What's Happening
at First Parish -
Our Weekly Newsletter

September 4 - September 14, 2019


 We aspire to be a beacon
of liberal religion, strong community,
and transformative service.

We aspire to be a Beacon of…..
 … Liberal Religion
Sunday September 8  Stone Soup
C elebrate our community and the start of the new church year with our annual blessing of the backpacks, computer bags, or whatever symbolizes the work of this season for you. So please bring them with you! We will also be collecting school supplies for Scituate schoolchildren who cannot afford them (further information in the article below). The choir will be back in full voice, singing Blessing .


Sunday September 15 
 Cherishing the Earth and Ourselves: What's the Story
We begin a new worship series based in creation spirituality, the understanding that the Earth and every bird, bug, stone, tree, and human being are good and interconnected. During the next six weeks we will explore how this understanding can inspire and empower us to protect our Earth. On this first Sunday, we will will look at the stories which help shape our understandings of our relationship to the Earth. As the Religious Education program begins a new year, we will bless all the participants before they go off to their classes. The Choir will sing What a Wonderful World .
From the Minister
Warming oceans, rising sea levels, ever more severe storms, wild fires, summers of unbearable heat and winters that follow no traditional pattern - the signs of climate crisis affect us and our planet. Do you ever feel, like me, overwhelmed and discouraged?  "What can I do? What difference can I make?," I ask,sometimes as a genuine question, sometimes just to answer "nothing." But "nothing" isn't a valid answer and it's not helpful for me or for the health of the planet. So beginning on September 15 we are beginning a series in our worship services which will spill over into opportunities for action and education "Cherishing the Earth and Ourselves" to remind ourselves that rooted in our UU understanding of the inherent goodness of the earth and everything in it, we can make a difference. 

See you in Church!
Pam
Minister's Community Office Hours
Have an idea to share? A question to explore? Join us for conversation and connection at the Lucky Finn in Scituate Harbor, Monday Sept 9, 1-2 p.m. and Saturday September 21, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Monday Night Meditation Returns
Whether you have been meditating for years or want to learn a new spiritual practice, you are invited to gather in the Old Sloop Room on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, 7-8:30 p.m., for a meditation practice. September dates are the 9th and the 23rd.
September's Community Book Discussion on Issues of Diversity
If you're looking for something to read on the beach, by the pool, or while you're hiding from the rain, consider picking up the book we'll be discussing on Tuesday September 17 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) in the Book Club Room at the Scituate Town Library:  All about Love by bell hooks. In this short book, the first of a trilogy on love, author, professor, and feminist bell hooks offers a re-definition of love, not as romance but as the basis of a social ethic for individuals and nations. Copies of the book are available in the library system and also in a pdf version:   http://wtf.tw/ref/hooks.pdf
Womensphere UU Retreat for Women
Womensphere, a Unitarian Universalist women's group in south-eastern New England, invites ALL women to the 2019 Fall Retreat "Circle of Women - Circle of Friends" at Senexet House in Woodstock, CT, on Saturday Sept. 28th - Sunday, Sept. 29th. Come, explore ritual in our lives and honor Gaia and our world. Join singing, dancing, crafts, games, meditation, and sharing. For more details, email  bcdwomensphere@gmail.com
RE Is Gearing Up!
This Sunday we will welcome everyone back as our regular services begin with a multi-generational celebration of the gifts we bring to all our communities. We will also bless backpacks as school begins. Children and youth are invited to bring their backpacks and adults their work bags. After the service, we will register participants and ask parents to sign up for their role in the program this year (teaching, serving on the RE Committee, working on the Pageant, organizing the Easter Egg hunt or other event.)

Classes begin September 15. This year we are starting a new program for 2-4 year olds. We need teachers for that group as well as the pre-K-2, grades 3-5, junior high and high school groups. You don't have to know UU history to teach. In fact, you'll learn by teaching.
... Strong Community
" Fididdle" for A Nautical Christmas Fair
The Fididdlers, our Wednesday morning craft and conversation group, is starting to plan for the Snowflake Fair which will be held on Saturday December 7. The theme for their crafts is "A Nautical Christmas." Come share your ideas at their meeting on Wednesday September 11, 10:30 am - noon.
Transformative Service
Men’s Ministry
The next meeting is Saturday September 7, 2019. Weather permitting they will be putting in plantings in the church gardens. If the weather is bad, they will be working on a project for Religious Services Committee and planning bookshelves for the minister's office. All men and boys are welcome. 
Vigil for Children in Detention, September 13, 7-9 pm
The First Parish Church of Kingston invites us to join them at a Vigil for Children in Detention to bring attention to the conditions under which children are being held on our southern border. The Vigil will be held outside the church, 223 Main St. in Kingston. Parking is available across the streat at the Beal House (their parish house) at 222 Main Street. Please bring flashlights and votive candles in glass containers if you have them. 
School Supplies for Scituate Students
As part of our backpack blessing on September 8, we will be collecting new and unused school supplies for Scituate Community Christmas to distribute through the schools. Items needed include: water bottles, glue sticks, children's scissors, markers, crayons, colored pencils, 3-ring binders, dividers, notebook paper, index cards, highlighters, and pencils. Please consider buying some extra supplies when out shopping for your own student.
The Scituate Food Pantry Needs....
Coffee, sugar, toothpaste & toothbrushes, juice boxes, and mustard.
Please bring items to church on September 15.
Are You Concerned About Diversity in Scituate?
Come learn about the work of Scituate's Unity Council and how to get involved on Thursday, September 12, 6:30-8 p.m., in the Gates Middle School Dining Commons. The Unity Council has been meeting for a few years, offering opportunities for conversation about issues arising in town and in the world, and is looking to refocus those efforts as it also begins to work with the Unity Councils of Cohasset and Hingham. For more information, speak with Pamela Barz.
Calendar for September 4- September 15

Wed. 4th
10:30 am Fididdlers
7:00 pm RE Committee Meeting

Fri. 6th
6:00 pm Parent/Diversity Meeting

Sat. 7th
8:00 am Men's Ministry

Sun. 8th
9:00 am Choir Practice
10:30 am Worship - Multigen- Blessing of the
Backpacks

Monday 9th
1:00 pm Minister's Community Office Hours -
Lucky Finn, Scituate
7:00 pm Meditation

Wed. 11th
10:30 am Fididdlers

Sun. 15th
9:00 am Choir Practice
10:30 am Worship
Save the Date

September 21st
RE Potluck Supper

September 28th
Blue Boat Coffeehouse

September 29th
Synergy Sunday

October 13th
Animal Blessing Service

November 2nd
Silent Movie Night - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Our Mission
Liberal Faith: We commit to participate side-by-side across generations  in worship, religious education, social activities, environmental protection,
and social justice work—learning, sharing, and growing together. 

Strong Community : We commit to care for one another, nurture the light that shines within each of us, and support each other’s individual search for truth and meaning.
 
Transformative Service: We commit to pursue diversity, justice, equality, reason, and discourse;
provide inspiration through music, creativity, and the arts;
and work cooperatively to affect positive change in our community and beyond.