UUCGL Weekly Update

WEEKLY UPDATE | JANUARY 28, 2026

ABOUT UUCGL

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SUNDAY SERVICE

February 1, 2026 | 10:00am

"Digging Out"

Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein, Worship Leader

In the very early 90’s, while living in Minnesota, I witnessed a simple act of communal care in the midst of a weather emergency that made an impression on me. I am not surprised to see the solidarity and courage coming out of the Twin Cities right now.

Worship with us on Facebook Live on Sunday (pending whether we have a livestream camera operator).

Join our livestream of the service by clicking the button at left.

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!

Sunday Morning Videographers Wanted 🎥

Are you interested in helping livestream our services on Sundays? If you'd like to volunteer to be a livestream camera operator please let Rev. Chris know. No experience necessary!

A Message from Rev. Vicki

In the Spirit

In New York last week, I saw a piece of experimental theatre by a young man named Dahlak Brathwaite. “Try/Step/Trip” was described as “a concept musical reckoning with race, justice and addiction through the story of a young Black man whose life is upended after being court-ordered into drug rehabilitation under threat of jail.” It is inspired by Brathwaite’s own story and is told through hip hop music, spoken word and dance. The show began with him telling the audience and his fellow rehab group members, “I am not asking you to believe. I am not asking you to hope. I am asking you to try.”

I have been holding that invitation close to my heart of late. Sometimes I don’t know what I believe and I don’t dare hope, but I can always try. I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday in this mid-winter sabbatical pause where we will gather for our traditional service and strengthen our souls for all that our lives require of us. Stay warm and cozy until then.

In faith, hope and love,

Rev. Vicki

(On Sabbatical Pause from Jan 24- Feb 24)

A Message from Rev. Chris

It was so nice to be able to gather together on Sunday over Zoom for worship as the snow began to fall. We grounded ourselves in truth and grieved the death of Alex Pretti, another peaceful protester killed in Minnesota. It is so good to be together in community at these times, after such a tragedy, and heartening to see so many voices across the political spectrum pushing back against the administration's rush to label Mr. Pretti a domestic terrorist, and calling for a full investigation – the necessity of which we reflected on together in worship.

Rev. Vicki and I have spoken already a few times as she steps back in for the month of February, leading worship these next four Sundays, and kindly providing me an opportunity for a vacation. I will be away from February 8th through the 22nd. READ MORE

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

The UUCGL Annual Pledge Drive Is Coming Soon!

Our annual pledge drive is right around the corner, and it plays a vital role in sustaining UUCGL and advancing our shared mission. The Board of Trustees is preparing for this important effort and is looking for enthusiastic helpers. Fresh ideas and new perspectives are always welcome.

If you’re interested in helping out or have any questions, feel free to connect with any Board member or email board@uucgl.org.

LIVESTREAM REMINDER

A Reminder About Our Livestream

As a caring community, we naturally want to share updates about one another. However, please remember that our services are livestreamed on Facebook, so when you speak during Joys & Sorrows, you're speaking to a public audience.

Please avoid sharing specific medical information about others.

Thank you for helping us protect one another's privacy.

MITTEN TREE

A Message from Lynn Community Health Center

On behalf of our patients and their families, many thanks for the wonderful selection of hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. They are bringing smiles and warmth at this cold and difficult time. Your thoughtfulness and generosity is so appreciated!

Good wishes from the
Lynn Community Health Center Pediatric Staff

UPCOMING PARTNER EVENTS

UU Church of Marblehead

Film Event: Digital Disconnect

Sunday, February 1 | 2-4pm | UU Church of Marblehead

The UU Church of Marblehead’s Social Action Committee invites all to a screening of a powerful documentary exploring how the internet has been increasingly dominated by major corporations—and how this shift may threaten democratic values. A community discussion will follow, led by Professor Rebecca Hains of the Media and Communication Department at Salem State University.

Click on the poster to enlarge

If you plan to attend and the weather looks questionable, please check their website HERE to make sure the event is not cancelled.

Side With Love

February Gathering: Stories of Faith over Fear

Monday, February 9 | 8-9:15pm | Online

Side With Love’s monthly event to strengthen your spirit, make sense of the threats to democracy, and take meaningful action alongside others. Sign up HERE.

Featured UUCGL Programming & Events

To see more dates and gatherings, check out our website Calendar Page

Community Conversations

Sunday, February 1 | 11:30* | Skylight Room

We are kicking off the 2026 Community Conversation with an overview of our Grants and Endowments. This seems to be a “black box” to a lot of folks, so we will try to provide an informative overview to help you understand what we have and how it gets used.

*We’ll start about 15 minutes after the end of service with a goal of lasting no more than an hour.

On every fourth Sunday of the month, your UUCGL Board holds Community Conversations after the service. Please come to learn, ask questions, and share your thoughts as we discuss the important issues facing the future of our community.

Hearts & Arts for Youth:

Sunday Art Adventures to Benefit the Local Community

Sunday, February 8 | 10-11 | Skylight Room

Youth of all ages through high school are invited to join local artist Bruce Orr for hands-on art projects during the Sunday morning faith development classes listed below at UUCGL! In this exciting new program offering, youth are invited to put compassion into action through creative projects—brightening a stranger's mailbox, making prints for neighbors in need, and crafting art that speaks to what they stand for. No experience necessary—just bring your creativity! Feel free to bring friends and spread the word to any local youth (printable flyer here). All materials provided.

Upcoming Sessions:

FEB 8 – Sticker Love: Sticker Making for Valentine's Day

FEB 22 – Stand Up Puppets & Paper Pop-Ups: What Do You Stand For?

Bruce is an art teacher, art therapist, muralist, illustrator, puppeteer, and all-around arts advocate. He is the founder of Inkwell Arts in Peabody.

Questions? Reach out to Rev. Chris.

Family History Group

Tuesday, February 10 | 2:30-4pm | Zoom*

This monthly gathering, facilitated by Penny Stratton, is open to those who are interested in their family history and in tracing their ancestry. Bring photos and anecdotes of one ancestor to show and discuss during part of the meeting; we'll spend the rest of the time discussing where we are in our searches (or where we’d like to begin) and any problems we have encountered. Join us!

*This month's meeting is on Zoom. Register HERE to receive an email with the Zoom link.

This event is sponsored by Seaglass Village and hosted by UUCGL.

NOW AT UUCGL EVERY 2 MONTHS!

Sound Healing

Sunday, March 15 | 2-4pm | Sanctuary

Sound Healing, also known as Vibrational Healing, is a form of non-invasive alternative healing similar to yoga and acupuncture. Endorsed by such disparate figures as the Buddha, Einstein, and Medical Oncologist Mitchell Gaynor M.D., Sound Healing is a deeply effective way to release stress from the body/mind, thus restoring the immune system.

Please join us for this voyage into the bliss, wellness, and healing that can come from profound relaxation via deeply therapeutic sound and tone. The session will be facilitated by sound therapist Joe Hayes.

The fee for this event is $25, paid in advance at uucgl.org/soundhealing.

This event is pre-pay only. We are unable to accept payments at the door. (Payment options include online, or by cash/check delivered to our office at least 2 days before the event. Either way, be sure to register now to save your spot!)

Vernal Pond Presentation & Live Animal Exhibit

Monday, April 13 | 6:30-8pm

SAVE THE DATE: This family-friendly event was very popular in 2023, so we're excited to bring it back!

Co-hosted by The Swampscott Conservancy. More info to come.

SAVE THE DATE to join us at Ferry Beach where you will spend a cozy, relaxing weekend with community enjoying casual conversation, fun activities, healthy & delicious food, and good coffee. There's something for everyone at Ferry Beach, including a sand volleyball court, two playgrounds, a fire pit, an outdoor chapel, and of course, the beach! More info to come.

Recurring Group Meetings and Programs

Use the links below or contact the church for more information. All are welcome!

Room Map

Website Calendar Page

Adult Programs Page

Scheduling Changes:

• The only scheduled Youth Group meeting in February is on Feb. 1

• The Sunday Evening Meditations scheduled for Feb. 8 has been moved to Feb. 1

Sunday Mornings, Sept.-June

10-11am

Most Thursday Evenings

7:30pm, at UUCGL (Sanctuary)

2nd Sunday of the month

11:30am (Fellowship Room)

4th Sunday of the month

11:15am (Skylight Room)

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month

5-6pm (on Zoom)

2nd Sunday of the month

1:30-3:30pm (Sanctuary)

Every other Sunday (see calendar)

12:30-2:30pm (Skylight Room)

Meeting dates vary (see calendar)

In person and on Zoom

[Future meeting dates TBD]

1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month

5-7pm (Kitchen & Parish Hall)

[Classes start November 4th]

Tuesdays, 10-11am (Parish Hall)

1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month

10am-2pm, at UUCGL (Skylight Room)

2nd & 4th Sundays*

5:15-6pm (Sanctuary)

3rd Sundays, every other month

2-4pm (Sanctuary)

Weekly on Tuesdays

Tuesdays, 11-12pm (Parish Hall)

Weekly on Sundays

Sundays, 3:30-5:30pm (Parish Hall)

2nd Tuesday of the month

12-1:30pm (Skylight Room)

Most 2nd & 4th Sundays

6:15-8:30pm (Parish Hall)

Are you following UUCGL on Facebook? Check out our Facebook page and hit the "follow" button to see what’s going on at UUCGL and around our area!

UUCGL Resources

Items for the Weekly Update

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

Stay Connected with UUCGL

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

UUCGL Board of Trustees 2025-2026

Follow this link to meet the board.

Our Website

Looking for information or seeking support from the church and don't know where to start? Head over to the Members Page of our website. Here you can find connections to almost everything going on at UUCGL. Check it out!

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!

Member Portal

Members of UUCGL may contact the office or any member of the staff to obtain the password to our member portal, as we change it periodically.

Thank you to those who have filled out the UUCGL End of Life and Memorial Service Planning Form already. We encourage everyone to complete this form at your earliest convenience — it’s a simple but deeply caring act that helps your loved ones and your ministers know your wishes. Access the form at uucgl.org/planning or pick up a paper copy in the office.

NOTE: most questions are optional. Feel free to fill in only what is comfortable for you. All information will be kept confidential.

Financial Matters

Pledge Payments and Donations

HERE are three 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!