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Winchester Unitarian Society
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Highlights
March 23, 2017
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Sunday, March 26th: Border Crossings: Risks of the Spirit
With Rev. Heather Janules
Worship Associate: Peter McEntee
At some point in our lives, we will be invited - or required - to take a spiritual risk. Perhaps it is worshiping in a new way. Perhaps it is telling a hard truth. Perhaps the true risk is just accepting changes in life that we did not - and would not - choose. What makes these "border crossings" so difficult? What helps us take the first step? Directly after the service, those who have signed up in advance will leave to visit the Islamic Society of Boston.
Today's Share the Plate will help to offset travel costs for a group of WUSYG teens joining DYM Sam Wilson and 9 other youth and adults from the Sherborn UU Church next month for a 1-week experiential learning journey and immigration justice training in Tucson, AZ (plus a day trip to Mexico). The program, entitled Activate Immigration Justice, is coordinated through the UU College of Social Justice and will include interactive social justice education and immersive learning with a variety of hands-on experiences (e.g. visiting the large border wall/fence that already exists) as well as some service components (e.g. putting water and first aid kits in the desert for migrants).
Worship Survey Results
A recent survey of the congregation revealed survey-takers' "likes and wishes" when it comes to Family Worship and the 10:30 Sanctuary service. Staff and the Worship Associates shared the results of this survey last Sunday. You may view these results and notes from the after-worship discussion here: http://tinyurl.com/mh3batj
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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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Family Worship: Rebecca Kelley Morgan leads this 20 minute service designed for our younger members and their families.
This month, Risk: In our Worship services we will be exploring the theme of risk. What kinds of risks do we take? Avoid? This Sunday in Time for All Ages, “Heart to Hand” we practice Qui gong with Deborah Morgan Bennett.
Religious Education Morning:
In week three of our March program “experiment”, we will be breaking out into three groups; yoga stories, crafts, and story tellers after our chalice lighting and sorting. Rebecca oversees the morning Mia, Helena, and Georgia are our small group leaders. *Parents please note, all children who are NOT in the playroom will be meeting on the top floor for our chalice lighting and “sort” of the morning. All children younger than second grades will not be dismissed until they are connected with a parent or responsible adult/older sibling.
Childcare for babies and tots is available in the playroom.
Our Whole Lives: Meets Sunday at 4:30 in the Wallace room. This week, Jenny Nordan and Mark Shepherd lead the group. This week we learn about sexual decision making and considerations of emotional and physical well-being. Karen Caputo and Mark Shepherd lead the group.
F8th in Action: Meets at 4:30 in Michelson Room: This week, we define (religiously speaking) the secular/profane and sacred/holy in our world. We’ll include a silly game as well. Vanessa Steck and Rebecca Kelley Morgan lead the group.
Mark your calendars
Next Religious Education Committee Meeting April 5th, 9:00 AM Michelsen room.
GROWTH AND LEARNING:Exploring American Islam: This Sunday, March 26th (11:45 depart Winchester )Visit to the Islamic Center of New England (in Roxbury). Following the worship service, we’ll be carpooling to the largest Mosque Community in New England for a tour and opportunity to learn more about our Islamic Neighbors. To sign up for a carpool (either as a driver or rider) please contact Rebecca Kelley Morgan at Rebecca@winchesteruu.org. If you would like to have some background on Islam before the visit, our hosts recommend visiting whyislam.org and reading https://www.whyislam.org/islam123/articles-of-faith/
April 9th: Conversations that Matter: 2:30 PM Location: Lowey home. Exploring Islam. Join us for a relaxed and thoughtful conversation around what it means to be in a multi-cultural society, religiously speaking.
Next Growth and Learning Meeting April 12th, 7:00 PM Michelsen Room
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WUSYG: Winchester Unitarian Society Youth Group
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Upcoming WUSYG Events:
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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It’s Not Too Late to Join
the Partner Church Pilgrimage
Rev. Heather, Mary Saudade and Cynthia Randall will represent WUS in a visit to our Partner Church in Transylvania this Summer – July 10-23rd. Now with firm dates and a clear itinerary, we again invite others in the community to join us!
Interested participants should act soon.
Photo: Delegation from Marosvásárhely visiting WUS, August, 2015
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More Pledges Needed!
It’s not too late to pledge! Please get your pledges in so we can plan our coming year. The sooner we have this accomplished the easier it is for our treasurers and Standing Committee to put together a sound budget. Contributions make up almost 60% of WUS budgeted operating income. Your pledge supports our staff, our programs, and our facilities as well as creating new opportunities to serve our community. To date 79% have contributed and
our goal is 100%
. You can return your blue pledge card to the church office or pledge on line at
www.winchesteruu.org/pledge
. Many thanks to those who have done so.
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People's Climate March in Washington D.C.
A local coalition of labor unions, environmental justice groups, faith organizations, youth groups, and climate activism groups is coming together to send more than 1,000 people from the Boston area to the People's Climate Mobilization on April 29 in Washington, DC. Our WUS - based 350.Mass group is helping 350.Org bring this coalition together because we think this could be a transformative moment for the Massachusetts climate movement. Together, we can build a powerful, justice-centered movement that lifts up the voices and leadership of those most affected by climate change.
If you can’t attend the March, but want to join us in our local action, attend our meetings at WUS in Winsor Room every other Wednesday from noon to 1:30pm. Our next meeting is March 29th. To be placed on our email list, please contact Barbara Lieurance at
barblieurance@yahoo.com
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ACLU Benefit Concert
Saturday, March 25th 7:00PM
Organized by Winchester resident Emma Daly:
"I would like to invite you all to a classical fusion concert on March 25th at 7 pm here, where all proceeds will go towards supporting the ACLU. These past months have been difficult for many of us, and
I know now more than ever we must come together to protect human rights and promote diversity throughout the community. I strongly believe that music is a universal language we can all speak and that can unite us in these dark times. With that in mind, I am hoping to bring as many people together as possible to create a powerful program with the message of embracing diversity, and would very much appreciate your attendance. We will have a number of musicians -- chamber groups, soloists, a brass band, and a number of Winchester Community Music School students and faculty members -- performing and it looks to be a powerful and beautiful program. Please bring your friends and family to bring the community together, and support a good cause that is actively promoting equity among all people. I hope to see you there!"
Suggested Donation $10
All proceeds will go to the ACLU
For questions contact Emma Daly
781-999-0005
emmabirdy@gmail.com
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April Fool’s Day!
The Standing Committee asks you to HOLD the DATE!
What better day to come together to reflect on our WUS community and how we can deepen our commitments, strengthen our connections, and become more intentional in our collaborations?
With Heather’s second year well under way, the Standing Committee invites you to join us in a facilitated all church discussion about our ministries, connections, and collaborations. We have many ministries at the Winchester Unitarian Society: parish ministry, growth and learning, social action and outreach, lifespan religious education/growth and learning (including children, youth, adults), music, fellowship, stewardship, pastoral care, membership, building and grounds, and teaching. It is our hope that taking the time for a facilitated discussion will help us set a course for the year to come, while becoming even more inspired, connected and collaborative.
The discussion will be run from 10 am - 2:30 pm with a break for lunch. Hilary Allen, from the New England Region of the UUA, will facilitate and WUS program staff will be joining in the discussion as well. We hope many of you will attend.
Stay tuned for information about signing up for this important event. April Fool’s jokes welcome!
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Thank You from the Music Committee:
On Friday evening, Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy brought us a magical and uplifting evening of songs, ballads, tunes, reels, and some very entertaining stories! There was a lot of toe-tapping and hand-clapping and, together, we found our high spirits and celebrated the Irish in us all. Thanks to so many of you for all you did to bring our 11th concert series to a successful close. In all, we had 42 sponsors this year and, together, we raised $9125 in sponsor donations. At the door on Friday, we had about 185 attendees and we brought in a little over $2000.
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JOIN US FOR SOUP & CONVERSATION, WED.,
APRIL 12, 12:30 p.m.
All are invited (and feel free to bring a friend who might like to learn more about WUS!) to our next
Soup & Conversation,
hosted by the Pastoral Care Associates, on
Wednesday, April 12, 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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Social Action and Outreach
Concert to benefit the ACLU, this Saturday at WUS. Look at the Calendar on our website for the time.
Sponsored by the Social Action and Outreach Committee, it is being organized by Winchester High School students.
“Believe in success” A job-readiness program for survivors of domestic abuse.
Open House at UU Urban Ministry, Monday
, March 27
at 6pm. Learn about volunteer opportunities for this new program. UUUM, 10 Putnam St, Roxbury. Info: Rev. Susan Chorley chorley@uuum.org
Centro Presente & First Parish in Concord Present:
“The Invisible Crisis: The Female Face of Forced Migration”
When: Sun April 2, 11:30 - 1:00 PM
Where: First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Rd., Concord
RSVP: Facebook Page
Immigrants' Day at the State House
When: Wed April 5, 9:00 - 2:00 PM
Where: State House, Boston, Hall of Flags
Lead Organizer: MIRA (Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Network)
It is important that immigrant voices be heard at the state level. This year we will be focusing on the
Safe Communities Act
, a bill to protect the civil liberties of ALL Massachusetts residents and making sure that our legislators stand against the anti-immigrant policies coming out of the White House. Please
register online here
!
Event: A Syrian Woman’s Journey of Courage and Hope
When: Sat April 8, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Arlington St. Church, 351 Boylston St., Boston (In the chapel)
People’s Climate March
When: Sat April 29, 9:00 AM
Where: Washington DC
'Red-eye' Buses organized by 350 Mass for a Better Future. Prices vary. Buy tickets online:
http://tinyurl.com/PCMBoston
'Red-eye' Buses organized by First Parish in Concord. Cost is $110/person.
Sign-up:
https://goo.gl/forms/5a89lMmEXd87UDF32
For more information, email Kate Crosby
cfcrosby@gmail.com
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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, March 28, 6:45-8:45 pm in Michelsen
Exploring Body Image and Eating Disorders, Sunday, March 26, 3 p.m., Temple Isaiah, Lexington.
Whether you’ve encountered eating disorders in your own life, or want to learn more about helping your children develop positive body images, this program, sponsored by the Temple Isaiah Mental Health Initiative, will increase your awareness and understanding of these complex and pervasive disorders. For more details on the program and speakers, click here
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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The Grief Support Group
The Grief Support Group will meet Wednesday, April 26th 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.
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
Hate Has No Home Here
At a meeting on March 16, 2017, the Steering Committee unanimously agreed to place a Hate Has No Home Here sign on the lawn of our church. And, in the next few weeks, lawn signs and posters will begin reappearing elsewhere throughout town --- both in local downtown windows and in neighbors' front yards.
The Hate Has No Home Here campaign has become a national, grass-roots effort aimed at denouncing hate and generating productive conversation between neighbors. Originating in Chicago, the movement is the creation of two elementary school students and has evolved to include lawn signs, posters and other visible items such as stickers and car magnets. The lawn signs and posters are intended to remind passersby that we live in a united community comprised of individuals with inclusive values. Their presence is also intended to generate conversations. The project is entirely non-partisan and is spreading rapidly throughout the country.
Interested individuals will be able to obtain their own yard signs by purchasing one using the group's Facebook page or from the Winchester Multicultural Network's homepage (see links below). A $5 donation is being requested to cover printing costs. Committee members will deliver the signs within a week of ordering. Flyers are free and can be obtained through the Winchester Chamber of Commerce or in print-ready PDF form at www.wmcn.org.
People and organizations from outside Winchester are also welcome and encouraged to participate; we will make their signs available for pick-up in Winchester. For more info: https://hatehasnohomehere.wordpress.com/
or https://www.facebook.com/HHNHHWinchester/
Winchester Multicultural Network
Wild Tales - Monday, April 3rd at 6:00 PM - Large Meeting Room
Winchester Public Library (Free & open to the public)
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Notes from the Office about Highlights
For the week of April 10th, all highlights are due Tuesday, April 11th at 9:00 AM due to Jenny's move in date on April 12th. Thank you.
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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.
Healing wishes are with Beth O'Donnell and Margot Sudbury who both underwent surgery this week.
As named in worship, our condolences are with Kris Kennedy and Pete, Claire and Dexter Fadness with the recent death of Kris's mother, Kathleen.
We send gratitude and encouragement to WUS members volunteering with Gulf Coast Volunteers for the Long Haul in New Orleans this week.
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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Our donations to the Woburn Food Pantry have been low these past few months. Please consider buying just one item to donate every Sunday. If we contribute a steady stream we can make a difference in our community. Remember: This pantry provides food relief for families living in Winchester and Woburn. 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. Please place your donations in the bin under the new-and-improved Social Action area in the Symmes Room. 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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