WEEKLY UPDATE | FEBRUARY 4, 2026 | |
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SUNDAY SERVICE
February 8, 2026 | 10:00am
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"The Archeology of Understanding"
Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein, Worship Leader
I went to Greece and France in November with a key question in mind: what are humans doing here, really? Theological reflection (studying the nature of God or the gods) is a central practice for any religious leader but I needed to do some anthropological reflection. What do we think of our own nature? I will be sharing images from my travels.
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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.
| | | | 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. Vicki know. No experience necessary!
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A Message from Rev. Vicki | | |
In the Spirit
One of the enduring claims of the Unitarians and the Universalists is that human beings are created in the likeness of God, who is a loving and nurturing Being/Energy/Presence that wants all of “his” children to do well and be good.
Well, I have always wondered if that essentially high opinion of human beings isn’t a bit over-confident, especially as a lover of history, which features constant struggle between progress and cruelty. We are certainly in a time of revelation of the depravity of which humans are capable, and so I am digging back into some of the original texts of the emerging Unitarian movement to see what encouragement I can find, and also what disagreement I might register with the statements of faith made by our spiritual ancestors. The quest to better understand our world through study and learning has always been my antidote to despair! What is yours? Hiking, knitting, reading to children, making soup, meditating, singing, praying, organizing? Whatever it is, please make time for it, and for a hot beverage. This is the coldest winter I can remember!!
Stay warm in body and spirit.
In faith, hope and love,
Rev. Vicki
| | A Message from Rev. Chris | | |
Recently the words of Daniel Hunter at Choose Democracy have been calling to me. He interviewed activists living under authoritarian regimes around the world. Every single person he spoke with shared the same advice: protect your psychology and let your heart stay soft. Their aim is to wear you down. One colleague from Turkey quipped, “There’s always something bad happening every day. If we had to react to every bad thing, we’d never have time to eat.”
In that spirit, I am reaching out to invite you to think about and share your resources for resilience. What readings, music, practices, or inspirational stories have been helpful to you? If there is sufficient interest and participation, we will create a shared collection to turn to in these difficult times.
If you have a resource you’d like to share, please aim to share it in the next few weeks, by February 22, using this form... READ MORE
| | On Sunday our amazing Youth Group cooked up homemade vegan minestrone and chicken noodle soups to stock the church freezer for anyone in need. They also assembled 100 dinner bags to add to the 100 already assembled in the morning faith development program. These were delivered with love on Monday morning to My Brother's Table. | | |
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.
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The UUCGL Nursery
We could use a few extra helping hands in the Nursery on Sundays this winter and spring. Even pitching in once in a while makes a big difference for our amazing volunteers. If you’d like to volunteer, reach out to Rev. Chris.
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Beyond the Name Badge:
Getting To Know One Another
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Margot Abels
UUCGL member for 1 year
"Just over a year ago, I came to UUCGL as part of my search to plant my feet in a community of generosity, possibility and love. I had recently lost my wife of almost 30 years, both my parents and a dear friend; and I needed a spiritual home. At UUCGL, I found people who were patient with my grief and gave me the space to heal. I remember a woman in the choir walking over to me mid-service with a box of tissues. We exchanged no words but, still, I felt seen, comforted and held. UUCGL is also a congregation which shares my passions — an unapologetic commitment to social justice & a love of beautiful music. Having a community of inspiring folks with whom I can weather the current political storm is a gift."
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‘Be Our Valentine’ Tiny Yard Sale
Wondering what to give your Valentine? We may have just what you are looking for—and the price will be right! Pay whatever you please, and you’ll also be supporting the History Ministry Team’s continuing efforts to give tender loving care to our church’s many beautiful artworks.
Stop by the Tiny Yard Sale in the Parish Hall this Sunday, right after the service.
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Featured UUCGL Programming & Events
To see more dates and gatherings, check out our website Calendar Page
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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.
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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.
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“Close Reading:” An Online Evening Study Gathering
Wednesday, February 11 | 6:30pm | Zoom
Join Rev. Dr. Victoria Weinstein in a conversation about the 1828 sermon, “Likeness To God,” given by Rev. William Ellery Channing at the very beginning of the Unitarian movement in America. You can find the sermon here. You do not need to read the entire sermon! Rev. Vicki will hit the highlights.
Please register to receive the Zoom link. Maximum enrollment, 30. Minimum, 3.
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Community Conversations
Sunday, February 22 | 11:30* | Skylight Room
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.
*We’ll start about 15 minutes after the end of service with a goal of lasting no more than an hour.
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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!)
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The Science of Climate Change in New England — Home of one of the World's Fastest Changing Climates
Monday, March 16 | 6:30pm
New England is warming faster—and losing its snow cover more quickly—than global averages. Rising seas, intensifying droughts, and severe flooding are no longer distant possibilities; they’re emerging across our region right now. Yes, we’ll still see those classic bitter winters and heavy snowfalls, but they’re becoming fewer and farther between.
Join us for an eye‑opening presentation with UUCGL member and climate researcher Professor Stephen Young, who will break down the changes already reshaping New England, the science behind these shifts, and what the future may hold for our communities, landscapes, and seasons.
This talk draws from Professor Young’s latest publication in the journal Climate (December 2025), co‑authored with his son, Joshua Young.
This free event is co‑sponsored by the Swampscott Conservancy—save the date and register now for this presentation you won’t want to miss!
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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.
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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. | |
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Recurring Group Meetings and Programs
Use the links below or contact the church for more information. All are welcome!
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Scheduling Changes:
• The Sunday Evening Meditations scheduled for Feb. 22 will be on Zoom
| | | | 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! | | | | |
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Stay Connected with UUCGL
Visit our Staff Directory HERE to contact any of us. We're here for you!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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