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Bridgewater’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration – June 17, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Variety of Activities: Scavenger Hunt, Races & Contests, Craft Table, Refreshments, Entertainment, Food, Vendors, Raffles, Children’s Activities and More! Free Event for Everyone to Enjoy. Several FUUSM members are helping with the celebration. FUUSM will have a table there.
Music Sunday 2023
On Music Sunday, May 21, 2023, the Chalice Choir took on the challenge of Requiem, a multi-movement masterwork by John Rutter. Rutter, born in London in 1945, is one of the most prolific choral composers of our time. The Chalice Choir was accompanied by Ruth Iampietro, Nancy Kidd, and Patty Simon. Special singers include Rev. Sarah Person and Kate Melchior, with spoken words reflecting the joys and challenges of life in this beloved community: supporting one another through tough times, celebrating happy moments, and reaching for eternal, all-embracing love.
Cash in the Plate for June
The Cash in the Plate for the month of June is donated to the NAACP Brockton Branch, one of our main partners. Their mission is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial discrimination.
Community Book Box
Tony Chiuppi and his crew from Middleboro High School built our new Book Box in collaboration with the Middleboro Rotary Club. His crew managed the excavation and mounting of the Book Box at Tony’s direction. At a future date, the Rotary Wheel will be added to the Book Box. There will be a meeting to coordinate a UU team who will oversee the Book Box. Everyone is invited to donate books. Please look through your collection and put aside up to a bag full;
A Note from the Minister
As I write this, the month of May is coming to a close and June is just a few days away. Our June worship services promise to be celebratory as we recognize the work of our Religious Exploration program, Pride Sunday, and, of course, Celebration Sunday itself, before we move towards closing the books on the 2022-23 church year and the beginning of a well-planned series of summer services. It’s been quite a year! Remarkable, first of all, for a return to “in person” services for the first time in 2½ years. I can still vividly recall the sense of excitement as ... Read more
Summer Music Musings
Many kudos to the many singers and instrumentalists who came together to present Requiem by John Rutter on Music Sunday, May 21st. This was our first in-person Music Sunday since spring 2019 – that’s four years ago! Our 2019 program was ambitious, but this year’s surpassed it! It was hard, rewarding work—and for me, pure pleasure bringing a masterwork to life for a worship experience. It’s hard to believe we’re wrapping up the church year this month. The Song Circle gathers on Friday, June 9, and the final meeting for the Music Committee, led by our new chairperson, Bet Giddings, ... Read more
Religious Exploration in June
RE ChildrenWe will wrap up our lessons and our Explore Beyond Our Walls in Ancient Greece and India with our last stories, The Brave Little Parrot and A Bundle of Sticks. We will be talking about courage, perseverance and cooperation. Youth GroupOur last meeting will be on June 11 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. We will plan for a summer cookout together and will plan for Pridefest. There will be some crafting during this evening for those who are interested in keeping their hands busy while we talk. There will also be pizza and ice cream. ... Read more
Fundraiser Updates
Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported our Yard Sale and Spring Auction. The total take for the Yard Sale was $880 and the Spring Auction was $5682! A great big thanks to Tony Soares, Stephen Larrett, Andrea Priest, and others who helped organize, set up & break down, contributed items, purchased items. We do amazing things together, and so many hands helped contribute to our success!
Pledge Drive
Our pledge drive ended last week. We are $13,000 short of our goal. On hearing this, one family decided to increase their pledge by $1,000. They suggested that others might like to increase their pledges as well. This would be very helpful as we are trying to keep our salaries in the UUA’s fair compensation recommendations as we begin the search for our new settled minister. In addition, Rev. Peter has been researching ways to grow our congregation. He recommends we hire a social media helper.
A Note from the Minister
I write this note from Paris on the 26th day of April, the day following the memorial service for my brother John who died on the first of the month. “Peace be unto him,” as we used to say as young Catholics.
May Music Musings
I sometimes think about the big questions, like “What’s it all about?” But most of the time I’m wondering about smaller questions, like “What music will we do this Sunday?”
Religious Exploration in May
In May, as we Explore Beyond Our Walls, we will have an Indian and a Thai folktale. These will teach us about the golden rule making a difference in the world and about justice.
Parlor Task Force Update
The Parlor Task Force met again on Monday, April 17. We reviewed the completed work on tightening the metal rods across the sanctuary and the resizing of the altar in the Parlor.
The Elsie Gaudette Award
The Elsie Gaudette Award can be given this spring (the SECOND 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.
A Note from the Minister
On St. Patrick’s Day, two days after our last snowfall, the yard in front of the house where I live was suddenly alive with color: purple, white, yellow, blue– the crocuses seemed to have blossomed spontaneously and indiscriminately. In between the blossoms, here and there, were snowdrops, delicate blooms with demurely nodding heads. Spring had arrived. I’m still waiting for my first glimpse of forsythia, which should occur just around the time the daffodils bounce their jaunty heads in the wind. Maybe your daffodils have arrived by the time you’re reading this. If past years are a reliable indicator, the passing of the daffodils will ... Read more
April Music Musings
The herring are running, buds pepper the trees, tulips and daffodils are coming up—It must be spring! And what better way to welcome April than “Jazz Sunday” with Jeannie Gagné and Stan Strickland. Their April 2 worship service is titled “Let’s Grow a Garden” and features jazz standards and originals woven into a service sure to lift your spirits.
Religious Exploration in April
In April as we Explore Beyond our Walls we will present a historical Islamic tale, a story about parachuting cats in Borneo, and a Native American folktale. These will teach us about generosity, caring for the Earth, and empathy. We are hoping to start a special project for the end-of-the-year "gifts of thanks" that will relate to our Gems of Goodness and lessons from Moral Tales.
Workshop – Creating Fun and Beautiful Vases
with Tanya Trzeciak
Turn ordinary vases or bottles into works of art by using a technique that mimics mercury glass. It is very simple and easy to do.Friday, March 31, in the Parish Hall
6:00 p.m. Potluck Supper
7:00 p.m. Workshop
Discretionary Fund Disbursals:
Funds have been disbursed to members of the Greater Middleboro community to pay for food, back rent, emergency housing, household expenses, utilities, gas for automobiles, and auto insurance.
Parlor Project
Tom Carter has submitted a bid of $475 to reduce the size of the altar in the Parlor. The Task force has recommended this project and approves of the bid.
Circle of Music at Ferry Beach in August
Come to Ferry Beach Conference Center August 13-19 for a fabulous week of musical learning and sharing at the beach in beautiful Saco, Maine! See Dorine Levasseur and Ed and Andrea Priest with any questions. Ed is our musician of the week at Circle of Music!
A Note from the Minister
I write this on the last day of February as a strangely mild winter (interrupted by double digit sub-zero temperatures early in the month) begins to wind down. According to the astronomical calendar, Spring will arrive with the vernal equinox on March 20 this year– just a few short weeks away. According to the meteorological calendar, though, Spring will be starting tomorrow, the first day of March. I’ve been following the pattern of sunrises and sunsets for the past year and felt especially cheered when the length of daylight in the day passed the eleven-hour mark this past week. Let there be light! Last night’s ... Read more
March Music Musings
We call ourselves a musical congregation, and it’s true! There’s a music expression to “develop a wide bench” that literally means there’s room for more than one person on the piano bench. Figuratively, that boils down to building diversity through tapping the music talent all around us. That’s how we build and maintain a musical community. We have something brand new in March on Friday the 24th. Three of our talented choristers have joined forces to start a “Song Circle.” Bet Giddings and Andrea & Ed Priest are launching this monthly gathering that brings a new musical element open to all, young ... Read more
Religious Exploration in March
RE Children’s ClassesLast month we continued to “Explore Beyond Our Walls” with a Scottish Folktale and with a story with a Brazilian author based in Brazil. We learned about forgiveness and about putting ourselves in another’s shoes. Next month we will share stories about welcoming one and all and seeing others with awe with one story being from an Israeli author from the Middle East and another story being from a Catholic author in America. The Gems of Goodness have included stopping a bully on the playground, taking coloring items to the hospital for a friend and making Valentines for our families. ... Read more
New Life Furniture Bank of MA
The Cash in the Plate for the month of March is going to New Life Furniture Bank of MA. About New Life New Life Furniture Bank of MA is a volunteer-led nonprofit 501(c)(3) that accepts furniture and household items and makes them available at no cost to those in need through referring agencies. They also welcome monetary donations which allow them to purchase needed items. MissionNew Life Furniture Bank of MA provides gently used household furnishings to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. VisionWe envision a future where no one is forced to live, eat, or sleep on the floor. Who ... Read more
Proposed Green Sanctuary Covenant
FUUSM has been an accredited “Green Sanctuary” since March 2011. To continue our accreditation “UUA’s Green Sanctuary 2030: Mobilizing for Climate Justice” “road map” provides a supported process for congregational transformation on climate. Established in 1989, this is the seventh iteration of the Green Sanctuary Program. Learn more about Green Sanctuary 2030 vision, mission, and outcomes and how to promote and use ethical practices to maintain our status in this program. Towards that process we have developed a Green Sanctuary Covenant for FUUSM, and we need your input. Please look over the sample Green Sanctuary Covenant and give us your thoughts on revising and/or modifying this sample ... Read more
International Rescue Committee
The Cash in the Plate for the month of February is going to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC helps people affected by humanitarian crises—including the climate crisis—to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. The IRC is presently dedicating many resources to help families in Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.
Fun Friday
February 3 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.RE families (and any interested parties, friends) are invited to join us on Friday, February 3, for a fun night of crafting and cooking and visiting. From 5:30 to 6:30 we will have a potluck dinner. This is optional, but I’m bringing my famous chicken chili so……. Then from 6:30 to 8:30 we will be making gifts for Valentine’s Day. You can take the gifts home to share with someone you love or enjoy them yourselves. Please let me know if you can join us! Kelly Lownds (dre@uumiddleboro.org)Director of Religious Exploration
A Note from the Minister
Have you ever felt yourself in a kind of vortex where one piece of bad news — or one unsavory development– seems inexorably to another and another until you don’t know where the madness will end? As the comic says, “Well, I have.” In fact, I’ve felt caught up in such a vortex all month. We’ll skip the whole COVID episode (though even post-COVID has its challenges). And we’ll leave the car crash for another time. (Painful.) The vortex I’m thinking about is a financial one. A financial drain, so to speak. It all started when I couldn’t find the ... Read more
February Music Musings
In January, the church “music department” was all excited about news of the Clay Family Gift and what it might mean for music at UU Middleboro. The gift is $100,000 in memory of Avis Clay, beloved member and longtime supporter of music and the arts. Up to $20,000 will be used to renovate and rename the Parlor, with the remainder to go into an endowment fund. The interest income from this fund will be used for music at UU Middleboro. Members of the choir, alumni choir, music committee, and other active musicians were invited to brainstorm and collect ideas for ... Read more
Religious Exploration in February
RE CommitteeChristine Hoyle and I met on 1/18/2023 to discuss budget, goals for the upcoming year and how to grow the RE Committee and the RE program. We concentrated on the LGBTQIA group for youth and adults we would like to host at church on one Friday evening per month. We are also considering bringing in speakers for youth issues like vaping, substance abuse, interpersonal relationship violence, neurodiversity, special education, and additional topics. If you are interested in joining the RE Committee, we are looking for volunteers. Please reach out to me or Christine Hoyle at dre@uumiddleboro.org or c.hoyle830@gmail.com. RE Children’s ClassesWe ... Read more
Avis Clay Parlor Task Group
Up to $20,000 of the Clay Family Gift will be used to refurbish the Parlor. The PC has created a charge to a task group to address how this will happen. I have agreed to lead the task group. The group has three tasks:1) Determine how the Parlor will be used.2) Assess any structural issues that need to be addressed.3) Recommend how the Parlor will be decorated and furnished. I envision a core group to follow the entire project and additional participants to address the structural and decorative issues. Many of our meetings can be on Zoom. Please contact me at jbonnar98@gmail.com if you ... Read more
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.
Cash in the Plate
Each month, the Social Justice Team recommends a worthy cause to donate our Cash in the Plate funds to. Below are the recipients for the first half of this Church year and the amounts donated:
Stream Team Progress
The Stream Team makes it possible for people to participate in worship remotely on YouTube. We do this using an ATEM video switcher—a surprisingly simple way to combine video from two cameras and text from a PowerPoint slide show. Training is available for any who would like to join the team. Since fall, we’ve made great progress: I will be happy to share the signup link if you think you might like to become an ATEM operator or would like to nominate someone else. I’d love to have at least six trained ATEM Operators and four Tech Setup People, so ... Read more
Great Soups and Drawing for Beautiful Gift Baskets
Throughout the month of January, you can order a quart of one of 4 different kinds of soups for $15: Portuguese kale, pumpkin (vegetarian), venison sausage, vegetarian chili (sold out). Quantities are limited. Here’s the link: Order Soup. You can order soup online until January 27 with availability at church on Sunday, January 29, 11:30 – 1:00, for pickup.
MLK Breakfast
Please join members and friends of the Social Justice Team at the NAACP-Brockton Area Branch’s MLK Breakfast on Saturday, January 21, from 9:00 to noon at Lombardo’s, 6 Billings Street, Randolph.
A Note from the Minister
As a new year begins we at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro look forward to a year of opportunity. We can expect to discover a number of ways to grow in our dedication to the church and in our influence as a religious and spiritual institution in the community.
Participation on a Sunday Morning
We believe that participation in a Sunday morning worship service will help us build community and work together to meet our individual and Society goals. We believe that your active participation will feed your mind and spirit. Click here for some of the ways you can participate in the ministry of this church.
Adult Education Class Coming Soon
Rev. Connolly will be on vacation from January 2 to January 16.
He intends to offer an Adult Education Class starting in February. Topic to be determined based on members' interest. Check out the options listed on the clipboard on the Parlor table and also here.
January Music Musings
“To mask and to mum…to drive the cold winter away!” “Solstice Singers” is coming to town on Saturday, January 7, at 4:00 PM. The last show at UU Middleboro was January of 2020, just before Covid changed our world and the way we gather. This year is the 30th anniversary of this Falmouth-based troupe. The show is called “The Holly and the Ivy” – presenting music, drama, and dance in the spirit of the Renaissance. Instrumental music is provided by Ensemble Passacaglia performing on beautiful period instruments including strings, winds, and percussion. The songs come from a variety of sources ranging ... Read more
Religious Exploration in January
RE Committee – We met together in person with Reverend Peter Connolly and multiple RE parents on 12/7/2022. The next meeting in January will be virtual. Invitations will go out in the UU Updates and via email. RE Children’s Classes – This year RE is Exploring Beyond Our Walls using the moral tales curriculum. The children have collected many marbles/glass gems for their gemstones of goodness. The children continue to share stories of their efforts to follow their moral compass. Ed Priest joined us on 12/18 to sing holiday songs and share his experiences. Youth Group – In December youth group met after ... Read more
A Note from the Minister
Hope, love, joy, and peace. The qualities celebrated during the Advent season are not always easy to embody. In the Christian story the figure of Jesus of Nazareth brings them to fulfillment. No wonder his birth is celebrated with such exuberance! The Advent season does not hold nearly as much meaning for non-Christians– and most Unitarian Universalists find themselves in that camp these days. After all, if you honor the historical figure of Jesus as a great teacher (“rabbi” in the Jewish tradition), prophet and healer, but not the Son of God on earth, why should his birth be a cause for celebration? ... Read more
December Music Musings
December is the month of anticipation and great collaborative music-making! Singing songs, caroling in groups, listening to others, and enjoying good cheer – our lives are marked with an abundance of hope and joy. It has been three years since we’ve been able to gather comfortably and relatively safely during the holiday season. Early in the month, a caroling choir will visit the Adult Supportive Day Program at the Middleboro COA and sing while folks decorate the huge tree in the function room. Another caroling choir will lead a singing program at Heritage at Falmouth where our minister emerita Tricia ... Read more
Religious Exploration in December
Religious Exploration in January RE CommitteeWe met together in person with Reverend Peter Connolly and multiple RE parents on 12/7/2022. The next meeting in January will be virtual. Invitations will go out in the UU Updates and via email. RE Children’s ClassesThis year RE is Exploring Beyond Our Walls using the moral tales curriculum. The children have collected many marbles/glass gems for their gemstones of goodness. The children continue to share stories of their efforts to follow their moral compass. Ed Priest joined us on 12/18 to sing holiday songs and share his experiences. Youth GroupIn December youth group ... Read more
Coffee Hour
Join us for Coffee and Conversation in the Parish Hall following the Sunday Service. It’s the perfect time to catch up with friends and make new friends. Coffee Hour hosts are always welcome, and there is a labeled bin in the kitchen to receive donations of packaged goodies of cookies, etc.
Successful Craft Fair!
Our craft fair held on Saturday, November 12, was very successful! We were open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and despite the rain and wind in the morning, we had early birds ready to buy at 9:15 AM! We had a steady amount of people during the entire fair and a LOT of people from outside the church! Barry & Patty Simon rented a table for their CDs and played music throughout the fair, which really made for a festive atmosphere – everyone seemed to really love the live music!
Virtual Holiday Auction
Sunday, December 4 at 12:00 noon to Friday, December 16, at 8:00 p.m.
We're heading into the final days of our auction, which will close at 8:00 pm on Friday, 12/16. Don't miss your chance to get in on the fun and snag some great items! Check it all out with the link below:
Virtual Holiday Auction
Share this link with family and friends, the more the merrier!
A Note from the Minister
Halloween and Samhain have passed. That “thin veil” between the living and the dead that some experience this time of the year foreshadows the thin line between late autumn and early winter. The air temperature is still warm on many days, but come November 6, when daylight savings time ends, we’ll be well aware of the time of the year that holds the most darkness as the sun sets an hour earlier. A time that some will dread– for others, it’s the time for hygge, warming the winter with coziness and comfortable conviviality. Perhaps we’ll all experience a little of ... Read more
November Music Musings
Here we go again, walking into darkness starting with the end of Daylight Saving Time on the first Sunday of November and marching on through to the Winter Solstice on December 21 when at last the days begin to grow longer. There are different ways to handle darkness, and one is by looking directly into it. This year the Chalice Choir is working on John Rutter’s Requiem, starting with the second movement called “Out of the Deep.” The lyrics are from Psalm 130, a plea to find solace by holding fast to the divine. The full Requiem masterwork consists of seven choral anthems, each based on ... Read more
Religious Exploration
RE CommitteeWe will meet Tuesday evening, November 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Our meeting will be in person, and there will be a link for those that need to join virtually. We are discussing bringing back the sale of Equal Exchange, as the children used to sell it during Coffee Hour once a month. RE Children’s ClassesOur theme this year is “Exploring Beyond Our Walls,” and we are using the moral tales curriculum to support our exploration. We have done a nature walk (we found the cutest pumpkin in the compost out back) and looked for bugs. We are ... Read more
Holiday Craft Fair
Join us for a holiday craft fair! There will be a selection of home baked goods, soups & sauces as well as a variety of crafts from church members and several local vendors. A king-size (100”x100”) quilt has been donated for a drawing.
Collegial Covenant between Rev. Sarah Person and Rev. Peter Connolly
To ensure a successful Interim Ministry at FUUSM, we want to share with you our intentions for our Collegial Covenant with each other. A covenant is a promise ministers make to one another that addresses how we will interact with each other and you, the congregation. Basically, we respect each other’s roles and avoid getting in the middle of important communications and relationships between the minister and a congregation member, whether publicly or privately. Rev. Sarah will refrain from attending any church meetings, program, potluck dinners, Parish Committee events or church activities held on- or off-site. Rev. Sarah will gladly ... Read more
A Note from the Minister
Whether we measure it by the meteorological calendar or the astronomical, there’s no denying that fall has arrived. Our FUUSM community marked the beginning of a new church year, as well, with our annual ingathering service and water communion. From many places, many streams, we brought our containers of water, combining in one bowl this symbol of our ongoing life together. Then we added the water to our memorial garden, honoring our past and adding promise to our future.
October Music Musings
What joy to be back in our precious resonant Sanctuary on Sunday mornings – congregants scattered throughout the room, rafters lifting with soaring voices, technology streaming to those who cannot be with us in person. We are indeed back in church, and we are on a roll. Choir registration is currently on hold because our numbers are maxed out. This is not a bad problem! The Chalice Choir sings for worship every other Sunday, and the “non-choir” Sundays are reserved for musicians to share solos or ensembles. Several years ago, we had an occasional “Family Choir” where any singers who showed up at 10:00 practiced a song together to share in a Musical Offering for the service. It was a fun intergenerational happening. Anybody up for this in October?
Religious Exploration
Welcome Back Everyone! Sunday School is back in person this year!! Church starts at 10:30, and we will be meeting during the church service and head downstairs after the Message for All Ages around 10:45. Registration is rolling and can be completed at any time. Religious Exploration: This year we are Exploring Beyond Our Walls. Every day our children are often faced with difficult decisions and situations. We have agreed as a group to really try to understand and learn our Seven Principles, and through the year we will be collecting gems that will represent our learnings through moral tales.
New Lighting Installed
Thanks to the efforts of many, new stage lighting designed by Stephen Larrett has been installed in the front of our sanctuary. A crew consisting of Mark Belanger, Jim Bonnar, Dan Hotchkiss, Bill Howe, Brian Kowalski, Marc MacQueen, and Alan Melchior did most of the work, all under the active leadership of Rick Benard. The main installation took place on August 21, with touchups continuing. If you watch the video recording of the September 11 church service, you’ll see what a difference the new lights make. Cameras need light to see, and so do people. These new lights bring us ... Read more
Opportunities to Help Get Out the Vote
Are you concerned about the health of our democracy? Would you like to be able to do something about it? Social Justice is joining other UU churches in sponsoring a letter-writing campaign to get out the vote. We feel that it is imperative that everyone who would like to vote has the opportunity to do so. It is also important that people who feel their vote may not matter understand that it does. In pursuit of these ends, we are sponsoring six letter writing sessions at the church.
Vote Riders
Our Cash in the Plate offering for the month of September is going to Vote Riders, a non-partisan, non-profit 501 organization whose mission is to ensure that all U.S. citizens over 18 years old are able to exercise their right to vote. Their website is www.voteriders.org.
September Music Musings
Homecoming, at long last! After two and a half years of mostly virtual church, we are moving into a time of mostly in-person worship. Last spring, as a few people started coming to church, I heard people crying. I was crying! Experiencing the resonance of our sanctuary reminded us of what we had lost during our months of virtual services--not only in music but in the warmth of physically being together. This year we are gathering in a new but familiar way. For those who cannot be with us in person, there will still be a virtual option, but the focus will be on the experience within the sanctuary. Kudos to our technology folks.
Religious Exploration
Welcome Back Everyone! Sunday School is back in person this year!! Church starts at 10:30, and we will be meeting during the church service. We head downstairs after the Message for All Ages around10:45. We will have registration on 9/11/2022, and our first class will be on 9/18/2022. Our older youth will meet on Sunday evenings every other week. More to come on this!
Memorial Garden Blooms
This summer, the FUUSM Memorial Garden was a sight to behold! Kudos first of all to Mike Schroeder who was the group leader for many years and has now moved and passed the baton to Patty Simon.
Updated Covid Safety Policy
Adopted 8/17/22 We seek to be a community that is inclusive, hospitable, and safe for all people. To this end, our Parish Committee has adopted the following COVID safety protocols. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a system of Green, Yellow, and Orange Community Levels based on hospitalization rates, hospital burden, and case rates. We will rely on the CDC’s Level for Plymouth County in adjusting our COVID safety protocols. Leaders of programs that pose special risks because of the vulnerability of participants may adopt stricter rules than those listed below. The Parish Committee President may also impose stricter ... Read more
Black Mamas Matter
Our Cash in the Plate offering for the month of August will go to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. They are a national 501c3 that has been working on improving reproductive health and outcomes for people of color for over five years and has a presence in Massachusetts. They provide direct care and are focused on reducing the inequities that we know exist for communities of color. Like Planned Parenthood, they address all aspects of reproductive health. Since the Dobbs decision, they have been talking more directly about abortion care than previously. You can support this organization by writing a check to FUUSM ... Read more
Special Announcement: Interim Ministry
We are pleased to announce that Rev. Peter Connolly will be joining us on September 1 as our full-time interim minister. Rev. Connolly was a ministry intern with our Congregation back in the mid 2000’s, so he has history with us. He served a UU Congregation in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for eight years as settled minister. He expresses fondness for the time he spent with our Congregation as he prepared for a career in ministry.
Minister’s Meditation
Summer is almost here. As my ministry with you approaches its close, I am grateful that our plans for the coming year are beginning to fall into place. As you know, due to a clergy shortage, we were one of twenty Unitarian Universalist congregations in the U.S. that were not matched with an Interim Minister. Luckily, we have some talented ministers in our area who have had considerable experience offering part-time ministries to congregations like ours. In addition, we have dedicated staff and volunteer leaders who are ready to help with everything we need going forward while we prepare for our next ministries.
Summer Music Musings
July and August mark a shift into “Summer Slowdown” where we let go of weekly choir rehearsals and music participation in Sunday services. This is a time to cut back on planning and practicing, to try out new music with no set agenda, to explore without a schedule. The usual hustle and bustle give way to longer and warmer days with sunshine, gardens, and diversion.
Religious Exploration
Thank you to everyone who made this year a success! I love being the Director of Religious Exploration, and I’m excited to announce that we rocked it this year!. I'm extremely grateful to everyone who contributed inside and outside the classroom. We were successful in having weekly Sunday School virtually, and by the end of the year we were able to consistently meet together in person. What will next year bring? We will see, but we are all optimistic that it will be mostly in person.
Sarah’s Shindig Rescheduled!
A celebration of Rev. Sarah Person’s Retirement
Minister’s Meditation
On Friday, December 14, 2012, our country was devastated by the Sandy Hook tragedy in Newtown. Two days later, this church held our Christmas Pageant with our precious children and with heavy hearts. On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, we were confronted yet again with the ravages of calculated rage.
Music Musings
There are just three worship services in June before we finish out the formal church year. Throughout this year, the Chalice Choir has been rehearsing on Tuesday evenings and singing for church services.
Religious Exploration
We are wrapping up our pilgrimage of faith. We have explored how Unitarian Universalist translates into life choices and every action. Our lessons will culminate at the youth service on June 12.
The Elsie Gaudette Award
There will be an Elsie Gaudette Award presentation during the worship service on Sunday, June 19! Come and see who the mystery recipient is!
Virtual Annual Meeting
FIRST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OF MIDDLEBOROUGH ANNUAL MEETING Friday, June 10, 2022 7:00 p.m. We will be holding the Annual Meeting of our Society on Friday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. Information about how to connect will be sent out later. All are welcome to participate. Only members of FUUSM as of May 10, 2022, who have made an annual contribution to the Society are eligible to vote on any matters that will be decided at this meeting. If you have any questions, please contact any member of the Parish Committee.
Memory Book
On June 11 at 2:00 p.m., we will be celebrating Rev. Sarah's ministry in our UU church. We would like members and friends of our community to contribute to a memory book which we will create in Rev. Sarah's honor.
Virtual Spring Auction
VIRTUAL SPRING AUCTION 2022
We're down to the last days of the auction. Bidding will close at 8:00 pm on Sunday, May 15. Watch your email just before 8:00 in case you get a notice that you've been out-bid on an item, so you can bid again if you wish. There's a bid extension rule in place. If a bid comes in in the last few minutes, bidding on that item will be extended automatically for an extra 15 minutes to give a chance for more bids.
After bidding closes, the system will send emails notifying successful bidders. You can then send a check to the Church for your total order, and contact the person who offered the item to make arrangements.
Don't miss your chance to get in on the fun and snag something great!
Thank you for all you do for each other and for the Church!
“One Way to Help in the Real World”
Sometimes it’s hard to realize what an impact this congregation has had on Middleborough and the communities around us that we serve. Not only do we support nonprofit organizations serving populations needing a helping hand with our Cash-in-the-Plate program, but we support our Minister’s Discretionary Fund. On behalf of our church, with our discretionary fund and with nonmonetary donations, we have given away new clothing and toys for schoolchildren Chromebook for a special needs child so he could keep up with schoolwork a specially designed chair so a child could join his family at the dinner table a child’s first ... Read more
Music Musings
WELCOME TO MAY Such an exciting time of the year as we enter warmer days of growing light and new beginnings. On May 22 we will celebrate Music Sunday with a special worship service called “Considering Music.” You can read more about this service in our calendar line-up of Sunday descriptions. The “music department” is very busy preparing and practicing for a program that we hope will be thoughtful and nourishing for us all. We are also thinking forward into June when we will celebrate Rev. Sarah’s retirement on June 11. She has been a stalwart supporter of our music ... Read more
Sarah’s Shindig POSTPONED!
You are cordially invited to Sarah's Shindig - a celebration of Rev. Sarah Person's retirement on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 2 pm.
Religious Exploration
May 2022 Sunday School Classes: An Amazing Journey, On the Road Again We are continuing on a pilgrimage of faith, exploring how Unitarian Universalism translates into life choices and everyday action. Our lessons will culminate at the youth service on June 12. Has your child completed any activity that aligns with our seven principles? Please be sure to come downstairs in the Parish Hall and add the activity to our path. We meet weekly at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Snack and PlayWe had multiple families visit our craft table and enjoy time relaxing and crafting. Thank you to Leslie Sorrento ... Read more
We affirm that…
Some time ago, our congregation voted to display a Black Lives Matter banner on the front of the church. Knowing that there were reasons both for and against doing so, the Social Justice Core Team and the Parish Committee wanted to approach this decision with care. We spent months in preparation. Although it was current events that propelled us into the decision, a representative group of us spent the better part of a year in learning and deep reflection on our country’s history of violent oppression, and our own, inescapable racialization. These have left an indelible imprint on all our ... Read more
Updated Covid Safety Policy
COVID Guidelines Update We’ve been watching the trends carefully and have determined that given the current state, we’re prepared to begin opening the sanctuary on Sundays for a limited number of individuals to attend Sunday services. Starting on March 6, we’ll have 12 sections designated for units of up to four individuals (families, couples, friends who are comfortable sitting together). All individuals must be fully vaccinated, wear a mask while in the Church building, sign in upon entry attesting to vaccination status, and stay properly distanced from others. There won’t be any singing by attendees, but humming will be welcome. ... Read more
Welcome to April
“Over my head, I hear music in the air…There must be a God somewhere.” This African American spiritual is one of my favorites, dating back somewhere between 1750 and 1875. It is set as a five verse “zipper” song in hymn #30 in our grey hymnal, Singing the Living Tradition. The verses tell the story: I hear music; I hear singing; I see trouble; I feel gladness; I see angels. Indeed, music is happening in the air these days with plenty of birdsong coming from the sky and bushes. I listen to the dialogues of our feathered friends, and the ... Read more
Religious Exploration in April
Classes: An Amazing Journey, On the Road Again We are on a pilgrimage of faith, exploring how Unitarian Universalism translates into life choices and everyday action. Has your child completed any activity that aligns with our seven principles? Please be sure to come downstairs in the Parish Hall and add the activity to our path. We meet weekly on a virtual platform at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Snack and Play: On April 2, volunteers are welcome to help RE work on crafts on the lawn. We will be present from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and will offer a peace pinwheel ... Read more
Guidelines for Sunday Services in the Sanctuary
All those who are fully vaccinated are welcome to attend our Sunday services in person. We’re doing all we can to ensure the safety of those who attend: Masks are required in the church building, except for those who are speaking from the platform. All are expected to observe proper distancing of at least three feet. Windows will be kept open slightly to enhance ventilation. Entry will be by the front door and the downstairs parish hall door only. The Nickerson Street door will be kept closed. With these precautions, we hope to enjoy one other’s presence in experiencing worship ... Read more
