With whom are you sharing your dreams?

In This Issue
Service Recordings

If you would like a recording of one of our worship services, please contact the office and we'll be happy to make a CD for you.

You can listen to past sermons on our website.
September's Theme
"Vision"
 
Our theme this month is 'Vision' - or framed as a question "What does it mean to be a people of 'Vision'?    
Our central theme question for the month is  " With whom are you sharing your dreams?"
 
Minister and Staff

Parish Minister
The Rev. Marc S. Fredette
781.899.0174
fpwminister@gmail.com

Community Minister
The Rev. Rebecca Sheble-Hall
508.479.7570
fpw.cminister@gmail.com

Office Manager
Christopher Johnson
781.893.6240
walthamuu@gmail.com 
 
Dir. of Community Engagement
Lynne Weygint 
781.893.6240
fpw.dce@gmail.com
 
Music Director
Todor Stoinov
617.470.6136
Todor_stv@hotmail.com

President, Board of Managers
Dan DeHainaut 
781.893.8819
dan@dehainaut.org 
Our Covenant

Love is the spirit of this church
and service its law. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.
for the week of September 23,  2018
This Sunday
  September 23, 2018

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30
Our service this Sunday will be led by the Rev . Becky Sheble Hall whose message will be in keepin g with this months theme, 'vision'. Please join us!  
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RE Programming
Welcome back to First Parish in Waltham everyone! It is a new and exciting year, and we look forward to seeing you again  on Sunday, when the children begin afresh in the Friendship Finders class. This class is for those children who are 4-10 years old, or preschool - 5th graders. All children begin in the sanctuary with their families, then are sung to their class approximately 15 minutes into the worship service. The class meets in Room 8 on the ground floor of the church, and is led by First Parish high school youth, Justin Kamal and Chandra Penton, and Pam Penton, a First Parish adult.  See below for details on programs for children, youth and adults.
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Sunday At-a-Glance
10:30 - Sunday Morning WorshipAll gather for worship in the Sanctuary. Children and youth will be sung out to their classes.
 
11:30ish - Coffee Hour meets in the Parish Hall, aka Whitcomb Hall. Join us!

12:00 - Choir rehearsal in the Sanctuary 
Save the Date - Grounds Rededication
on September 30th

In recognition of and gratitude for all the trees, shrubs, and plantings donated to the church through the years, and in appreciation for all those who have labored to beautify the church grounds , there will be a re-dedication of the grounds during our Sunday morning worship service on Sunday, September 30th. Weather permitting we will conclude the our worship service on the church grounds. Folks will then be invited to go on a self-guided tour of the grounds, complete with plant markers, an informational brochure, and project members situated strategically about to answer questions.  All are encouraged to attend!
The Pumpkins are Coming!
The Pumpkins are Coming!

All hands on deck!
YOU are needed to help make 
this year's fundraiser a success.

Not only is the Annual First Parish Pumpkin Sale a fund raiser, but it's also a way to spread the good word and make ourselves more known to the community. Join the team and help me plan and/or sign up to help us sell. Those who were sellers last year said they enjoyed the chance to hang out with a friend or get to know someone they did not know as well. A link to the sign-up page will be sent out soon.

The pumpkins will be arriving the morning of 
Saturday October 6

We need to unload them all before 10:00
so your help would be very appreciated!

We got 100% satisfactory responses from those who did it last year.  If everyone who can, takes a couple of slots, then we should cover it in no time. It's fun to hang out with a friend (you can sign-up together) or get to know someone better.  Please contact Dan if you have any questions ( 781.927.4408 or  dgtaylor44@gmail.com ).


 
Here's the Plan...
Lynne Weygint
Director of Community Engagment

Welcome back to church everyone! It is always so good to catch up with you after the summer break. I bet you are wondering what's going on in the religious education programs this year. And here is the plan!

Friendship Finders, those who are 4 years old through 5th graders will begin in the sanctuary with the congregation and will be "sung to class" as we have been doing in the past. Their curriculum this year is...

Religious Education Programming
September 23

Sunday morning programming for young parishioners,
the Friendship Finders, or those in preschool (4 year-olds) through 5th grade began on Sunday, 9/16. This year, Friendship Finders are using a "one room schoolhouse" approach, and will begin in the sanctuary with the congregation and after about 15 minutes of All Together worship, will be "sung to class." The class will be using a Unitarian Universalist curriculum, Picture Book World Religions, and will meet in Room 8 on the ground floor of the church. We will also be using Room 9 for "breakout groups." Chandra and Pam Penton, and Justin Kamal return to lead this class. Many thanks, Pam, Justin, and Chandra!

This Sunday, 9/23,  Spirit Spark, the companion program to the more traditional worship service returns. Spirit Spark participants will begin in the sanctuary at 10:30 and after being "sung to class" by the congregation, those choosing Spirit Spark (everyone between age 11 and all interested adults are warmly welcome - newcomers, too! ) will gather in the Chapel. Spirit Spark participants explore the monthly worship theme (vision) through poetry and the spoken word one Sunday a month. Our visiting artist, poet Regie O'Hare Gibson, leads Spirit Spark.

Our Childcare for infants through 3 year-olds is in the Children's Library, off of Whitcomb Hall. Chris Taylor, a First Parish high school youth, and trained childcare provider, staffs the Library this year - thanks, Chris!

A New Youth Group is forming! In collaboration with First Parish in Watertown, 8-12th graders  from both congregations now have the opportunity to join together for a regular youth group experience. In addition to regular meetings, we hope to plan many off-site adventures, too. The first youth group meeting was on Sunday, 9/16, at FP Watertown. Stay tuned for more news about Youth Group, or see Lynne. 

Look for the Adult Programs brochure, available on the Welcome Table TODAY during coffee hour! We have a robust offering of programs for high school age youth and adults beginning in October. You can also see the brochure here.

For information about our parish RE program, please see the  church website  or contact Lynne Weygint at fpw.dce@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Introduction to Meditation
is being offered three Thursday evenings at 7:00
September 27 or  October 25 or  November 29

This fall the Waltham Buddhist Meditation Group will present three introductory sessions of mindfulness meditation. Through a step-by-step guided meditation, you will be introduced to the foundational meditation technique of working with the breath as a gateway to greater self-understanding. A general discussion and social time with refreshments will follow the meditation  instruction. Chairs or cushions on the floor are available for the meditation period. For more information: walthambuddhist.org
Fifth Friday Potluck Dinner

In each month that has a Fifth Friday, we have a Fifth Friday Shabbat (Sabbath) Potluck Dinner at a First Parish member or friend's home. September doesn't have a Fifth Friday, but we want to get together soon. So this month Fifth Friday Potluck Dinner will be held on  Saturday, September 29 at 7:00 at the home of Joyce and David Wilbourn, 6 Surrey Road, Newton. All are invited! All are welcome! Newcomers and first-time attendees especially!  

If you would like to come, email Joan Bone at bonehaus207@yahoo.com or Joyce Wilbourn at wilbourn@alum.mit.edu and let her know what you want to bring for the potluck: appetizers, soups, main dishes, salads, vegetables, desserts, drinks(non-alcoholic and alcoholic) and get directions. 
Programs Coming in 
September & October

Anti-Racist Book Group 
Sunday, Sept 30, 12:15-1:15
Harrington Room
We will be discussing Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele's new book,  "When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir." All are welcome for discussion of this riveting book - join us!

Ken Burns' Vietnam
Thursdays 7:00-9:00
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, Dec 6, and 13
Harrington Room
Especially for anyone who wanted to watch this compelling PBS documentary but couldn't for any number of reasons. Following each episode there'll be time to discuss personal histories as they relate to the time period, or for younger participant, perhaps a good opportunity to ask questions. Hosted by Rev. Marc.

SoulCollage  Day-Long Retreat
Saturday, Oct 13, 10:00-4:00
Whitcomb Hall 
Would you love to spend the day in quiet creativity going inward to your most peaceful and powerful self? Would you enjoy a day-long retreat from the hustle and bustle of the world? As we move into the heart of fall, we invite you to do just that in this SoulCollage® retreat. Enjoy dreamy music, luscious images, hours of card making, and the company of like-hearted companions. If you are new to SoulCollage®, please visit www.soulcollage.com to learn more. Our retreat will include an introduction to the process of card making, and all materials are provided. More details to come - just mark your calendar now!

Equity and Justice for All
Sundays at 12:00
Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 16, Jan 27, Feb 17, and Mar 17
Harrington Room
A program focused on dismantling racism, classism, and better understanding white supremacy culture. Reading and discussion will be augmented with film, video clips, and possibly attending local talks. The program will meet one Sunday each month; film and other offerings will take place outside of the regular Sunday afternoon meeting. Contact Rev. Marc for more details. 

Living A Life of Integrity
Sundays at 12:00
Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 30, Feb 3, and Mar 3
Harrington Room
This monthly discussion group led by Rev. Marc, is inspired by the writings of Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro in his book, "Minyan - Ten Principles for Living a Life of Integrity." Chapters of the book will be made available on the church website and in the weekly newsletter. Learning components will focus on most if not all of these topics: Meditation, Repetition, Inspirational Reading, Attention, Generosity, Kindness, Dream Interpretation, Ethical Consumption, Self-Perfection, and Sabbath.
Sunday Flowers
Commemorate an event or a loved one
 
There are many open Sundays in September and October  available  to donate  flowers for the chancel. This is a  great opportunity to recognize a celebration, honor a special someone or memorialize loved-ones who have passed.  Donating Sunday flowers can be as simple as  providing a bouquet of wild flowers from the side of the road, from your garden or the supermarket, or as  elaborate  as an arrangement from a florist. If you would like to provide flowers  for one or more of the upcoming Sundays (or anytime) contact Shirley Traite ( shirleytraite@gmail.com or 781-839-0104).
Report on Last Week's Game Night

A cadre of regulars welcomed several newcomers, including 2 eight-year-olds. A casual dinner of pizza and Indian casserole followed appetizers - with lots of yummy pears from Dan's tree for dessert. All mixed with good conversations! The girls played lots of different games all night (Twister, anyone?), and eventually the adults started a board game that Daphne brought where partners worked together to guess the correct word from given clues and beat the other team. Definitely made you think! We wrapped it up with a non-competitive game of Pictionary played by everyone from 8 to 92+. Lots of imaginative and silly drawings; creative, humorous and often correct guesses; several surprises and lots and lots of laughter. A fun time was had by all!

The next Game Night will be Friday, Oct. 5 (it's traditionally the first  Friday of the month - September was an exception). All ages welcome and encouraged. Any questions, contact Peter Duane ( pduane@gmail.com) or Sue Genser ( suegenser@comcast.net).
Check it Out!
Virtual Tours of First Parish
 
We just had a set of "Panospin" photos taken of the church, Whitcomb Hall, the Chapel, and the Sanctuary. These are the types of images that you can scroll and look in every direction and have a virtual tour. They do a great job of showing off our parish. Now when you Google us, you'll see these Panospin images on the left of your screen.                      Click here to take a look!
Don't Forget to Check Out Our Website
It is always up to date and has a lot more information 
than we could possibly share here. 
It has recordings of sermons and lots of resources, too!
House-Keeping Items
 
Freezer & Refrigerator Cleaning
The freezer in the church kitchen will be emptied and cleaned on Monday, September 17. If you have anything you want to keep, please take it home or mark it with your name and "Keep" before the end of the day on Sunday, Sept 16.
- - also - -
Please do not bring in out-of-date items and leave in the refrigerator. All expired items will be thrown away weekly.

Donated Items
While we appreciate people's generosity, there are times items just show up and we don't know who they're from or why they're there. If you have items that you think the parish would enjoy having, please contact Lynne or Chris in the office before dropping it off to see if it is needed. Thanks!

Office Hours
Our office manager, Chris Johnson, is in the office Monday to Friday from 9:30-2:30.

About Making Announcements
Announcements Before Sunday Services - If you want a parish-related announcement made before our service, email it to the church office ( walthamuu@gmail.com) by Friday at noon. If you miss this deadline, you will be able to make your announcement at coffee hour.

Items for the e-Newsletter - If you have an item for this newsletter, email it to the office by Wednesday end of day (just so we have it when we start the day on Thursday).

Coffee Hour Schedule for 2018-2019
When it is your turn to bring a snack for coffee hour, please bring a snack either in a container it can be served from, or on your own dish, which you bring home and clean yourself. Please don't bring snacks with nuts, to help those with allergies. Thanks. 

Here is the Coffee Hour schedule for 2018-2019 (assignments are listed by the initial of your last name).

A - E  first Sunday 
9/9, 10/7, 11/4, 12/2, 1/6, 2/3, 3/3, 4/7, 5/5, 6/2
F - L   second Sunday 
9/16, 10/14, 11/11, 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/10, 4/14, 5/12, 6/9
M - S  third Sunday
9/23, 10/21, 11/18, 12/16, 1/20, 2/17, 3/17, 4/21, 5/19, 6/16
T - Z   fourth Sunday
9/30, 10/28, 11/25, 1/27, 2/24, 3/24, 4/28, 5/26

Special arrangements are made for months with a fifth Sunday.