WEEKLY UPDATE | May 12-18, 2019
THIS SUNDAY, MAY 12
Mother's Day Service
"Born and Born Again "
The Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein
Sunday, May 12 | 10am
What does it mean to be a "born again Unitarian Universalist?" Join us for a service on Mother's Day and celebrate birth and re-birth.
UUCGL Special Congregational Meeting
Held last Sunday, May 5, 2019
UUCGL Member Vote on Sanctuary
On Sunday, May 5, 2019, we convened immediately after the service for a special congregational vote to decide if the members of the church would consent to "use the church as a physical sanctuary for a person or persons under threat of deportation." 
93% of the voting members present (66 individuals) voted yay, and five voted nay. Therefore, with a great sense of gratitude for the leadership team that guided this process, confident in our partnership with many ECCO member congregations who have committed to supporting this work, and faithful to our Unitarian Universalist principles, we will move forward in investigating the feasibility of becoming a sanctuary church for a guest who comes forward in need of refuge.
 
This coming Sunday, May 12, marks the sixth anniversary of another vote - the vote to call me as your Parish Minister. I am proud to be your minister and grateful to be engaged in a ministry that fully and honestly acknowledges the changing landscape of church life and participation and seeks creative and relevant ways to engage with reality. We have enough resources to rest comfortably on tradition and to "hold tight," but that is not what we were called to do and to be! I am grateful to all of you for your faithful engagement, your bright spirits and your good hearts.

In faith, hope and love, Rev. Vicki
UUCGL Programming
Coming of Age Worship Service May 19
This year's RE Sunday features our senior high youth who've spent the year completing the Coming of Age program. COA is an opportunity for youth to explore their own beliefs and their connection to Unitarian Universalism and spirituality. Working with a mentor, each youth writes a credo, a statement of belief which they will share with the congregation as they lead worship. This is a capstone of our faith development program for children and youth and we hope you all join us to celebrate this important milestone.
Upcoming
Saturday, May 11 - 3:00-5:00pm
Ipswich River Paddle with Green Sanctuary Members
In line with our Fresh Water theme this year, the Green Sanctuary Ministry Team invites you to an afternoon on the Ipswich River. Come paddle, walk and enjoy the river at the IRWA, 143 Country Rd. Ipswich. RSVP: rsvp@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200 with number of people and boat you wish to paddle (canoe, kayak or 2-person kayak). IRWA provides boats, paddles and life jackets, all for free.
Social Justice Ministry Team Requests Due May 12
The Social Justice Ministry Team (SJMT) works to express our UU social justice commitment within our congregation and the larger community. The SJMT manages the annual distribution of a portion of UUCGL endowment income that is dedicated to social concerns. Organizations that share our commitment to social justice may apply for support, and funding applications are reviewed at the February and June meetings. Applications should be emailed to a SJMT Chair or otherwise delivered to the UUCGL office by May 12 in order to be reviewed in the current funding cycle. The application form may be found here . For further information or to have a copy of the application emailed to you, contact Carole McCauley ( mccauliflower@gmail.com ).
Annual Reports Due May 20
I f you have been asked to write an annual report for your committee or team, please submit it to Elizabeth Muller at emuller@uucgl.org by May 20.

Thank you.
Unitarian Universalist Women Luncheon
at UUCGL - May 22 - 12:30 p.m.
The UUW will hold its Annual Luncheon in the Skylight Room at church on May 22nd at 12:30 p.m. The luncheon will include sandwiches, salads and dessert from Periwinkles Food Shoppe. Join us for a delicious lunch and conversation. To reserve a seat, please email Joanne Brine at brinej@gmail.com . The cost of the luncheon is $10 payable on May 22nd. Please respond by May 17.
A Thank You from the Unitarian Universalist Women
Swampscott Interfaith Food Pantry - Many thanks to all who signed up and donated a bag of groceries for our Swampscott neighbors in need. The UUW delivered the bags on April 18th to grateful recipients.
Unitarian Universalist Women College Scholarships
Applications for college scholarships given by the UUW can be obtained at the church office. The deadline for returning the applications is May 31, 2019.
H A W C - When you travel this summer . . .
Don't forget to save hotel/travel-sized toiletries for HAWC. For many years, the UUW has been preparing gift bags every Christmas to donate to " H ealing A buse W orking for C hange" which was founded over 35 years ago. This organization serves 23 cities and towns from Saugus to Cape Ann with local offices in Lynn and Salem. HAWC serves individuals affected by domestic abuse. Its mission is to "support the healing process of abuse and to change social norms and behaviors that perpetrate violence and oppression". They are always very grateful for our church's generosity.
Spring Birding! . . . Upcoming Ipswich River Hike!
The weather was downcast dreary at the Marblehead Neck Audubon Bird Sanctuary on May 4th, but that didn’t damper the spirits of the small band of bird watchers from the UUCGL who were delighted to watch and listen to warblers, thrushes, and other spring migrating birds.

We hope you’ll join us next year for the Green Sanctuary Ministry Team’s winter and spring bird walks as well as our upcoming hike along the Ipswich River this August!
Reminders
May 50/50 Sunday Offertory: IRWA
The Ipswich River Watershed Association
The Green Sanctuary Ministry Team, has selected the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) to share in our Sunday offerings during the month of May. The voice of the Ipswich River since 1977, the IRWA works to protect nature, keep the river healthy for fish and wildlife, and provide a great place to have fun outdoors. The Ipswich River provides drinking water for 350,000 people and businesses (in Beverly, Lynn, Lynnfield, Peabody, Salem and elsewhere) and was named one of the most endangered rivers in the United States primarily because too much water is taken out and not enough is put back. The IRWA advocates for safe, fair water use, water-smart development, and resilient communities. These dedicated individuals make it easy for people of all ages to get outdoors, connect with nature, and paddle the Ipswich River. For more info, visit ipswichriver.org or ask Green Sanctuary Team member Trish Aldrich.
 
The Social Justice Ministry Team will match total donations received up to $500. Please make checks payable to IRWA. The Green Sanctuary Ministry Team thanks you for your generosity.
Does the Office Know Your Current
Contact Information?
Please keep your name, address, phone number, and e-mail current in the church office. E-mail Elizabeth Muller with your correct information.
Not sure what information we have on file for you?

Call Elizabeth at:
781-595-8836, ext. 10
Recurring Gatherings
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Sunday Schedule
Worship & Children's Ministry: 10am
Fellowship Hour: 11:15am

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