Has it really been two years already? When I think back on the 3-day drive from Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Middleboro, that certainly seems ages ago. But when I think back on the first time I stepped into my office, the first time I met Val and Kelly and Susan, that doesn't seem so long ago at all. I made arrangements to meet Val at the church to pick up my key, but I did not know who she was or what she looked like, so when I heard noises coming from the sanctuary, I went up to introduce myself to a very nice and lively woman. Only several minutes into the conversation did I realize that I was speaking not with Church Administrator Val Ortelt, but with Music Director Susan Hotchkiss. And so the potentially awkward process of finding my way began. Staff and church members ensured that it went as smoothly as possible, though.
Music Sunday on May 19 was a highlight of the church year involving a cast of 25 singers, speakers, and instrumentalists: piano, organ, flutes, hammered dulcimer, guitar, keyboard and xylophone. So many talented people making such splendid music in our lovely Sanctuary! My heartfelt thanks to all who participated, including the congregation who came out in full force.
As there will be no minister on staff for the month of July, Rev. Connolly has arranged for coverage for pastoral care emergencies as follows: July 1-7: Rev. Sarah Person: person.revsarah@gmail.com; 508-740-5809. July 8-31: Rev. David Egan: minister@firstparishmedfield.org; cell: 617-620-1149. We are grateful for their willingness to serve!
This year we all worked together, even the adolescents, to “Build Bears of Wholeness.” We built teddy bears together and took them out monthly to add badges representing parts of our learning and our values. The badges included “Grow your Dreams,” “Listen to Life,” “Fostering Community” and “Share Your Blessings.” Everyone received bears, everyone received badges and everyone shared ideas and values about what went into being a whole person.
Narcan Training Narcan training will be given at the church on Monday, June 24, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. The training will prepare participants to respond effectively if someone (visitor, pedestrian, etc.) suffers an opioid overdose/emergency. Narcan nasal spray (an over-the-counter drug) will be made available after the training. There is no charge for this session, and it is available to both congregation and the general public. Protecting Democracy In collaboration with the Workers Circle, our congregation wrote 500 postcards to voters in the Atlanta GA area urging them to vote in Georgia’s May 22 primary.
At University Park at Bridgewater State University. Free parking. For GPS, use 351 Great Hill Avenue then watch for Parking signs. Rain date June 23. Celebration, commemoration, education. Speakers. Food and craft vendors. A partial list of entertainers includes Khakatay West African drumming and the Woodard Duo (jazz+). Children’s activities include puppet making, cookie decorating, and a Juneteenth story book trail. This is always a really good event. For more information, visithttps://www.bccrcivilrights.org/juneteenth.html
In the spring of 1991, the Parish Committee voted to take an unprecedented action to establish for this Society an award to be presented to a worthy person, annually, if advisable. The award would recognize a person’s service to this Society over many years in many different ways. It is in essence an unsung hero sort of award.
August: Sacred Heart Food Pantry – A Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference serving the towns of Middleboro, Lakeville, Rochester, and Carver. The conference sponsors and operates the Sacred Heart Food Pantry in Middleboro which helps feed hundreds of families every month.
On Friday, June 14 at 7:00 pm we will gather in the Sanctuary for the 2024 Annual Meeting of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro. What happens at this meeting, and why is it important to you? We will elect new officers and members for our governing board (the Parish Committee, or PC). Here is the proposed slate of officers:
To help us measure the reach and impact of these livestream services, we are taking an informal survey to find out more about who is watching. We’d like to hear from you, especially: Why do you watch our services? How often do you watch? Please feel free to leave other comments as well. You don’t need to identify yourself if you prefer not to. Thanks for helping!
