering a broad spectrum of traditions and contexts, this discussion will emphasize the experiences of trans ministers in the UU tradition. These experiences shed light on our collective successes and failures at honoring diversity and living in the spirit of radical welcome

Half-day Retreat for Couples

Saturday, May 4th

Perhaps you’ve experienced the gifts of a small group and wanted to share them with your partner. Or maybe you’d like to bring your faith and your relationship together in a new way. The intimate setting of a small group allows us to do these things at the same time we deepen our connections with others in our church community and help each other navigate the living out of our faith and values. We will be offering a small group for couples, consisting of four to six sessions in May, June, and July. The group will be co-facilitated by Harris and Melinda Collins. As in all small groups, we’ll be working into deep listening and holding of each other as explore and celebrate. On Saturday, May 4th, Melinda and Harris will host a half-day couples retreat as a kick-off for the small group. To register, or for more information, please contact membership@fpmilton.org

EVERY SUNDAY
Worship, 10:30am in the Meetinghouse
Meetinghouse Choir Rehearsal, 8:45am in the Parish Hall
Silent Prayer & Meditation, 9:00am in the Children’s Church

THE SUNDAY PLANNER
Please consider volunteering for important Sunday worship positions like ushering, hosting social hour, providing flowers for worship, and lighting the chalice.
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