We are a spiritual fellowship dedicated to building beloved community

-- within and beyond our doors.

Minister Musings by Rev. Julie Lombard

October’s worship theme, the Practice of Deep Listening, asks all souls, “What is it you hear? How do you listen? And can you listen more deeply?”

In his book, A Hidden Wholeness, American author, educator, and activist, Parker Palmer says, “We all have an inner teacher whose guidance is more reliable than anything we can get from a doctrine, ideology, collective belief system, institution, or leader.”

After moving for a job as a community organizer and teacher at Georgetown University, Palmer became involved with the Quakers. In a Quaker meeting, one sits in a circle, allowing the silence to fill the space. In that silence a voice of wisdom calls from deep inside those gathered. Some lift their voices while others just listen.

It's difficult for Unitarian Universalists to dive deep into such a space where we can hear more than we bargain for. We prefer our wisdom to find us through words, spoken and received, and then ponder, and ponder some more. But in the month preceding our national election, could deep listening offer us a valuable tool we might use to help us understand another’s perspective or even one of our own perspectives that’s never been fully understood?

We have all gone into the woods at one time or another and closed our eyes and just listened. Soon the sound surrounds us in a new way; we hear wind through the trees, animal and bird calls, and even the distant sounds of humans moving about in their busy lives -- car and truck engines, a motorcycle puttering by, or a far-off airplane. When we stop and listen, we can hear so much more.

“Still yourself and listen and soon, in time, the Mystery will begin to speak to you, through its thousand disguises as life on Earth.” – Mark Nepo



Perhaps it’s time we refocus ourselves, quiet our hearts and minds, to hear the mystery and listen to the story it’s trying to tell us. Join us all month for worship that will make you think about the ways you listen.

From the President's Desk

I've just come from a lengthy board meeting. Why lengthy, you might ask? With our many competent people, all working hard to make sure we meet the needs of our congregation, surely we don’t need such lengthy meetings? 

Well, here is a summary of what we discussed: 

• Imagined how we can best empower people in our congregation to conduct effective fundraising.
• Brainstormed how best to get our Religious Education program to work for our young people.
• Discussed our organization and ways that we can create synergy so that our work makes us all stronger, more creative, and happier.
• Planned partnerships with other faith-based organizations such as the Center for Spiritual Living and the Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP).
• Listened to each other, learned from each other, and now seek to work with you. We want to hear your thoughts and develop ideas you might have. 

So…. we invite you all to participate with us in conversations we're calling "Coffee with the Board". These chats will take place on third Sundays in the Fireside room at noon in months when the Board is not already meeting with the congregation on other matters in November, February, and March. We think these coffee chats will encourage folks to think about our long- and short-term goals and our relationships with the community. 

These chats are not intended to supplant the October 6^th Leadership Training when committee chairs, Board members, and staff will have a chance to re-invent their internal organization, decision-making process, and operational apparatus. I am personally excited to be a part of it, and am looking forward to hearing more.

We're all excited about the Mindful Improv Night on October 4 from 7 to 9, for the Pumpkin Fest (Oct. 12-13), and the Holiday Fair (Dec. 7). We will keep you posted through the newsletter on these volunteer opportunities. We're eager to see planning beginning on the church's biggest fundraiser of the year.

Thanks to all of you for making our church so warm and welcoming!

Michael

October’s Worship Theme: Deep Listening

Listening helps us find our way. The listening of therapists allows us to navigate our way through life. We turn to prayer to hear God’s guidance. We listen to experts so we can get ahead. Like a flashlight that leads us through the darkness, listening helps us stay on course.

Read about living love through the practice of deep listening.

October Worship Services

October 6 – Sound Practice

Rev. Julie Lombard

Pauline Oliveros was a composer, performer, teacher, philosopher, technological innovator, and humanitarian who liked to challenge the way people listened. We will look to the wisdom she left behind. She viewed deep listening as the foundation for a radically transformed social matrix where compassion and love are the core motivating principles guiding creative decision making and actions in the world. Come, learn from the master of Sound Practice and experience worship that goes deep into new territory. 

October 13 -- Your One Wild and Precious Life 

Worship at Peabody Mill Environmental Center (Family Sunday)

Worship Team

Peabody Mill Environmental Center is a home away from home right here in the Souhegan Valley. In the woods, nature holds you to a different standard. You feel smaller, but your spirit grows bigger. Join us for a morning of spiritual renewal, contemplation, simple soul enriching activities, and thoughtful conversation. Your life becomes precious when you fill it with what sustains and enriches you. Bring a lunch, enjoy friends and family, and take a break from the already hectic pace of a new season.  Directions to Peabody Mill  

October 20 -- Everyone was Listening

Rev. Julie Lombard   

Today’s worship is about a time when a Unitarian Universalist church had to make a difficult decision. We think that people should be free to believe what they believe instead of professing a belief in what they are told to believe. This is what we mean when we say our faith is "creedless". James Luther Adams was a theologian and social ethicist who taught at the Meadville Lombard Theological School, right across the street from the church where this hard decision was made. As a member of the congregation's board, Adams challenged the leaders to listen. Join us for worship that expands the human horizon.

October 27 -- Listening is Caring

Rev. Julie Lombard

UUCM’s Pastoral Care team underwent a big change to better meet the needs of our members and friends. While many committees lighten their load during the summer months, Pastoral Care took this time to reorganize their effort and doubled down. Dividing their tasks into four main focuses, team members stepped up to coordinate each specific task they tackle. In addition to all of that, they recruited new members. Come hear how reorganizing helped them share the load of loving up this beloved community and hear how people are impacted and inspired by this part of our shared ministry. 

Sunday Worship Zoom link is Changing

The Zoom link for Sunday worship will be changing as of Sunday October 6. The church website, calendar and weekly newsletter will have the new link. If you have a private copy of the link, you may need to update your link.

Help with Sunday Services

On Sundays, you are encouraged to participate in or help with various aspects of the service that we all enjoy. Sign up to be a Worship Reader, Garden Door greeter, bring Sunday snacks, help with Coffee Hour setup/cleanup, or pass the Collection Plate.  Sign up here.

Children and Youth Committee (CYC) News

Co-chairs Marti Kennedy & Julie Adl-Zarabi

• Children’s Circles will be offered at UUCM on October 6 and October 20, with a Halloween party during circle time on October 27. Costumes are welcome, but optional.
• On October 13, a Family Sunday service will be held at Peabody Mill Environmental Center. See the Worship description for details.

Adult Ed: Bollweevils and Bullmoose: A Lighthearted History of Party Politics in the US

Wednesday, October 9 at 4pm on Zoom 

We are in the midst of an election cycle where political parties define the polarized viewpoints of many Americans. We think that what we’re agonizing over now is unique in American history, but it isn’t. If you look at the history of political parties in the country, you find some classic positions, some one-issue parties, some parties that we cringe about now, and some that were so limited in thinking that they didn’t live to see another election. Join us on Zoom for a light refresher on American perspectives, party-style. This program will NOT promote the viewpoints or positions of either major party in this election or any election. It’s just a lighthearted way to keep our frustrations under wraps and take a longer view of the political process. Questions: Nancy Baker

Adult Ed: The Surface of Mystery: The Alpha & the Omega: A Comparative Look at How Religious Traditions View Creation and the End of Human Time

Wednesday, October 23 at 4pm on Zoom

The Surface of Mystery series continues on the 4th Wednesday each month.

We’ll look at one religious or spiritual tradition each month and explore its ideas about how the world began and how it will end through the lens of theology, philosophy, mythology, art, and literature. The work of Huston Smith will anchor the comparative theology. The traditions included will be: Primal religions, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Taoism and Native American perspectives. And you get a handout each time! Questions: Nancy Baker

Mindful Improv Showcase

Friday, Oct 4 from 7-9pm

Come join us for a memorable night of creativity, depth, and fun. Audience members can watch the improv or take part. There is no pressure to participate, but there will be room to do so. Fun for all ages! Individuals $10; Families $20. Read more here about this UUCM fundraising event.

UUCM Leadership Training

Sunday, Oct 6, 12-2pm

In this 1st of three training sessions, we will cover leadership basics, roles, communication, and expectations. There will be Google Drive training by Dona Eaton and ReOrg training by Marti Kennedy. All are welcome and lunch is provided. If you plan to attend, please email office@uucm.org so that we'll have sufficient handouts and lunch.

Community Sing-Along

Thursday, October 11, 7-9:30pm

All are welcome to a singalong and jam session using the Rise Again Songbooks with songs we all love to sing. Instrumentalists and voices of all sorts are welcome! Even you! Songbooks are available, but feel free to bring ten copies of your favorite song lyrics (music or chords optional). Need more information? Contact: Amy Conley

Pumpkin Festival Fundraiser

October 12 & 13 from 10-3

Come one, come all to UUCM's booth on the corner of Elm & Union Streets on the Community Lawn. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a dish of delicious apple crisp.

UUCM Free Community Supper

Weds., Oct 16, 5:30-6:30pm

Connect with church friends and members of the community for supper! Tasty, healthy meals with a veggie option are being served. Questions? Or want to volunteer to help? Contact Nancy Danzinger.

Pastoral Care Assistance

A Pastoral Care request may be made by contacting either Rev. Julie Lombard, Jamie (Congregational Administrator), or Nancy Danzinger (Pastoral Care Chairperson).

SHARE Needs Your Support

Please purchase toothbrushes & toothpaste, deodorants, shampoo & conditioner, bar soap, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes for the Food Pantry at SHARE. Leave under the sign in Barnum Hall or click to see where to drop off food donations.

Members - Get the Latest UUCM Directories

UUCM members: Click here for these directories:

• Leadership Directory lists members of leadership and committees with contact information.
• Church Directory lists all UUCM members & friends. An asterisk indicates those who have signed the Membership book.

Contact Info for UUCM Personnel and Leadership:

• Jamie, our administrator, has open office hours from 10am-2pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. To schedule an appointment, please call 603-673-1870 x1 or email office@uucm.org. On Wednesday and Friday, she works remotely and can be reached by email.
• Rev. Julie is available by phone or by appointment Sun-Wed, and Thurs in emergencies. Call or text her at 603-724-0978. Email is the slowest way to connect with her, so do not use email to relay emergency info.
• The UUCM Board can be reached at board@uucm.org.

Find it on UUCM.org

The easiest and quickest way to find information on our website is to use the Search feature. Enter a word or two into the search box located at the upper right on any page.

UUCM 603-673-1870 office@uucm.org