UUCGL Weekly Update

WEEKLY UPDATE | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

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SUNDAY SERVICE

October 4, 2026 | 10:00am

Respecting Their Nature: Blessing Of The Animals

Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein, Worship Leader

Come to this wonderful traditional service on St. Francis’s 800th birthday and bring your non-human family members! Bring photos of beloved animals who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge this year (since last October 3) for our altar of remembrance. Please make sure that dogs are leashed and cats are in carriers.

Worship with us on Facebook Live. Join our livestream of the service on Sunday by clicking the button.

Sunday Sign Up

Each Sunday we rely on volunteers to help the service and Fellowship Hour run smoothly. Can you help? Use the button at left to sign up for any future Sunday... and THANK YOU!

A Message from Rev. Vicki

In the Spirit

Rabbit, Rabbit and Happy (almost) October.

Thank you to those who attended the Community Conversations last weekend. I watched not just as your Parish Minister, but as a congregational consultant who has worked with many congregations on challenging issues of mission, vision, covenant and stewardship.

Some people may wonder, why is UUCGL paring down costs and why are the leaders seriously addressing and preparing for a budget deficit in 2027? Don’t we have a huge endowment?

We do, and they are...MORE

A Message from Fran

“James, don’t let the dust in the house!”

This past week we had fun acting out a scenario where we took turns being a six year old James Luther Adams who was caught in a dust storm on his family farm in Idaho! By using the fence, apple trees in the orchard, and feeling for his front door he was able to make it safely inside.

The guides James Luther Adams used to get back home are like the guides used in the UUCGL covenant. The covenant guides members on how to be with one another. As posted on the UUA website, “Our central question is not “What do we believe?” but rather “What values will we uphold and how will we do this together?...MORE

Our List of Values from our Conversation

Food Donations

In October we are collecting peanut butter for St. Stephen’s Food Pantry. Please pick up a jar or two and bring them to church. Collection boxes are located in the foyer, under the information table you pass on your way to the sanctuary. Please remember to check the “Best by" or “Buy before” date on all groceries, as food pantries will not stock them.

Fall Programming for Children & Youth

Registration is now open for the fall children & youth programming! Please register your child(ren) for the church year 2026-2027.

Community Connections

Discover how fellow community member Miguel Contreras found an unexpected passion for pottery. From quirky creations to classic pieces, pottery has become his go‑to creative reset. His story is in 01907 The Magazine and you can check it out HERE!

What’s going on in your world? Do you have an event coming up or an accomplishment to announce where the church community could support you? Let us know! Email mkgualtieri@uucgl.org.

Featured Programming & Events

To see what else is happening, click here or visit our website Calendar Page

Tai Chi & Qigong Classes

Starting October 6 | 9am & 10am | Parish Hall

Support your health and well-being by joining teachers Rosie and Robert for Tai Chi and Qigong classes this fall! Since 2023, the UUCGL Tai Chi program has offered adults of all ages an accessible mindfulness practice for strength, flexibility, and mind-body balance. To see the fall schedule and get more info, visit uucgl.org/taichi

Click on the picture to watch the Advanced class perform at the Lantern Festival at Goldfish Pond in Lynn over the summer!

Stage and Sanctuary Series:

“A Mother’s Rage: How We Watch Medea Today”

October 6 | 7-8:30pm | Sanctuary (and on Zoom)

More than 2,400 years after Euripides first brought Medea to the stage, her rage still has the power to shock, disturb, and even move us. In this lecture and conversation, we will reflect on this ancient tale of betrayal and revenge, marriage, motherhood, gender and power within the context of today’s news and contemporary insights from multiple perspectives. Join us in person or on Zoom (virtual "doors" will open at 6:50pm. You will see the name Victoria A. Weinstein as the host). Read about the Stage and Sanctuary Series HERE.

An evening event co-hosted by UUCGL and Marblehead Little Theatre.

Reception for Lydia Breed and Friends

October 11 | 4:30-6:30pm

The History Team invites everyone to step into a space filled with creativity and community as we celebrate the Lydia Breed and Friends exhibit at UUCGL. This special show honors the legacy of Lydia Breed and all those who share her creative and community‑building spirit. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit will be on view through October 30.

"Will My Vote Count? Does it Even Matter?"

An Informal Discussion about Midterm Elections

October 21 | 7pm

When national leaders suggest we “shouldn’t even have an election,” it raises real questions about the state of voting today. Are our ballots secure? Who is being targeted by voter suppression? What threats are real — and what’s noise? And what’s actually on the ballot this year?

Join us for an open, community-centered conversation about the midterm elections with Liv Santoro, Deputy Field Director for Civic Engagement & Mobilization, ACLU of Massachusetts. READ MORE HERE

Sponsored by the Social Justice Ministry Team

There's More...

There's a lot happening at UUCGL and all are welcome to participate!

To see a list of recurring group meetings and programs, click below or visit our website Homepage or Calendar Page for specific dates.

RECURRING GROUP MEETINGS AND PROGRAMS LIST

Adult Programs

Children/Youth Programs

Financial Matters

Pledges Payments and Donations

HERE are 3 easy ways to make a donation to the church. Please indicate whether your payment is toward your pledge or for another purpose.

Thank you for your support!

UUCGL Resources

It's time to update the church directory! Please inform us of any changes to your contact information by clicking THIS LINK. If you are new to UUCGL, we invite you to add yourself to the listings. You do not have to be a member to be listed in our directory.

Items for the Weekly Update

Send your info to Mary at mkgualtieri@uucgl.org.

UUCGL Staff

Visit our Staff Directory HERE to contact any of us. We're here for you!

UUCGL Board of Trustees

Follow this link to meet the board.

Name Buttons

If you are new to the congregation and would like a name badge, or if you need yours replaced, simply email Misha and she'd be happy to make one for you.