UUCM Monthly News
March 2022
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A Stable Faith
This is a test. This is only a test. And, the points don’t matter. Knowing the answer is WAY more important! Do you know what our congregation’s Mission Statement is? If you do not, you’re in good company.
The UUCM Mission Statement reads:
We are a compassionate, spiritual community that honors every person’s search for truth as we learn and work together to create a better world.
Recently the Board spent some time running a comb through that mission statement, which is a good thing to do every couple of years. We were looking to see if the mission statement was still relevant, helpful in guiding our work, and inspiring. I wanted to know if the Board was lit up by a compassionate, spiritual community. I wondered how we could still claim to honor every person’s search for truth in our post-truth age*. And I wondered if we had any collective idea of what a better world might look like?
Sometime after the board discussion, Marti Kennedy and I were playing around with some of the ideas that had surfaced and we came up with this statement:
We are a spiritual fellowship dedicated to building beloved community within and beyond our doors.
We liked it! It’s short, memorable, and it captures an aspiration. In other words, it has movement. It tells the world what we are up to and points us toward a vision of what would come to be if we were successful in carrying out that mission.
Then Marti raised an interesting point. She believes (and rightly so, I think) that if we were to gather all the souls of UUCM together and ask them to describe the ‘beloved community,’ we would have many different answers! How could it be otherwise in a congregation where whenever two or more are gathered, so are about 25 opinions!
Then we both got curious. How would you describe the ‘beloved community’? What is it about ‘beloved community’ that might make it worth the struggle to bring it about? What would be required of the UUCM community to build beloved community within our doors? What might be the impact to the community beyond our doors? Can you craft an image of it that is so worth the reach, worth our time and effort -- even if we will not live to see it?
Welcome to this year’s Stewardship Campaign! Building Beloved Community Within and Beyond Our Doors.
“Great,” say you, “but what does any of this have to do with Stewardship? Isn’t stewardship about money?”
It is, in the sense that the campaign will end with a request for members and friends to make a financial pledge to the church. It is in the sense that we count on those pledges to sustain the many ministries taking place here at UUCM. But stewardship is about so much more than money. It’s a time of year in which we stop and think -- really think -- about our church community and what it means to us. It is a season in which we are called to reflect upon things like our Mission Statement and how we are doing at living into it. It is about sharing our gratitude for all that is, and our hopes for what may come. And it is a season for rededicating ourselves to the work here.
You will be hearing a good deal more about this Building Beloved Community campaign from the Stewardship Team -- and more about doors as well. (Doors that open easily, doors that conceal, doors that hide surprises, music by The Doors…) I just wanted to give you a heads up, and hopefully get you thinking: “What does beloved community look like to me?”
Congregants, start your thinking engines because over the next month or so, we’re going to be asking for your ideas! And I, for one, can’t wait to hear about your visions!
In Faith,
Rev. Shayna
*Case in point: In November, 2021, scores of QAnon conspiracy theorists converged in Dallas, TX, believing that JFK, Jr. would return on the anniversary of his father’s assassination and usher in a new Trump presidency.
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A Message from Marti Kennedy, UUCM President
How Would I Describe Beloved Community?
In her message this month, Rev. Shayna offers some questions for us:
- How would you describe Beloved Community?
- Can you craft an image of it that is so worth the reach, worth our time and effort -- even if we will not live to see it?
To begin answering this question, I imagined myself traveling forward in time to see the UUCM of the future, well beyond my own lifespan. It was exciting to imagine UUCM not just surviving, but thriving, many, many years from now. That led me to thinking about one of my favorite science fiction characters, and how they travel through time in a spaceship that is bigger on the inside. Then it hit me…
Beloved Community is “bigger on the inside”.
Stay with me… For those who are not familiar with the concept of “bigger on the inside”, it comes from the BBC science fiction TV show "Doctor Who". The spaceship the Doctor travels in is called a TARDIS. The name is an acronym: Time And Relative Dimension In Space. The Doctor travels through space, time, and multiple dimensions, always with the singular goal of protecting the human race, usually with one or more companions.
Those companions are always taken aback at how the outward appearance of the Tardis conceals its interior. It appears to be a police phone box from 1960's Great Britain, with room for no more than one, maybe two, people -- and that would be a squeeze.
When they open the door, everything shifts as they realize it is bigger on the inside. The door opens into the main bridge of the Doctor's spaceship, and it is grand and spacious, with soaring ceilings and passages and staircases leading off to who knows where. We are informed in various ways that the Tardis contains a kitchen, a library, several bedrooms, a bowling alley, and an indoor swimming pool. There is room for everything the Doctor and companions could ever need, want, or imagine.
For me, Beloved Community means there is room for everyone and all that they bring with them. There is room for their hopes, fears, wishes, dreams, beliefs, and values. There is room for their entire selves, their talents, gifts, and skills, room for their ideas and their leadership potential. There is room for their joys, sorrows, mistakes, and growth. There is room for the graceful giving and receiving of wisdom and experience. There is room for innovation, adaptation, and change.
My vision of UUCM creating Beloved Community is a vision of UUCM, not as a tiny, cramped police box with little room to maneuver, but a magnificent future-driven spaceship that is so big on the inside there is room for EVERYTHING we can imagine, so big that we can truly thrive while creating Beloved Community, both within and beyond our doors.
In Faithful Service,
Marti
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The Board Heard You!
On February 20th after Worship, representatives of the Board met with a number of our congregants. In response to their questions, the Board will:
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Post the Draft Board minutes the week following the meeting, rather than asking you to wait a month for the Approved version.
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Post the agenda for the Board meeting in the Weekly update the Friday before the meeting. If you wish to attend, please email board@uucm.org to let us know. Time will be set aside at the end of the business meeting for visitor comments.
The Board meets at 12:30pm in Emerson Hall, generally on the 4th Sunday of the month (check the calendar).
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Join Sunday Worship at 10:30am
Attend in person at UUCM or on Zoom (logging in starting at 10:15).
The Soul Matters theme for March is: Renewing Faith. We will be exploring that through the lens of what it means to be church, winding up with the kick-off to this year's Stewardship Campaign and a focus on the five pillars of spiritual leadership.
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March 6th - Rev. Shayna Appel: “Church vs Country Club: What’s The Difference?”
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March 13th - Rev. Allison Palm from UU Nashua: “A Promise Breaking, Promise Re-Making Church”
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March 20th - Rev. Patrick McLaughlin from UU Manchester: “Commitment”
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March 27th - Rev. Shayna Appel: “Spiritual Leadership”
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Finance Committee News
- Plans are underway for an Online Auction at the end of May.
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Expenses will continue to be less than planned while we are partially shut down due to COVID-19 – but not enough to offset our losses in income.
At the Jan. 30 congregational meeting, we voted to authorize the Trustees of the Endowment and the Treasurer to withdraw up to a maximum of $60,000 from the endowment to fully fund next year’s budget (2022-2023), which will be voted on at our 2022 Annual Meeting. This money exceeds the Standard Distribution from the Endowment voted on in 2017. This voids the $108,000 5-Year Investment Plan voted on in 2018 after the current 2021-22 church year’s budget has been closed.
Finance Committee Happenings
- We welcomed our newest member to the committee: Debbie Maloney.
- Beginning to prepare next year’s budget.
- Working with Stewardship on what financial information we need to present to the congregation as part of the Stewardship Campaign.
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Racial Justice Task Force (RJTF) Speaker Series on Zoom
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the meeting link.
Saving Our Food Ways & Sacred Spaces
Denise & Paul Pouliot, leaders of The Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People
Tuesday, March 1 -- 7:00-8:30pm
Denise and Paul Pouliot will present a short Indigenous historical narrative and contemporary response about being the continued caretakers of their N’dakinna homelands (which includes Milford and a large portion of New England). The presentation will highlight ongoing social and environmental activism and how attendees can be good stewards of Mother Earth by supporting these Indigenous community activities. More information about the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People.
Stay abreast of RJTF projects and news here.
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Widen the Circle Creative Salon
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 940 1395 8842
Passcode: 257737
Widen the Circle Creative Salon begins March 10, 7:00-8:30 pm, and runs on the second and fourth Thursdays through June (via Zoom at first). It is open to UUCM members and friends and is based on the Study Guide for the UUA's report Widening the Circle of Concern.* There will be opportunities to knit, write, draw, paint, think and work creatively to build beloved community within and beyond our doors. No homework is required, but all will be encouraged to listen to a short audio (see below) each week. Drop-ins are welcome, but come to all if you can. Led by Amy Conley and Rev. Shayna Appel. Questions? Email Racial Justice Task Force.
* UUA Commission on Institutional Change, authors of Widening the Circle of Concern, analyzed structural and systemic racism and white supremacy culture within Unitarian Universalism and made recommendations to advance long-term change. See/hear the report.
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Renewing Our Welcoming Congregation Certification
There is a new process at the UUA for recertification of a Welcoming Congregation. We need to be recertified every year. The process is quite straightforward. Each year it involves two Welcoming Worship Services, at least six acknowledgements of Welcoming Days of Observance, one opportunity for the congregation to participate in a Welcoming Religious Education experience, and supporting (giving money or working for) a Welcoming Project. We already do a lot of this. If you are interested in joining this task force, please contact Sandy Frades.
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Same-Sex Couples in History: An Adult Education Gathering
Offered twice: Tuesday, March 8 @ 7pm -or- Wednesday, March 9 @ 4pm
Sandy Frades will look at the history of same-sex relationships in various parts of the world and highlight some iconic and interesting same-sex couples throughout the ages. Some of these couples will be familiar to you; others may be a surprise. How did male and female same-sex relationships evolve differently? What influenced society’s attitudes about same-sex relationships? What curious expressions helped define these relationships in different cultures and time periods? Many types of same-sex unions have existed, ranging from informal, unsanctioned, and short-term relationships to highly ritualized unions that have included marriage.
Sandy is offering the same presentation at two times. Join either meeting here. Meeting ID: 962 0400 7229, Passcode: 046920.
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YOU are Invited to Have Some Crafty Fun!
Monday, March 28 – 10-11:30am in Emerson
The Craft Group invites everyone to join us in making beaded eyeglass holders to sell at the May Craft Fair. All materials will be provided, and crafty people are available to help. You can even come just to chat! If this proves successful, we can make it a monthly event.
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Maintenance Team Announces Spring Work Day - April 9
- Our small and dedicated Maintenance Team works year round on Friday mornings to maintain our sacred space. Their efforts are much needed to reduce the financial strain on our budget, and are truly appreciated. Over the years, they have created new rooms in the basement, redesigned the access to the dais in the sanctuary, replaced windows, installed energy efficient lighting, and much more.
- Although we have made light use of the building during this pandemic, the Maintenance Team has met weekly doing necessary maintenance. In addition to mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling snow and ice, and painting, they have been assisting in the implementation of multi-media worship. Each of the members of this team brings skills and willingness to help.
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How you can help.
- Perhaps you have skills to offer or are just willing to lend a hand. If so, please come any Friday morning 9am-noon, and locate one of the team in the church to offer your assistance.
- Email property@uucm.org so that we can call on you when help is needed.
- Come to one of the semi-annual work days that is held on a Saturday. There will be a Spring Work Day on Saturday, April 9. Come and tackle one of the chores that need doing inside and outside. All welcomed, training provided, snacks offered.
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News Beyond the Pews
Pastoral Care members invite you to share information about UU members and friends whom we haven't seen in awhile. Some current news:
- Ruth Heden enjoys being a member of a Small Group Ministry led Linda Higgs and Linda Pellerin via Zoom on her telephone. Ruth, a long time member, is a past president of our UUCM Council (now known as the Board).
- Barbara Livoli has moved from Milford to reside with her daughter in Peterborough.
- Mimi Moulton, our oldest and longest time church member, would enjoy receiving a phone call from folks who know her. She is housebound due to health concerns and Covid.
- Betty Sweeney moved to New Mexico and shares a home with her sister.
If you have news to share in our next newsletter, please contact Elise deMichael.
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Donate Food to SHARE in March
Please purchase and deliver Canned Fruit, Flour, Sugar, Boxed Cake Mixes & Baking Supplies, Coffee & Tea, Juice, Granola to SHARE this month. Click to see where to drop off donations.
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Save the Date
UUCM May Sale: Sat. May 14 - 8:30am ‘til 2pm
The UUCM May Sale will feature Ritzy Boutique items and handcrafted items made by UUCM members and friends.
For this sale to be successful, we need your help! Please donate gently used items such as small household items, small electronics (in working condition), jewelry (bagged separately), accessories, table linens, framed artwork, vases, dishes, paperback books, specialty books, CDs, children’s toys and books, curios, and collectibles. Items can be delivered to UUCM and put in the Alcott Room (main floor). NO clothing or furniture. Questions? Contact Holly Hornor or Linda Pellerin.
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To contact UUCM leadership:
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Jamie, our administrator, is in the office Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-2:30pm. You can reach her at 603-673-1870 or at office@uucm.org.
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Rev. Shayna can be reached at minister@uucm.org.
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The UUCM Board can be reached at board@uucm.org.
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For Pastoral Care Assistance in March: Contact Holly Hornor or office@uucm.org
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What in God's Name Podcast
Tune in each Thursday for this podcast with Rev. Shayna and Rev. Chris Owen that pushes back against the binaries of politics and economics to uncover the pearls found in theological and philosophical exploration of today's current events. Says Shayna, "We don't break the news. We break it down!" Each show runs about 20-25 minutes. To listen to previously released podcasts or to sign up to receive notices for new podcasts, click here.
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Weather Cancellations at UUCM:
It’s Snowing – Are Sunday Services/Programming Canceled? If so, you can still participate via Zoom. To find out whether we will be meeting in church:
- Call the Church at 603-673-1870. If in-person church is canceled, the answering machine will tell you.
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Check the calendar on the website. The title will say "Worship Service (Online Only due to weather)".
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Check WMUR-TV (News 9) or http://www.wmur.com/weather/closings and look for “Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Milford” under the letter U.
NOTE: These closure notices apply to church services and programs only. It is up to group leaders, committee chairs, and renters to notify their people if a meeting is canceled.
Closings on Other Days:
If the office is closed, there will be a message on the answering machine. It is best to call ahead to ensure someone is in the office. For meetings or activities, check with the group leader.
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UUCM 603-673-1870 office@uucm.org
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