Read abo ut Unity Spring Dinner, Community Book Discussion, and Mr. Joy Performance



The Sloop's Log
 May 2018

Newsletter of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Scituate
We aspire to be a Beacon of…..
 … Liberal Religion
Worship 
All services begin at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.
Children and youth begin in the sanctuary with the adults to share in the opening of worship, and then leave with their teachers for Religious Education. Nursery care is available upstairs for children over
18 months, but children are welcome to remain with parents.

 
Sunday May 6                      A UU Diet
For “International No Diet Day” (really!) a sermon on what a Unitarian Universalist diet might look like. Pamela Barz preaching. The choir will sing Sow Mercy . Following the service, there will be a brief gathering for people interested in becoming members of First Parish. We are in need of greeters and coffee hour hosts.
 
Sunday May 13                   The Risk of Peace
For Mothers’ Day we will celebrate "mothers of peace" like Julia Ward Howe, Rachel Carson, Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan . Pamela Barz preaching. The Choir will sing Peace I Ask of Thee, O River . The flowers on the communion table will be donated by Mary Beaulieu and Charlie Ruddy in honor of Claire Connelly. We are in need of greeters and coffee hour hosts.
 
Sunday May 20                   A Community of Healing and Change
What makes a church a church? Pamela Barz preaching. We will welcome new members and also recognize the following membership anniversaries: Thirty-five Years (1983): Jack Shaw, Richard and Marla Minier; Twenty five years (1993): Karen Frey; Twenty years (1998) Dave and Chris Berkeley; Fifteen years (2003):Sarah and Bob Murdoch, Laura Smith; Ten years (2008): Brit Davis, Jean Shildneck, Alan and Eileen Donaldson, Allen and Ann Lattinville Hale; Five years (2013): Kate and Joe Glennon, Ann Svensen, Sarah Ballinger, and Debra Barnes. The choir will sing  Down to the River to Pray. We are in need of greeters and coffee hour hosts.
        
Sunday May 27                   A Community of Remembrance and Hope
On the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, we will remember those who have died in wars since last Memorial Day and think about what it means to remember.  Pamela Barz will lead this multigenerational service.
 
The Choir will sing Et in Terra Pax We are in need of greeters and coffee hour hosts.
From the Minister  

You may have noticed a different format to the newsletter this month. Our vision statement, instead of being printed at the top as in the past, is incorporated throughout the newsletter, so that each article falls under some part of our vision of "being a beacon" of " liberal religion," "strong community," or "transformative service." The newsletter now better reflects our church life, in which everything we do should be in accord with living our vision.

Our new sign, which we dedicated on Sunday April 29th, acts as a physical beacon to the community of our church and its life. So when I created the dedication for the sign, I tried to tie my words too to our vision. (The words are printed below)

And all the people who worked in so many ways to make the dedication happen are themselves examples of all the aspects of our vision: the sign dedication embodied liberal religion, strong community, and transformative service. There are more thank you's later in the newsletter, but a few here: to Erica Boyle and Ann Svensen who worked with the Lothropp Family Foundation on the grant money; to Mark Matthews who designed the sign; to Ann Corbo who oversaw its construction and installation; and to the members of the Publicity Committee (Kate Glennon, Claire Sherman, Alma Morrison, and Ann Corbo) who have began months ago to plan the festive dedication. And also to all who, by their presence dedicated it: the readers (in order: Claire Timmins, Win Lawson, Mark Matthews, Sue Duff, Ann Svensen and Sheri Nidositko) and to all gathered in the sanctuary (because the rain that morning kept us inside), hands outstretched to the sign for the final blessing.

First Parish Sign Dedication - Sunday, April 29, 2018
Minister:    As we get ready to dedicate our new church sign, let’s think about what signs do.  Signs inform. Signs welcome. Signs proclaim. Signs act as symbols. Signs remind.
 
Claire Timmins:  Our sign informs all who pass this place that we are the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Scituate, that we are the first church to be established here, two years before the town was officially recognized. Our sign informs those who pass of our history and our identity.
 
Winn Lawson:  Our sign informs people that we are not just a place of history but that we are still a worshiping community, with services every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. and, on the hanging sign, announcements of special events like Fairs, Christmas Eve and Easter worship, and the Blue Boat Coffeehouse. Our sign stands as a beacon to this congregation’s life of liberal faith, past, present, and future.
 
Congregation:  May we too stand as a beacon of liberal faith.
 
Mark Matthews:    Our sign with its rainbow chalice welcomes all people to join us. That rainbow symbolizes our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all people – whatever their sexual or gender identity, whatever their ability or background. We come from a tradition which values everyone and which strives to include everyone and to work with everyone in creating a realm of welcome. 
 
Sue Duff:    Our sign also includes the Erdman Preschool, housed in our church since 1973, because the school shares our vision of including all, helping all to recognize and nurture their gifts and skills that they might bloom to their fullest. The colorful children’s hands symbolize the importance of children in our community but also the importance of creativity, of play, and of caring connection. Our sign stands as a beacon to this congregation’s strong and welcoming community.
 
Congregation:  May we too stand as a beacon of welcome to our strong community.
 
Ann Svensen:  The sign reminds us that our Unitarian Universalist tradition calls us to put our faith into action, not just to welcome others into our community, but to use our strengths and skills to build a world of welcome. 
 
Sheri Nidositko:  Our sign reminds us to live out the values of our liberal faith in the world. Our sign stands as a beacon of transformative service.
 
Congregation:   May we too stand as a beacon of transformative service.
 
Minister:    So let us now bless the sign saying together:
 
All:             May this sign proclaim our good news to all who pass by:
the good news that all people are valued;
that we have the ability to make the world a better place;
and that our lives are rooted in Love as solid as the Scituate earth,
as beautiful as the blooming daffodils, and as strong as the stones. Amen.

See you in Church,
Pamela

Minister’s Schedule 
Pamela Barz is available for appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Tuesday is her day off.  You can reach her at pamela.merrill.barz@gmail.com or 781-412-4233.
Become a Member of First Parish
If you feel that you have found a home at First Parish and would like to make the connection formal, you are invited to become a member of this church. After the service on Sunday May 6 Sarah Murdock, Chair of the Membership Committee, will lead a conversation on what membership in our community means. New members will be welcomed during the service on Sunday May 20. Please let Sarah know if you are interested or have questions: SMurd377@verizon.net
Mr. Joy
The Neighborhood Tour


Experience Boston Theater in Scituate – with a free ticket!
The Scituate Unity Council, which leads discussions in the community around issues of race and privilege, is sponsoring a performance of the play "Mr. Joy" at the Scituate High School Performing Arts Center on Tuesday May 8 at 7 p.m. The play is free and open to the wider community, but it is necessary to reserve tickets:  https://artsemerson.org/Online/seatSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=C8EA0D36-D42B-412B-83E0-FCC17E0ED6FF
 
Scituate has been selected to host the only outside-of-Boston performance of "Mr. Joy," a production of Arts Emerson about " racial understanding, cultural identity, hope, community regeneration and the power of personal voice." The play got great reviews when it was staged in down (here's are links to reviews from the Boston Globe https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/theater-dance/2015/09/27/despair-and-hope-beaty-joy-artsemerson/3JZgPIoOwZm4TmL912qcjN/story.html  and WBUR:  http://www.wbur.org/artery/2017/04/07/mr-joy-neighborhood-tour
 
After planning to show it in different neighborhoods of Boston, they decided to take it one suburban town participating in the METCO program. Though many applied, Scituate was selected, in part because of our Unity Council.
 
Scituate High School students will see the play during the school day; Middle School students are invited to attend the evening performance with their families. 
 
On Thursday May 17, 6:30-8:30 pm, the Unity Council will host a discussion of the play.

Community Book Discussion: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
As we continue our discussions of race and privilege, our next gathering on Tuesday June 19 (note change of date) at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Book Group Room will focus on the best-selling young adult novel, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Several copies of the book are available at the church and many are in the library system. 

Monday Night Meditation
Would you like to incorporate meditation into your spiritual practice? Would you like to learn how to meditate? Would you like to add the energy of others to your already existing practice? You are invited to come to First Parish’s bi-monthly meditation sessions on Monday nights from 7-8:30 p.m. May sessions are Monday 5/14 and 5/28 . Email Brian or Patty Sutton with any questions at brsutton@hotmail.com or pa ttysutton@gmail.com

Religious Education News

It is hard to believe that our church school year is coming to a close. This year's study of world religions is wrapping up with studies of Islam and Christianity. In June, students and teachers will use the first two Sundays to reflect on what they've learned and how they might share that with the rest of the congregation in our annual RE Sunday on June 17. At that service we will also recognize our graduating seniors, Anna Svensen and Callie Moos, and all the teachers who have kept out program going this year in our second year without a Director of Religious Education for our program.

We are currently searching for a a DRE to begin working with us this summer. Though the position is posted with the UUA, word of mouth is often the best way to find the right candidate. We are looking for someone with strong organization and communication skills who enjoys working with children, youth, and adults. The candidate does not have to be a Unitarian Universalist nor have teaching experience. If you know people who might be interested, please share with them the link to the description of the DRE position: http://firstparishscituate.org/religious-education.htm
 
As the year ends, it's time to plan for next year. In our three year rotation, RE participants next year will focus on learning about the Bible from our UU perspective and about the Jewish and Christian traditions. The 7th-9th graders will have the opportunity to participate in the sexuality curriculum Our Whole Lives with adult leaders Joe Glennon and Jenn Mackey. And the 8th and 9th graders will also prepare for their Coming of Age next June.

Ours is a cooperative Religious Education program, which means we ask each parent to take on some role in the program: teaching, serving on the RE Committee, or organizing a program or event such as the Easter Egg hunt or working on the Christmas Pageant. And we are grateful for the participation of many adults who do not have children or youth currently involved! Please let me or Kate Glennon know what role you would like to play in the 2018-2019 year!

- Pamela Barz
This Month in RE

Nursery/Kindergarten Picture Book World Religions
Jen McGonagle Dziedzic and Jen Bokavich are helping this age group learn about world religions through picture books. In May they continue to learn about Islam and Ramadan. On May 20 th , they will conclude this session with the book For Every Child by Caroline Castle.
 
Grades 1-3, and 4-5 A World of New Friends
Aynsley Forsythe and Chuck Jones are teaching the grades 1-3 group. Spencer Howe and Dawn Brindley-Howe are teaching grades 4-5. They continue to learn about Islam, and will conclude the session on May 20 th with a recap of world religions.
 
Grades 6-8 Building Bridges
The 6-8 grade group will continue with the Building Bridges curricula, learning about different world religions with Brian and Patty Sutton. In May they will explore Catholicism and on Sunday May 6, they will attend as a group the 11:00 Mass at St. Mary’s in Scituate Harbor.
 
If you child is planning on attending, we will need a signed permission slip. The permission slip should be returned to the church office, or emailed to firstparishscituate@verizon.net by Friday, May 4th or brought with them on Sunday.
We are also in need of parent chaperones to go with them, leaving together from First Parish at 10:30 a.m. Please email the church office ( firstparishscituate@verizon.net ), if you would be willing to serve as a chaperone/driver.
SciCoRock Youth Group (Billy Timmins, Scituate advisor)

Our combined youth group led an inspiring and fun service on Sunday April 22, using music to express their understanding of the UUA's Seven Principles. From our community, Max daSilva, Moria Feeney, and Sarah Lovell took part, with Moira writing and leading the group in singing an original song at the end of the serivce.

On Sunday May 6, they will meet in Norwell. Later in the month, they will participate in a district-wide CON in Providence, RI. And on Sunday June 3rd, they will celebrate endings and beginnings, seniors who are leaving and 8th graders who are coming in at a celebration at Billy Timmins' home from 1 - 5pm. More information can be found on their calendar:   http://tinyurl.com/SciCohRockCalendar

Notes from Beth Dubuisson, Music Director
 
SINGERS : Join us for a choir workshop this May!  Members of our choir and I will be attending this festival. Even if you’ve never sung with us you are welcome to come. We’ll be car-pooling from church. Registration fees will be covered by First Parish music budget.  Lunch included !
 

Cycle of Song: UU Choir Festival - Sat, May 19, 2018, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
 
Come celebrate the release of Cycle of Song: Anthems for Small UU Church Choirs (Vol. 1) with composer/conductor/UU minister Jason Shelton!
 
This collection of eight brand new anthems for the seasons of the church year is written with the needs of the smaller choir in mind. We'll spend the day exploring this new music with Jason, ending the day with a public performance of the pieces.

Jason Shelton is an award-winning composer, arranger, conductor, singer, multi-instrumentalist, workshop and retreat leader. He served the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, for 19 years and he is now a freelance minister of music, working to grow our capacity to sing our UU faith.
 
LOCATION: Universalist Unitarian Church of Haverhill, Haverhill MA
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All singers in 7th grade and up are welcome to join our adult church choir for the final session which runs until June 17th. We rehearse Sunday mornings 9:00 to 10:00 and usually sing an anthem during the service.
To learn the anthems with confidence, it’s ideal to attend all the rehearsals during a session.
 
Our Anthems for May :

May 6th Sow Mercy by the Gaither Vocal Band
    Sow mercy, Sow grace, Sow kindness, Sow faith. Words are like water, sprinkled with love.
    You will harvest all your heart's been dreaming of. Sow Mercy. 
 
May 13th    Peace I ask of Thee, O River by Gwyneth Walker
 
May 20         Down to the River to Pray attributed to George H. Allan in the Slave Songbook of 1867, a rranged by Sheldon Curry.
 
May 27th -    Et in Terra Pax by Greg Gilpin         
... Strong Community
One month to Spring Church Sale: June 2, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
 
This sale takes place both outdoors and in – the better the weather, the more of it is outdoors. Ideal conditions are sunny, but not warm enough to go to the beach. It’s a fun day and fun way to raise money for the church.
 
Plant Sale : Flower and vegetable seedlings are growing, and we ask you to save some perennials for us when you divide them in your home garden. Customers especially ask for herbs! Erica Boyle and Vicki Davis are leading this effort.
 
  • Craft sale. We’ll have beautiful painted plant pots and pretty summer hats. Have an idea for a craft to make? Donna Brindley and Ruth Kuhn welcome your contributions.

  • Yard sale will feature whatever you have to sell, with 50% of the proceeds going to the church. (We ask only that you take away whatever hasn’t sold by one o’clock.) Contact Ray Des Roches with questions or to help.

  • Bake table will sell goodies and treats from our wonderful cooks – fresh fruit pies and finger foods such as cookies, brownies, squares, and candy always do very well. Meg Moncy and Jean Shidneck are heading this table.

  • A gourmet brunch created by our chefs Claire Sherman and Kate Glennon will feature delicious crepes with a choice of fillings. Please let them know if you’d like to help.
 
Please sign-up on our sign-genius https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549aaaf2fa13-annual3 if you would like to help, or email Alma Morrison at almamorrison8298@gmail.com with any questions. Watch for weekly details!
 - Alma Morrison
Unity Spring Dinner - May 9, 2017, at 6:30 pm
Please come join us for a lovely evening of dinner, friendship and fun! The dinner fee is $5.00, and the yearly dues are $10.00.
Hostesses for dinner are: Roxanne Greim, Ruth Kuhn, Carey Eyerly, Sandy Kingsland, Jenn Mackey, and Carol Sullivan Hanley.
-Roxanne Greim

Donna's Kite-Flying Day
The Social Programs, Hospitality, and Caring Committees are hosting our second annual Kite-Flying Day in honor of Donna Cogliano after church on Sunday June 3 (with a rain date of June 17). We'll take the refreshments for coffee hour outdoors, for some fresh air and a chance to fly a kite (bring your own or share with someone else) or just to enjoy the sight of the soaring and swooping kites.

Wednesday mornings: Craft and Conversation
Join the Fididdlers in at the church any Wednesday between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to participate in crafting and conversation.

Housekeeping Announcement
To make our Sloop Room look hospitable all week, we are keeping three card tables with chairs and two large serving tables covered with festive cloths after each service. -Carey Eyerly, Hospitality Committee Co-Chair
Around the Parish
We offer our sympathy to Vicki Davis on the death of her cat Scout… A memorial service for Nancy Kellogg who attended First Parish as a child will be held at the church on Saturday May 12 at 2:00 pm.
Thank UUs: to Kate Glennon for leading the circle dance on Easter Sunday … to Win Lawson for his trombone music on Easter Sunday… 
to Janie and Andy Culbert for hosting a lunch for Mary Margaret Earl, Senior Minister and Executive Director of the UU Urban Ministry, and our delegates to the UU Urban Ministry, Carol Sullivan-Hanley and Eileen Donaldson…. to Milena Davidova and Jenn McGonagle Dziedzik for hosting our “Un-Birthday” Party and to all the bakers…. to the members of the Parish Committee and Publicity Committee for hosting the reception following the sign dedication on April 29 and especially to Milena Davidova, Marche Kellerhals, and Anna daSilva for the festive lunch for our community and the members of the Lothrop Family Foundation who joined us… to all who beautified our grounds for that event: building a stone wall ( Alma Morrison, Ray DesRoches, Frank Kilduff, and Matt Kilduff), raking ( Carey Eyerly), and planting ( Jean Shildneck)... and to Ray DesRoches, our offical photographer for this and so many other events.... to all who brought in food for our wall of food for the Food Panty. We donated 291items! And to those who served one of our extra shifts at the Food Pantry this month: Lisa Lewis, Carl Todd, Eileen Donaldson, Carol Sullivan-Hanley, Alma Morrison, and Ray Des Roches, as well as our members who serve there each week: Alan Donaldson (our Food Pantry rep), Ruth Kuhn, Nancy Mathews, and Wendy Wierzbowski..
 
To April Ushers: Mary Beaulieu, Laura Carson-Laciner, Lin Haire-Sargeant, Joe Glennon, Liam Glennon, Miles Jones, Howard Mathews, Carol Sullivan-Hanley, Charlie Ruddy, and Hal Stokes ; April Greeters: Mary Beaulieu, Laura Carson-Laciner, Julianna Dunn, Kate Glennon… and April Coffee Hour Hosts: Mary Beaulieu, Jen Bokavich, Milena Davidova, Bob Murdock, Sarah Murdock, Charlie Ruddy, Jean Shildneck, Carol Sullivan-Hanley, and Wendy Wierzbowski, for taking on these ministries of hospitality.  Please consider signing up yourself for one of these ministries this month using one of these links:
Happy Birthday in May!

Michael Feeney     
Bill Krussell         
Pia Bertola                   
Ray DesRoches            
Sophie Bokavich           
Nina Bokavich         
Rhonda Gorski              
Dani Tyrche                              
Brit Davis                      
Vicki Davis                                  
Michaela DiPaola        
Karen Frey                     
Allen Hale                     
Jill Capodanno              
Sandy Kingsland           
Kim Ryan                       
Rich Stower                   
Ann Hale                     
May 2
May 2
May 7
May 7
May 8
May 8
 May 9
May 9
May 10
May 10
May 12
May 23
May 23
May 24
May 24
May 24
May 25
May 29
... and Transformative Service
Men’s Ministry
All men and boys in the congregation are invited to participate in the Men’s Ministry monthly breakfast and service projects. In May, they will meet on Saturday the 5th at 8:00 a.m. at Alan Donaldson’s home and then do yard work at Pauline Mitchell's home on Maple Street. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Contact coordinator Chuck Jones ( Charles_A_Jones@yahoo.com) if you plan to attend. 
Scituate Food Pantry – Post Office Food Drive Saturday May 12, 2018  
Volunteer Help Needed!
The Scituate Food Pantry provided over 220 Scituate families and over 450 individuals with more than 6,300 bags of food last year! This Post Office Drive is our major source of food donations.
 
We need volunteers age 15 or older on Saturday, May 12th to help us sort and pack the donations at the Masonic Temple @ 344 Country Way that day. Those who have not volunteered before need to attend a brief training session either Wednesday, May 9th at 7pm or Thursday, May 10th at 10am.
 
There are two shifts on May 12th, the day of the drive: 1pm to 4pm and 4pm to 7pm (the second shift is when the most help is needed).
 
If you would like to part of this amazing effort to help your community in this important way, please send an email to scituatefoodpantry02066@gmail.com indicating your shift preference.
 
On behalf of our clients and families, thank you in advance for your help!

Food Pantry Reminder for May 6th
We are collecting food at church to deliver to the food pantry at the end of the month. On Sunday May 6th, we are asking for cold cereal and large bottles of juice.
 
Thank you - Alan Donaldson, FPUU representative to the Food Pantry
May Calendar
Wed. 2nd
10:30 am Fididdlers
7:00 pm Parish Committee

Sat. 5th
8:00 am Men's Ministry

Sun. 6th
9:00 am Choir Practice
10:30 am Worship and RE
11:30 am New members gathering
5:00 pm Youth Group - Norwell

Tues. 8th
7:00 pm Mr. Joy performance -Scituate High School

Wed. 9th
10:30 am Fididdlers

Sat. 12th
1:00 pm Scituate Post Office Food Drive
2:00 pm Memorial Service - Nancy Kellogg


Sun. 13th
9:00 am Choir Practice
10:30 am Worship and RE

Mon. 14th
7:00 pm Meditation

Wed. 16th
10:30 am Fididdlers
12:30 pm Spiritual Autobiography II
Thurs. 17th
6:30 pm Discussion of Mr. Joy,
hosted by the Unity Council

Fri. 18th
7:00 Scituate Ceilidhe

Fri.18th - Sun. 20th Youth Group CON R.I.

Sat. 19th
1:00 pm Erdman Fair

Sun. 20th
9:00 am Choir Practice
10:30 am Worship and RE

Mon. 21st
7:00 pm Inquirers Learning Circle

Wed. 23rd
10:30 am Fididdlers

Sun. 27th
9:00 am Choir Practice
10:30 am Worship

Mon. 28th
7:00 pm Meditation

Wed. 30th
10:30 am Fididdlers
Our Mission
Liberal Faith: We commit to participate side-by-side across generations  in worship, religious education, social activities, environmental protection,
and social justice work—learning, sharing, and growing together. 

Strong Community : We commit to care for one another, nurture the light that shines within each of us, and support each other’s individual search for truth and meaning.
 
Transformative Service: We commit to pursue diversity, justice, equality, reason, and discourse;
provide inspiration through music, creativity, and the arts;
and work cooperatively to affect positive change in our community and beyond.