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Winchester Unitarian Society
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Highlights
February 23, 2017
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Sunday, February 26th: Inherent Worth: Reflections on Social Class
With Rev. Heather Janules
Worship Associate: Phyllis Preston
The Occupy Movement...rising economic inequality..."liberal elites" and"white, working class voters": Recent social movements have shone a light on economic issues and divides in our nation. But these issues are personal ones; we each have a story of social class and how it impacts our lives, our families, our communities and our congregation. In advance of the Class Conversation to be held on Saturday, March 4th, this service will move beyond the headlines to consider the role of social class in our world.
This Sunday, we share our gifts with Big Creek People in Action, serving the people of McDowell County, West Virginia, the sixth poorest region in the nation. BCPIA supports residents through “education and literacy, leadership development, volunteer service, service learning, arts and culture, housing, recreation, and collaborative partnerships. BCPIA's vision…is one of empowered and self-sufficient people living in communities that are economically vibrant, democratic, and socially just.”
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Music News.
Children's Chorale meets every Tuesday from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. in the Spirit Play room in the RE wing. This is a wonderfully spirited group of young singers (grades 2-6) who meets weekly to sing, play games, and learn about music. All are welcome and no previous singing experience is necessary. If you know of any young person interested in having a great time while making music, please be in touch with music director John Kramer at john.kramer@winchesteruu.org.
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This month, Identity: In our Worship services we will be exploring the theme of identity. "Who am I?" is a question worth asking at any age. "Who are we?" is a question worth asking in any family or group. Our groups will explore the themes raised in each week's Time for All ages. This week, "What can build together that we cannot do alone?"
Religious Education Morning: Children start in the Sanctuary and after the Time for all Ages depart for Religious Education Classes. This morning grades 1-3 meet upstairs with Ms. Kristin. Grades 4-6 meet upstairs with Ms. Jill, Pre-K/K meet with Ms. Mia and Ms Georgia on the main level. Childcare available for babies and toddler in the Playroom.
Afternoon Programs:
Families of 7th and 8th Graders, please note. Your middle schooler is invited to church on the first Sunday of the month. We invite our 7th and 8th graders to sit together in designated pews during the service.
Our Whole Lives and F8th in Action are on Hiatus until February 26th, for the first weekend of Public School vacation. Enjoy the days off and go play in the snow!
Please note that Rebecca will be away from the congregation February 18 - 25th. Please contact either chairperson (Kerry Bartlett and Noelle Morealle) of the Religious Education Committee with any program questions and Heather Janules or Deborah Morgan Bennett for any pastoral concerns.
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March 9th 12:30-2:30 p.m. Parent Conversation
The riskiest conversations can be about money. How do we give our children a comfortable life without feeding into the culture and expense of “branded children”. How can we help them be wise about money and set their own priorities for how to spend, save and share? Come share your insights, questions and challenges while your children explore their own relationships with spending, sharing and saving.
We often have information and/or scheduling changes to share with families. If you have a child pre-k through 8th grades, please give us your current email address so that we may communicate more effectively with you. You can send it to rebecca@winchesteruu.org
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Family Worship: Heather Janules leads this 20 minute service designed for our younger members and their families.
Bonus RE Thursday March 9th concurrent with Parent's Conversation (early release days from Winchester Public Schools) We will be hearing the story of the moonjar and creating our very own to take home.
Next Religious Education Committee Meeting March 1st, 9:00 AM Michelsen room.
GROWTH AND LEARNING: Next Growth and Learning Meeting March 8th, 7:00 PM Michelsen Room
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WUSYG: Winchester Unitarian Society Youth Group
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Upcoming WUSYG Events:
Feb. 26: Regular WUSYG Meeting, 4:30-6:30 pm.
Save the Date:
March 17-19: WUS will host "Another World is Possible: Youth Justice Weekend," which will be a retreat including youth from several other groups in the Boston area.
Please email the Director of Youth Ministries, Sam Wilson, for further information about WUSYG and Youth Ministry at WUS: sam.wilson@winchesteruu.org or WUSYouth@gmail.com
To subscribe to our newsletter and/or for more detailed information about contacting Sam and following him/WUSYG on social media, please
Click Here.
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Staff Transition
To My Dear WUS Community,
I am sorry to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as Church Administrator, effective March 17th. I had a wonderful time working for the Winchester Unitarian Society. I loved being a part of the community that you create weekly, through worship, committee work, and just showing up when something needs doing. I am grateful every day that I got to work in a place where I can practice my UU values daily. I learned an incredible amount from this job, and I look forward to building on all of those lessons at my next job.
In related news, we are in the process of gathering a Search
Committee to begin looking for a new Administrator. When that group has been confirmed, we will announce them to the congregation. We hope to make this a smooth transition, so Rev. Heather and I will be available to answer any questions and concerns that you may have about it.
Thank you,
Emily Soule
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Winchester Unitarian Society 2017 Annual Pledge Drive
Wanted: 100% participation by all!
The WUS annual pledge drive continues through
March 12
. Thank you for giving serious consideration to what you can pledge for the next fiscal year and making that commitment by pledging online at
http://winchesteruu.org/pledge-177.html
or by returning your completed pledge card to the church office by
Sunday, March 12th
. Got questions? Contact Pledge Drive Coordinator Cynthia Randall,
cynthiarandall@comcast.net
.
Sunday, February 26
Testimonial by Judy Murray - If not for our choir…
“If not for our choir, who would supply the spiritual punctuation to the words and emotions of our worship service, knitting together an uplifting message of hope, joy, unity, transcendence?”
Sunday, March 5 in the Parlor
Join Steve Milt, co-treasurer of WUS, after the service to learn more about the principal components of the operating budget. Almost 60% of WUS budgeted operating income is financed by our pledges. As we continue to grow demands on our budget also increase including:
- 3% Cost of Living Adjustment, based on the department of labor statistics. This will be an increase of approximately $12,000.
- Funding new committees and initiatives including WUS Mental Health Awareness, WUS Racial Justice Team, Caring Network, Soup and Conversation, and the Green Sanctuary.
- Additional funding to maintain our historic building. Deferred maintenance needs, including the roof, need to be addressed.
- Updating furnishings. Interior improvements of the church are long overdue.
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Check Out Our Symmes Room Experiment
Prompted by wanting to create a more user-friendly space for the Social Action and Outreach table and to create a better post-service coffee hour traffic flow, the staff has undertaken a space-use shuffle in Symmes. As we are just experimenting with this new flow, please let us know what you think. Are the information areas more accessible? How about getting coffee and snacks after service? For those that prefer to sit during coffee hour, were you able to do so easily? To help us gather all input, please e-mail your responses to intern Deb at debmorganbennett@winchesteruu.org or to Emily at office@winchesteruu.org
We hope this helps provide all with a good coffee hour experience AND enables you to better see the Social Action opportunities available near-by!
In Service, Your Staff
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Guest at Your Table
If you haven’t already, please turn in your Guest at Your Table box and check payable to UUSC during the February 26 service or to the WUS office by 12 noon on March 1. For more information about the Guest at Your Table program and the UUSC, go to: http://www.uusc.org/welcome-to-guest-at-your-table/ Thanks very much!
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Join us for Third Thursdays: An Interfaith Worship Experience
On March 16th, we will kick off a series of three monthly mid-week Worship services. The others will take place April 20th and May 18th. Exact details are in the making and you are invited to join intern minister Deb in the creation. There will be a planning meeting held Saturday, February 25th at 12:30 pm in The Meyer Chapel directly following the Qi Gong workshop. If you are unable to attend at that time but would like to contribute your ideas and talent please e-mail Deb at debmorganbennett@winchesteruu.org.
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Supporting WUS through Strategic Giving:
The Charitable IRA Rollover
Presented by Mark Shepherd
Sunday, Feb 26, 12 p.m. in the Parlor
Join WUS' own Mark Shepherd for this informative program for our older members, who are required by the IRS to make taxable Minimum Required Distributions upon reaching 70 ½ years of age.
This is the first in a series of revealing presentations by the Stewardship and Finance Committee and leading experts to offer powerful ways to support WUS while reducing taxes and achieving significant personal, family, and business goals.
Lunch will be served and RSVPs are encouraged by clicking here, or calling the church office at 781-729-0949.
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CLASS CONVERSATION
SAT MARCH 4TH
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
How does social class shape our identities?
Our congregation?
Our community?
What assumptions do we make about social class that may not be accurate?
How do class differences challenge our relationships?
How can we foster greater understanding and more inclusive communities?
What questions does this photo raise?
A facilitated workshop through the UUA's Class Conversations Project
Sliding Scale Participation Fee: $0-$30
Contact Rev. Heather if you plan to attend.
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From The Music Committee:
St Paddy's Day Celebration: On March 17th, we will celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with the legendary performer Robbie O’Connell. A native of Waterford, Ireland, Robbie started performing at the age of thirteen. After touring with the Clancy Brothers, he released his first solo album in 1982. He hasn’t stopped since and we are delighted to have him along with fiddler Rose Clancy. Mark your calendar and help us to spread the word about an evening that is bound to be a foot tapping, high-spirited event! http://www.robbieoconnell.com
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PRESENTATION MATTERS
We hope you like the fresh nametags and their newly-crafted presentation board in the church foyer. Thanks to the skilled carpentry and finish work of Chuck Khuen plus Sophia Sid’s systematic review of 400+ old tags and uniform printing of all their replacements, the clutter and traffic congestion next to the entry to the sanctuary has been greatly reduced. No more tags falling to the floor, and doors swinging wide while attendees search for them in semi-darkness! If your nametag requires a correction, please let the greeter/ushers know and a new one will be made. Also, the old tags have been set aside temporarily, and are available on request for those who wish to keep them.
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Social Action and Outreach
Come hear Black Lives Matter Boston activists
on the front lines talk about the context of black history, and what the struggle looks like today! Discover how individuals and faith communities can make a difference.
Sunday, February 26
from 3 - 4:30 pm First Parish UU in Brookline, 382 Walnut Street.
What’s happening with the Sanctuary Movement?
There’s a rapidly developing network working to organize resistance to new federal policies on immigrants. UU Mass Action is primarily working with: Cosecha Fe, MCAN (Mass Community Action Network), Episcopal City Mission & Brockton Interfaith and Boston New Sanctuary Movement. For articles and resources:
http://www.uumassaction.org/campaigns/immigration/
The Path Toward Sanctuary: A Practical Guide
This
webinar
will be led by the
UU College of Social Justice
and Katia Hansen, President and CEO of
UU Refugee & Immigrant Services and Education (UURISE)
, and will focus specifically on what it means to become a Sanctuary congregation and how to get there. We’ll also consider other ways to be in solidarity with those most at risk in this new political landscape.
Monday, February 27 from 7:00-9:00 pm (ET) Register
here:
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WUS Mental Health Awareness & Support Initiative (MHASI)
WUS Mental Health Awareness & Support Initiative (MHASI)
Creating ways to support one another whether we are living with a mental illness, facing a mental health challenge, or are close to someone who is.
UPCOMING PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
❖
WUS Family & Caregiver Support Group
, a drop-in group for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness, facilitated by Jacquie Serebrani-Kesner, of the National Alliance on
Mental Illness.
Tuesday, February 28, 6:45-8:45 p.m. in Michelsen
Mental Health Support Group Meets Tuesday, March 14
WUS Peer-to-Peer Support Group, a drop-in group for anyone who is living with a mental health disorder or is facing an emotional health challenge. The group is facilitated by a WUS member and a leader from NAMI.
Tuesday, March 14, 7-8:30 pm in the Parlor
All WUS support groups are co-facilitated and provide a safe and confidential setting for mutual support and the sharing of resources.
Looking for other local support groups or resources? MHASI recommends contacting the Massachusetts chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),
www.namimass.org/NAMI
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"The WUS Mental Health Awareness & Support Initiative (MHASI) is sponsoring a Community Book Read on Wednesday, March 29th of "An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness" by Kay Redfield Jamison. There will be a discussion of the book from 7-9pm in the Parlor. All are welcome to attend. Contact KarenErikson@comcast.net for more information.
From the publisher: In her bestselling classic, An Unquiet Mind, Kay Redfield Jamison changed the way we think about moods and madness. Dr. Jamison is one of the foremost authorities on manic-depressive (bipolar) illness; she has also experienced it firsthand. For even while she was pursuing her career in academic medicine, Jamison found herself succumbing to the same exhilarating highs and catastrophic depressions that afflicted many of her patients, as her disorder launched her into ruinous spending sprees, episodes of violence, and an attempted suicide. Here Jamison examines bipolar illness from the dual perspectives of the healer and the healed, revealing both its terrors and the cruel allure that at times prompted her to resist taking medication. An Unquiet Mind is a memoir of enormous candor, vividness, and wisdom - a deeply powerful book that has both transformed and saved lives."
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"Incorporating Innovation": Your Stories Needed
Another part of our Vision Statement is "Incorporating Innovation: As an evolving faith, we welcome and integrate innovative ideas, technologies, and practices that will help us improve all that we do, especially our ministries, programs, and outreach." We will explore this vision in worship on 3/5.
What has been your experience of the ways WUS incorporates innovation? Send your thoughts and stories to Rev. Heather at heather.janules@winchesteruu.org before 2/24.
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JOIN US FOR SOUP & CONVERSATION,
WED., MARCH 8,
12:30 p.m.
All are invited to our next
Soup & Conversation,
hosted by the Pastoral Care Associates, on
Wednesday, March 8th, at 12:30 p.m. in the Parlor. Come
spend time with old friends and meet new ones while enjoying bowls of delicious and healthful soups, freshly prepared by a team of WUS youth and chef master Rebecca Kelley-Morgan. If you know in advance you will be able to attend, please RSVP to Sara Delano at 781-729-6800 or
sdelano1@msn.com
so we have an approximate head count. (Last-minute drop-ins are also very welcome.) Please let Sara know if you will need a ride.
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AN INVITATION TO “EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS”
– Sunday, March 12
Newcomers to Winchester Unitarian--and long-timers who would like to get better acquainted with them--are invited to lunch and discussion after church on Sunday, March 12, hosted by Rev. Heather and the Membership Committee. We will share brief experiences from our spiritual journeys: what brought us to Winchester Unitarian, perhaps; or what we find most inspirational or meaningful in our lives now. To sign up for the lunch, RSVP to Vicky Coccoluto (vcoccoluto@yahoo.com) or Barbara Keyes (barbk25@gmail.com) Membership Co-Chairs. A follow-on session for newcomers will be directed to Unitarian Universalist history--major figures and turning points in our religious tradition--and is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, April 30. All are welcome!
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Saturday, February 25th 9:30 – 12:30 PM - In the Meyer Chapel
Join intern Minister, Deborah Morgan Bennett for a morning exploring the ancient Taoist practice of Qi (pronounced chee) Gong.
Through gentle movements, postures and a focus on the breath discover how this simple practice can be a powerful way to free up stuck energy, gain vitality and experience a deep connection to the energy of the universe.
We will take a little time to dip into some of the philosophy behind the practice and learn a simple 20 minute flow to practice at home. No special equipment is needed. Wear comfortable clothing and come with a curious mind.
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The Grief Support Group
The Grief Support Group will meet Tuesday, March 21st from 7:30-9:00 pm (to be held in the Winchester Unitarian Society Parlor / go in the 478 Main Street circular drive door and to your right.) All are warmly welcome to attend.
The Grief Support Group is open to anyone in the community who has experienced loss and seeks a caring environment to process the complex feelings of grieving. If you have experienced a death of someone in your life and would like to explore your grief with other people who have also experienced loss, please consider attending a grief support group meeting. Everyone makes his or her own individual journey after experiencing loss. Our group has found that by sharing our journeys with each other, we are strengthened and comforted.
The grief support meetings start with a reading and then a check-in by participants. You can say as much or as little as you feel comfortable saying (you can also choose to pass if you want.) Usually personal check-ins last a few minutes each and should be uninterrupted. Then the conversation opens up. The facilitator usually starts off this conversation with a topic or question to discuss. The meetings conclude at 9pm. Our meetings are confidential- we ask that everyone observe the guideline that what is said in a meeting, stays in the meeting.
Upcoming Schedule for the Grief Support Drop-In Group
Wednesday, April 26th Parlor 7:30 - 9 pm
Please feel free to contact Karen Erikson (781-729-7249 or by email at "KarenErikson@comcast.net") if you would like more info on the Grief Support Program at WUS -or- feel free to just show up at a meeting. No rsvp needed.
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Community News
The Drought, Biodiversity and Climate
A presentation on “The Drought: Biodiversity and Climate” will be held Wednesday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road. The program will focus on the effects of last year’s drought and how the loss of biodiversity leads to climate change. Andy Hrycyna of the Mystic River Watershed Association and Jim Laurie with Biodiversity for a Livable Climate will be the featured speakers. The program, sponsored by the Winchester Farmers Market Community Hub (info@wfmchub.org) will be followed by a moderated discussion with representatives from different local environmental groups.
“Constructive Conversations Across Differences” is the theme of the Multicultural Network’s annual free community workshop which will be held on Saturday, March 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Essential Partners (formerly the Public Conversations Project) will provide professional facilitation. Participants will learn skills that enable them to have constructive conversation with those whose perspectives differ from their own. Registration is limited. Please email office@wmcn.org. For updated information about Network activities, see www.wmcn.org
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Seeking Worship Associates
The Worship Associates are ready to expand their circle and welcome the next generation of partners in worship leadership. Ideal candidates are open to the experience of public speaking, have a natural appreciation for the art of worship and seek to serve the congregation-at-large. Overall, we aim to create a Worship Associate team that represents the age, gender, ethnic and theological diversity of the congregation. We especially welcome the presence and participation of youth!
There is also a behind-the-scenes job: researcher of worship elements, an ideal role for those who love poetry and reflective prose but who are not big fans of public speaking.
Those who are interested in learning more should contact Peter McEntee (peter.mcentee@comcast.net) or the Rev. Heather Janules (heather.janules@winchesteruu.org).
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Monday Night Candlelight Yoga
6:30 – 8:00 pm in the Meyer Chapel
January – March (No classes 2/20)
It is not too late to join us for our Winter Session of gentle Kripalu-style yoga with teacher Jamie Sokolowski (right)! Deep breathing (pranayama) brings warmth and focus. Yoga postures (asanas) gently stretch and strengthen, enhance balance and counter patterns of daily tension. Connecting breath and movement deepens self-awareness and enlivens our sense of being. If you have never done yoga before, or only just a bit, Jamie gives clear guidance through a slow flow of postures, offering support as we go. If you have more experience, you are invited to take the postures to your own depth of challenge. Ten-class ($150), 5-class ($75) and drop-in ($15) options available. Questions? Email fritzie.nace@gmail.com.
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Joys, Sorrows and Transitions
If you are facing a time of joy, sorrow or transition in your life, our ministers and the Pastoral Care Associates are available to offer a listening ear, compassionate presence and, if applicable, resources.
You may reach the Rev. Heather Janules or Intern Minister Deborah Morgan Bennett through the office at 781.729.0949. They can also connect you with a Pastoral Care Associate or the Caring Network (providing short-term, practical support like rides and meals.) To learn more about the PCAs, pick up a brochure when you are in the church.
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Rev. Heather Away 2/21-2/25
As Heather is moving to her new home in Woburn Highlands, she will be on vacation from 2/21-2/25. Contact Intern Minister Deborah Morgan Bennett or one of the PCAs through the office in the event of a pastoral need.
Rev. Heather looks forward to inviting the WUS community to an open house sometime soon!
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For the month of March, the Woburn Food Pantry needs canned soups such as chicken noodle and cream of mushroom, and ramen noodles. Every month the director of the pantry lets us know which items are in low supply so that our contributions can have the most impact. In the month of March and in months moving forward, donations drop off significantly although the need continues to grow. Please place your donations in the bin under the new-and-improved Social Action area in the Symmes Room. In addition to the 30 Thanksgiving baskets, the congregation has donated 94 non-perishable food items since October. Thank you for your contributions! For additional information contact Mary Saudade at msaudade@comcast.net.
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Coffee Hour Refreshments
Do you need to sit while sipping and talking? If so, look for the card table set up by one of the cushioned benches at the back of the Symmes Room. If you don't see it, let Mike Donegan or Maggie Russell know.
For the upcoming church year, we need volunteers to bring refreshments for coffee hour on Sundays. Please go to http://winchesteruu.org/hospitality-171.html and click on 'Volunteer Sign Up Form' to sign up, or use the sign up sheets in the Symmes Room.
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Flower Dedications
Dates are available for flower dedications. You may dedicate flowers in celebration of, in memory of, or in honor of someone and it will appear in the Order of Service. The cost is $45.00 (or you can bring your own flowers, but let the office know). Please go
to http://winchesteruu.org/hospitality-171.html
and click on
'Volunteer Sign Up Form' to sign up, or use the sign up sheets in the Symmes Room.
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Staying Connected
For information about:
- Standing Committee Approved Minutes
- Society Members and Friends Directory
- Sign in information for the "Members" portion of www.winchesteruu.org
- Electronic Payment Options
- Sunday Worship Service CDs and Hardcopies of the Sermons
- Society Office Hours
- Parish Minister's Office Hours
Visit the "Staying Connected" section of the "Events" page of our website: http://winchesteruu.org/events-86.html
The deadline for all Highlights submissions: Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. and should go to adminassistant@winchesteruu.org. All articles submitted should be no more than 250 words.
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Winchester Unitarian Society | 478 Main St. Winchester MA 01890
(781) 729-0949 | office@winchesteruu.org | www.winchesteruu.org
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