Unitarian Universalist Congregational

Society of Westborough

Sunday Morning at UUCSW

Service at 10:30 am

Necessary Humanity

Led by Rev. Laurel Gray

For this Martin Luther King Sunday, we’re going to investigate some of the core building blocks that make racism and radicalized violence possible: dehumanization and moral exclusion. We’ll look at how these forces work and how Unitarian Universalism pushes back.

This service will be held in the sanctuary and on Zoom:

Join us online at zoom.us/j/89873989254

Join us by phone at 301-715-8592, meeting ID 89873989254

Masks encouraged in the sanctuary.

UUCSW Calendar & Announcements

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Fri, Jan 12, 7:00 pm - Book Group
Sun, Jan 14
9:30 am - Choir Rehearsal
10:30 am - Sunday Service
1:00-2:30 pm - Discussion on “Why We Cannot Turn Away: Resources for UU Leaders Engaging on Israel and Palestine.”
Mon, Jan 15 - Knitting Group
Sun, Jan 21
9:30 am - Choir Rehearsal
9:30 am - RE Classes
10:30 am - Sunday Service
5:30 pm - Youth Group
Mon, Jan 22 - Knitting Group
Weds, Jan 24 - RE Committee Meeting

Why We Cannot Turn Away

UUCSW will be hosting a discussion about Side With Love’s webinar: “Why We Cannot Turn Away: Resources for UU Leaders Engaging on Israel and Palestine.” The webinar video is available for viewing on Vimeo:

View Video Here

Watching the video will be necessary in order to engage in the discussion, so please do so before the meeting dates. The webinar video is approximately 1hr 45min. Please rsvp to Rev. Laurel at [email protected] if you would like to join in this important conversation.

The next discussion date is This Sunday, January 14, 1:00-2:30 pm

SMOC Food and Clothing Drives

NOTE: For the month of January, we are running a special SMOC WARM COAT DRIVE to support the residents at the Worcester shelter. Please consider making a special effort to collect and bring to church any gently used or new coats or warm outer clothing. There is a box in the Sanctuary. We will deliver the clothing on Friday, January 26th .

As usual, SMOC food and clothing donations may now be dropped off in the box in the Sanctuary every Sunday. Bologna can be stored in the upstairs refrigerator in the parlor.

Pictured is our good friend, Frank Boston, at the Queen Street Shelter in Worcester, with Marge Fisher and Pauline Sciarappa.

Garden Committee News

We received $1,000 from Avidia Bank for the Garden Project! We wish to thank them for their generosity and support.

Thank you!

Book Group

Our next book group meeting will be tomorrow, January 12 at 7pm at Central One Bank, 40 South Street, Westborough. The book this month is When We Believed in Mermaids, by Barbara O'Neal. Please contact Susie Wells with any questions: [email protected]. All are welcome!

Community News

Film Screening and Discussion on 'Stamped From the Beginning'

Sunday, Jan.14th at 2:30 pm

First Parish Waltham,

50 Church Street, Waltham

RSVP here!

Based on the book by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, this documentary film directed by Roger Ross Williams will provide an eye-opening view into the history of racism, the origins of racist ideas, and the impact of both on society. This in-person community event promises to be thought-provoking and educational. Come for the movie, discussion, or both. Light refreshments served at 12:15

Join the Adult Religious Education Committee, Social Action Team, and 8th Principle Team at First Parish in Waltham, to observe and share thoughts on these important concepts.

Please join us for the SIXTH annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, an “all ages,” free event taking place on Monday, January 15th from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Westborough High School.

This year’s theme is “Walking the Path to Dr. King’s Beloved Community” and will feature an interview with principal and founder of Brick and Story, LaToya Thomas. Ms. Thomas will then lead small group community conversations centered around this year’s theme. Children are invited to participate in a dedicated children’s program led by Westborough resident and children’s author, Wednesday Boateng, in collaboration with the WHS Black Student Union. Complimentary, light refreshments will be offered to all.

We are requesting pre-registration at https://tinyurl.com/ywamuuzs. Live language interpretation will be available with pre-registration by January 8th.

Energy Webinar

Worried about energy costs? Is your heating system near end of life? Want to reduce your carbon footprint?

Tune into a home energy efficiency webinar on Tuesday, Jan 16 to learn more. Details here:

https://www.westboroughma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=68

LOCAL ACTION ITEM

From Westborough Against Censorship

Library Trustees play a critical role in protecting the freedom to read in our town library. THREE seats are open this cycle.

· Jeanine Mindrum's seat is up for election, and she is running again.

· Mike Karp has submitted signatures for 1 seat. He ran last year but did not win.

WAC doesn't have concerns about either of the above candidates. However:

· As of now, there is 1 library trustee seat for which no one has pulled papers. Might you or someone you know be interested in becoming a library trustee?

The deadline to pull nomination papers to run for a position is January 19 and the deadline for turning in 50 signatures is January 23. (WAC can help with signature collection.)

If you want to learn more about the position, we can connect you with current trustees to learn more. Just reply to this email!

March 12: town election day. Mark your calendar now and make a plan to vote!

Spiritual Practices

Mini-Retreat

Start the New Year a little bit more grounded, at First Parish in Framingham! Rev. Aaron Stockwell Wisman will be hosting a mini-retreat on Spiritual Practices. Attendees will learn 3-4 spiritual practices, with time devoted to experiential learning. There will be an optional light supper after the retreat. Please register! The mini-retreat must have 5 people to run, and there is a limit of 15. Free for members of First Parish Framingham. Others are invited to make a small donation.

Please register at this link https://bit.ly/FPFSpirit to reserve your spot.

Resources

Add Pledge

Donate to UUCSW

ChUUrch Talk Podcast

Submit a Question for the Podcast

Soul Matters Packet - Jan

Submit an Article

RE Volunteer Signup

Schedule a Meeting w/Rev. Laurel