Upcoming Sunday Worship Services
The Sunday Worship Services and Religious Education Program begin at 10:30 a.m.
February
7:
Desire – A Plus
Or A Minus?
Tricia Tummino
There are those who believe that one must desire something to be fully alive. On
the other hand, Aristotle said, “I count him braver who overcomes his desires
than him who overcomes his enemies.” Today we consider desire – is this
fundamental human emotion detrimental because it fuels our consumerism, or
essential to our progress and desire for positive change? The choir will be
singing, and Elizabeth Gish is our storyteller today.
February 14: Wine Come Of Age – A Look At Lasting Love Tricia Tummino
Today, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, the emotion of love is front and center. What is it? Is love overrated? Does it demand too much? Helen Casoli is our storyteller this morning.
February 21: Taking Our Power Back Tricia Tummino
We spend an awful lot of time worrying and being anxious – hours that can never be reclaimed. In these intense times, none of us have any time to waste. We know that worrying and feeling anxious doesn’t help solve a problem or bring about a solution, so why do we waste our time and energy on it? Today the choir is singing, and The Reverend Bruce Taylor will be our storyteller.
February 28: Do You Know What You Believe? Tricia Tummino
Any advertising agent can tell you that human beings are amazingly predictable and persuadable. If that weren’t so, there would be no advertising industry because it wouldn’t work. It’s disturbing to think that others can figure out what we believe, when sometimes we don’t even know ourselves. Marilyn Thayer is our storyteller this morning.
Large print hymnals, plus hearing assistance devices, are available. Nursery care is provided. Bring a friend!
The Minister’s Corner
King's Question Stays With Us...
I know I speak for us all when I say that our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Haiti. As I write, harrowing pictures continue to pour out of this poor and devastated country as they have since January 12 when the earthquake struck. And always, when disaster strikes, we do the same thing. We write relief checks, we may donate blood, volunteer time and prayers. Even in the doing, we know that these gestures are pitifully small against Haiti’s mountain of unmet need, inconsequential against horror that defies our comprehension.
And as we watch our televisions, mesmerized, staggered by the courage it takes, we are moved as the Haitian people do what human beings always do. They dig themselves out, holding the stench of death at bay with cloth-covered faces. They recover the precious broken bodies of the barely living and the dead. They weep and mourn. Some day, long in the distance, those who have survived will rebuild. They will go on. They will demonstrate, once again, humanity’s stubborn insistence on living. We cannot help but be moved.
On the other hand, even as we are amazed and heartened by humankind’s ability to withstand horrific disaster and to come back from it one day – as I’m sure the people of Haiti will, something more needs to be forcefully said.
Last Sunday’s sermon here at church looked at the public ministry of Martin Luther King. We noted that the great cause he championed at the end of his life was not racism but poverty. Poverty, he said, was a more abiding cause of suffering than racism. If King were alive today, I’m sure he would be addressing the poverty issue underlying the Haiti quake. He would point out that in 1989, an earthquake with exactly the same magnitude as the Haiti quake (7.0) hit the heavily populated Bay Area of California, and yet only sixty-three people died.
The earthquake in Haiti was certainly a natural disaster. But the massive devastation and the death toll that it caused is mainly an issue of Haiti’s poor infrastructure and terrible poverty. King said this at the National Cathedral in Washington DC in 1968: “There is nothing new about poverty. What is new is that we now have the techniques and resources to get rid of poverty. The question is whether we have the will.”
His
question remains with us today.
See you in church.
Tricia
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FROM THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
The Committee on Ministry’s main objective is to help strengthen the quality of ministry in the church. A key part of this is monitoring and evaluating, on a regular and continuing basis, the many aspects of ministry in the church. This means assessing activities that carry out the church’s religious mission, including, but not limited to, the work of the professional minister. The Committee serves as a communication channel between the minister and the congregation, as well as a support mechanism for the minister.
As the church enters into a
time of transition, some individuals may have concerns about how changes may
affect ministry in the church. If
you have any such concerns or thoughts, please feel free to speak to any member
of the Committee – Dave Kraemer, Gilda Phillips, Tricia Tummino, Bob Waterman
(Chair). Bob Waterman
President’s Corner
First, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to be president of the FUUSM.
My wife and son and I have been involved with this congregation for more
than a decade, and I am looking forward to doing what I can to help this Society navigate the changes we have in front of us.
We are certainly being presented with an interesting set of challenges. At our
leadership meeting last November, we were just starting to explore how we would
like to see our Society grow and interact with the community. We were also
beginning to confront what keeps our Society from embracing change. Now we find
that our minister is leaving, our president and RE director are leaving, and
change is being "thrust upon us." My hope is that we will resist the urge to
simply circle the wagons.
There are a number of decisions we will face in the next few months. The most
obvious one is the search for an interim minister. Before we even begin with
this, we need to decide what we are looking for in a minister. There has been a
great deal of discussion of the risks/benefits of a part-time minister versus a
full-time one. A full-time interim minister might cost as much as twice what we
are presently paying for this service but would likely provide more of the
ministerial work we have gotten used to such as home visits, community
involvement, etc. A part-time minister could offer some financial relief but
would leave many responsibilities "uncovered." I don't see a simple right or
wrong answer to this question. What is clear is that, as a congregation, we
will need to either pay up or step up. By this I mean that if we decide we
prefer a full-time minister, we will need to be prepared to dig a bit deeper to
fund this. On the other hand, if we go with a part-time minister, we will all
need to "step-up" as a congregation to provide these services through our
greater participation in the activities of this Society. The talent clearly
exists within our congregation to do this, but it will require a greater and
broader commitment than we are now seeing.
I hope
that as many members as possible will come to the meeting scheduled after the
Sunday service, February 7. Rev. Bill Zelazny will come to discuss how the UUA
is prepared to assist us in the choice of an interim minister and other aspects
of this transition. This should provide a good start for what is bound to be a
lively discussion over the next few months as we decide what direction our
Society will take.
Sincerely,
Andrew Putney, President
COME TO LUNCH ON FEBRUARY 7
Social Action will be sponsoring a soup, bread and salad lunch right after the service on Sunday, February 7, to assist in funding The Shed Project, cost to be announced. They will feed our hungry bodies, and it will prepare our minds for the transition work we will learn about when Bill Zelazny, BCD Executive Director, and a Ministry Transition Consultant come to speak to the congregation about what is ahead for Middleborough UU. Come, come whoever you are - members and friends - come. Learn, share ideas, help. Cheryl MacQueen
OPPORTUNITY OR CRISIS
There is sure a lot happening here at First UU of Middleboro. I was recently reminded that in Chinese the symbol for Crisis is the same symbol as the one for opportunity with the addition of the symbol for danger.
Perhaps the danger here is that we start to think that Tricia’s decision to retire is a crisis. I know, I know. The Stevenses are also leaving, which is just one more thing to deal with. We will miss them, and yet RE will happen on Sunday and Parish Committee will meet; and we will remain the same caring giving community of people who step up and take care of one another.
I remember how frightened I was when Elizabeth Tarbox left. She was the only minister I had ever really known. Now, having known Doug Kraft, Tricia and 3 student ministers, this seems much less scary. So, for those of you who are in the position I was in before Tricia arrived… Take heart. This will work out. We will grieve that Tricia will no longer be with us as our minister. We will wish her well (and hope she will be showing up regularly on Sunday). We have a wonderful opportunity to get input from a trained Interim Minister who will assist us in figuring out where we are headed and the best way to get there.
This wonderful group of caring people will continue to operate in the meantime. We are not facing a crisis. We are facing a wonderful opportunity to come together, practice the Principals and come out even better on the other side. As we move forward towards a Pledge Drive that will set the stage for bigger and better things for FUUSM, I encourage you to talk to one another, to participate in the process of choosing a new interim minister and to give early and often to FUUSM. Chris Korben for Stewardship
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE/SHED TASK FORCE
At
the Social Action Committee's last meeting on Sunday, January 3, the discussion
(chaired by Cheryl MacQueen) was devoted to the Shed Task Force project, headed
by Cheryl, for the construction of a church storage shed. This project is
supported by and partially initiated by the S.A.C. It is a benefit to the
Heartwood Apprentice Project, organized by Jack and Karen Dempsey, which will
build the shed. This project is championed by the S.A.C. because it is a
project that the church needs and aids a worthy local group.
Stay tuned for news on how you can help our church make this project a success for us church members, the church, and Heartwood.
The Social Action Committee needs a new secretary. Volunteers may contact Jim Noyes, Adrienne Williams, or other committee members. Jim Noyes is resigning due to his and Suzanne’s pending relocation to Colorado. Jim Noyes
BE A SUNDAY GREETER AND SUPPORT YOUR CHURCH
You
can support your church in more ways than simply paying your dues or fulfilling
your pledge. By being an active member of this church community you can show
you really care.
Greeters are the first to see new people and make a lasting impression, one that will have people coming back again and again.
Volunteering to be a Sunday Greeter is a great way of showing you care and are willing to support this wonderful church. Please sign up for Sundays of your choice on the sign-up sheet on the Parlor table. Tanya Trzeciak
THE
ELSIE GAUDETTE AWARD
The Elsie Gaudette Award can be given this spring (the third Sunday in June) to a person who exemplifies the service and dedication to this church that Elsie did for many years. The Elsie Gaudette Award Committee will be meeting to review the nominations. Ask any award winner (listed on the plaque) about it. If you know of a deserving person to nominate for this award, you must nominate her/him in writing, telling of this person’s contributions to the church over time and why this person deserves the honor. Send your signed letters to the Committee Chairperson, Linda E. Thompson.
ADULT SQUARE DANCING
February
14 & 28 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Masonic Hall, Bridgewater
The Cupid Squares of Bridgewater hosted the “Banner Raiders” from Walpole (the Do-Si-Doers) and from Abington (the Hobomock Hoedowners) with a fun evening in a full hall. Bob Butler, our caller, teamed up with the square dance “hall of famer” Bucky Donaher for some dances, and everyone had a great evening.
On Sunday, February 14, we host a special Valentine Dance; and in June, caller Charlie Trapp is renting the Middleboro Town Hall for two nights of square dancing. Bud Soule
NEW TO UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM?
COME TO THE NEW UU
Sunday, January 31
and
Sunday, February 21 (Please notice the date change)
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
This course - led by the minister, the Rev. Tricia Tummino - provides a good introduction to our UU faith. Included will be some background in our history as well as an orientation to the workings of our Middleboro church. All members and friends of our church -- newcomers, long-term, or in-between -- are heartily welcome to attend. Child care will be provided! Putting your name on the sign-up sheet in the Parlor will help us know how many materials to get ready.
CRANBERRY CLUSTER
On
January 25, we explored the interconnectedness of EarthView with
Professors James Hayes-Bohanan and Vernon Domingo at the First Parish Church UU
in Bridgewater. A warm greeting and great evening of wine and fun was hosted by
the Bridgewater Cluster.
We of the FUUSM will welcome the Cranberry Cluster on Wednesday, April 21, with two familiar regulars on the agenda. Andrea Priest, protégé of Elsie Gaudette, will be in the kitchen; and our music director, Susan Hotchkiss, will led us in a fun-filled evening of music. See you there! Bud Soule
UPCOMING
BALLOU CHANNING DISTRICT WORKSHOPS
Don't Hit Back: Responses to Button-Pushing Behaviors
Saturday, February 6 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
First Parish Unitarian Universalist 1508 Washington Street, Canton, MA
Walking The Talk: Engaging A Congregation in Social Justice Work
Saturday, February 27 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Channing Memorial Church 135 Pelham Street, Newport, RI
ADULT EDUCATION PLANS - CHALICE THURSDAYS
Here is a preview of our Chalice Thursday offerings for Spring. The dates: March 4, 11, 18, 25. Stay tuned to more information that will be described in the Order of Service flyers. Register in February on sign-up sheets, which will be placed in the parlor during the first Sunday of the month. Class sizes are limited!! Childcare is available upon request.
There are 3 exciting courses to choose from. It is not a matter of "Should I take a course?" but .. "Which one should I sign up for?" Unfortunately, you need to choose one course and remain faithful so the presenters will be able to plan. Here are the choices:
Creating Adult Spirituality taught by Norm Grenier
Most people finished their formal theological training at a very young age. In this course we will use the depth psychology of Carl Jung to explore what it might mean to create spirituality more in tune with our true age. After a discussion of the obstacles we face, we will explore dreams, the structure of the psyche and modern myths, searching for clues for our own journey. Participants may opt to keep a journal as a way of enhancing the classroom experience.
Norm Grenier will be conducting the class. Norm is an advanced student at the Ontario Association of Jungian Analysts.
Minimum 4; Maximum 8
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The Many, Fascinating Uses Of Herbs taught by Tanya Trzeciak
Learn
to identify and use herbs local to this area. You will make teas, first aid
products and even some beauty products.
Tanya is a certified herbalist who is anxious to share her knowledge.
Maximum 8
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Tapping Into Your Creativity With 3 Local Artisans
You will sign up for lessons with 3 crafters.
Pam Levine describes her class: You can make beautiful sea shell ornaments. Materials used will include your choice of dozens of different shells, sand dollars, starfish, and sea horses. Ribbons, beads, sparkle, and paint will all be provided. I'll show you lots of samples, then do it your way. The first ornament is free. If you want to make more, the cost will be $1 each. If you would like boxes so you can give them as gifts, they will be available for 50¢ or $1.
Dave Kraemer, our own U.U. potter with a studio in his home, has plans to introduce you to pottery; and you will spend two evenings creating a keepsake. You will learn how to make a hand-sculpted piece of pottery during the first session and will glaze it during the second pottery session.
Sue St. Germain, who designs beaded and gemstone jewelry, will teach you how to make a variety of earring styles or a bracelet or, if you are "crafty," both. She will buy an assortment of materials that you can select for your project. Bring tools if you have any: pointed nose pliers, crimping pliers, flat nose pliers, sharp scissors.
Maximum 7
There will be a nominal fee charged for materials in the classes. The fees will be posted once the presenters determine their costs. Contact Sue St. Germain with questions.
People
To People Service Auction
Saturday, March 6, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.
Pot Luck Supper at 6:00 p.m.
(Please sign up in the Parlor.)
Auctioneer: Linda Thompson
Fun For All! Bring a friend or two or three! Entertaining!
What is a People To People Service Auction? You mean you have missed them? People offer goods and services to be auctioned to the highest bidder. The winning bidder pays the auctioneer that night and makes his/her own arrangements with the donor. The church profits from all bids. Everyone has some skill or talent to offer. Everyone has something they can offer for bidding. Everyone has some ability someone else is willing to pay for.
NEED
IDEAS?
BAKE AND/OR DECORATE A CAKE
WALK A DOG OR WATCH THE PETS
MOW A LAWN OR TRIM THE HEDGES
WASH WINDOWS
BAKE SOME BREAD
HOST A PARTY OR COOK A GOURMET DINNER
WEED A GARDEN OR PLANT A BUSH
TEACH A DANCE
BOAT DOWN THE CANAL
REPAIR A LIGHT FIXTURE OR REPAIR A CRACK
HELP WITH CHORES OR SPRING CLEANING
OFFER A QUILTING DEMONSTRATION
TEACH COMPUTER LESSONS
OFFER FRESH VEGETABLES FROM A GARDEN
READ TO A CHILD AND/OR BABY SIT
PLAN A DAY AT THE BEACH OR PUT ON A PICNIC
OFFER A WEEKEND AWAY FROM IT ALL
CHOP DOWN A TREE OR PRUNE THE BUSHES
GO FOR A DRIVE OR BICYCLE-RIDING TRIP
CANE A CHAIR
WALLPAPER OR PAINT A ROOM
GIVE RIDING, SINGING, OR TENNIS LESSONS
PAINT A FENCE OR RAKE LEAVES
GO FISHING OR CANOEING
KNIT A SCARF
GO ON A NATURE WALK
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People To People Service Auction
NAME: _________________________________________________________________
I’LL OFFER: _________________________________________________________________
MINIMUM BID I SUGGEST: $____________ PHONE NUMBER: ___________________________
Please return to Linda Thompson by Wednesday, February 24, 2010.
LOVEly DINNER
and FOLLY
Join
Us To Celebrate
Valentine’s Day
FUNdraiser
Sunday,
February 14, 2010 6:00 p.m.
FUUSM Parish Hall
$15 per person
with reservations by 2/7
$18 per person with reservations after 2/7
Candlelit Dinner
and Dessert
Wine by the glass
Lovely salad and yummy bread
Fresh Fish baked with love
Luscious Mac and Cheese
Heart Throb Vegetable
Divine Dessert
Come ready to
sing, lead a love song, recite a favorite poem, play an instrument,
or just relax and enjoy it all!
We invite everyone to be involved in an informal sharing of favorite pieces that
celebrate
Valentine’s Day,
love and folly.
Friends Welcome!
Set up, cooking and clean up opportunities still available while supplies last! Decorators needed! Please email or phone Andrea Priest if you plan on attending.