October & November Events

• October 3: Men's Group Meeting at Stoneforge (7:30 p.m.)
• October 4: First Thursdays Peace Vigil (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
• October 7: When Hope Is Hard to Find
• October 12: Potluck Dinner & Family Games Night
• October 14: The Only Measure Of Our Words And Deeds
• October 14: Dads And Kids Afternoon
• October 21: The Magic Of Music with Guest Leader Musician Matt Meyer
• October 21: Potluck Luncheon And Drumming Workshop
• October 28: Samhain Observance
• November 1: First Thursdays Peace Vigil (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
• November 4: Giving Up Grumpy
• November 7: Men's Group Meeting at Stoneforge (7:30 p.m.)
• November 11: Our Great Covenant
• November 17: Coffeehouse On The Common Featuring The Firehouse Band (8:00 p.m.)
• November 18: Annual Holiday Breakfast
• November 18: Celebrating Thanksgiving
• November 25: The Spirit's Mayflower
• December 2: Hanging Of The Greens
• December 2: Trustees Meeting (7:00 PM - ???)
• December 2: BEV Deadline

Coffeehouse On The Common Featuring The Firehouse Band

The Firehouse Band is bringing contemporary American folk music to a Coffeehouse On The Common concert at Foxborough Universalist Church at 8:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 17, 2007.

The Firehouse Band consists of Carolyn Hotchkiss (guitar and banjo), Eric Semple (guitar and dobro), Sara Weeks (vocals), and Charlie Weeks (bass). The band performs unique renditions of songs by familiar artists such as: Cat Stevens; Elvis Costello; Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young; and Patti Smith. Their wide range of musical influences and tight harmonies make this group a must see for contemporary folk music fans.

This highly acclaimed band will play two 45 minute sets of popular folk music. Fairly traded Equal Exchange coffee, fresh baked desserts, and other refreshments will be sold during the show.

Tickets cost $10/adults, $7/seniors, $5/children, and $32/families and are available in advance via phone (508-543-4002), and will be available at the door on concert night. Tickets are also available in advance via Brown Paper Tickets by visiting http://events.uufoxborough.org. At this time, Brown Paper Tickets accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

This is a family friendly event so bring the kids and bring your friends. The church is located at 6 Bird Street (on the common), Route 140, in Foxborough. Join us, sing along or listen, and enjoy refreshments as The Firehouse Band kicks off Thanksgiving week with a bang!

Please click here for details, directions, & more!

Welcoming Congregation

Foxborough Church Begins First Step In Receiving 'Welcoming Congregation' Certification

For more than 35 years, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) has adopted policies and Social Justice statements with the particular aim to end all discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation. In 1989, the UUA General Assembly initiated the Welcoming Congregation Program to educate it's members about bisexual, gay, and lesbian people and help people explore their attitudes towards those of different sexual orientations than themselves.

The Welcoming Congregation Program is a completely voluntary program for congregations that want to become more inclusive towards bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender (BGLT) people. This adult religious education curriculum consists of a series of workshops developed by the UUA. The goal of the workshops is to reduce prejudice by increasing understanding and acceptance among people of different sexual orientations. The Foxborough Universalist Church, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, is holding their first "Welcoming Congregation" interactive workshop at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 23. Some of the upcoming workshop titles include: How Homophobia Hurts Heterosexuals; Connections to Other Forms of Oppression; Gender Socialization and Homophobia; and Biblical Perspectives on Homosexuality.

While the Foxborough Universalist Church voted to support the signing of the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry's Declaration of Religious Support for Same­Sex Marriage in Massachusetts, Rev. Fayre Stephenson officiates at same gender unions and weddings, and the church welcomes all, becoming a Welcoming Congregation is another step in the church's ongoing commitment to publicly and successfully welcome bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people into their spiritual community. By confronting our prejudices in a non-judgmental, non-threatening group, workshop participants are allowed to explore the origins of their prejudices and offers an opportunity to replace those prejudices with knowledge. Understanding our prejudices leads to individual spiritual growth and congregational unity, and will act as a catalyst to both learn more about ourselves and to end exclusion. Only when we are truly open to the wealth of diversity in our world will the inherent worth and dignity of every person be affirmed with a large voice.

The Foxborough Universalist Church, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, is located at 6 Bird Street (on the common/Route 140); directions and additional information about the church, UUA, and "The Welcoming Congregation" can be found on-line via www.uufoxborough.org.

Some Upcoming Activities - Please Join Us For Worship Service, Religious Education, & More!

September

• 5: Men's Grop Meeting (7:30 p.m.) - Newcomer's welcome!
• 6: First Thursdays Peace Vigil (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.) - Open invitation to community residents; All Are Welcome!
• 9: Annual Intergenerational Ingathering & Water Communion (Worship Service)
• 16: Sacred Anxiety (Worship Service)
• 16: First classes for this year's Religious Education students.
• 23: The Welcoming Congregation (Worship Service)
• 23: Religious Education classes
• 30: The Old Way, The True Way by Guest Minister Rev. Bob Thayer
• 30: Religious Education classes
• 30: Trustees Meeting (7:00 PM - ???) - All are welcome to attend.

October

• 3: Men's Grop Meeting (7:30 p.m.) - Newcomer's welcome!
• 4: First Thursdays Peace Vigil (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.) - Open invitation to community residents; All Are Welcome!

Religious Education, UU And You!

Currently accepting student registrations for the new church year, the Religious Education (RE) program of Foxborough Universalist Church begins on September 16. In addition to toddler activities, there are four groups for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. If you or your child is interested in participating in our Religious Education Classes, please contact Lisa Benoit, Director of Religious Education (DRE), at re@uufoxborough.org or 508-543-4002.

Our congregation believes that religion is not something to be given to a child, but something that grows out of direct experiences. Through our religious education classes, children (and adults) are exposed to a wide variety of thoughts and beliefs from many world religions to assist them in developing their own religious philosophy. We also believe that religious education is not achieved during one hour on Sundays but is a continuous process influenced by parents, peers, and community members.

Guided by the “Rainbow Path Principles” (the 7 Unitarian Universalist Principles adapted to the colors of a rainbow), the RE program strives for a broad understanding of our own and other faiths from around the world and focuses on building a respectful, compassionate, spiritual community. These goals are accomplished by using classroom curricula developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association of congregations, supplemented with a series of activities, service projects, and intergenerational services for all ages.

During the year, students will be engaged in age appropriate learning of values issues and character building experiences such as: imaginative activities and rituals; exploring peace and fairness; and character traits like caring, citizenship, cooperation, courage, fairness, honesty, respect, integrity, and responsibility - qualities that help them on their path to growing into capable, moral teens and adults. New this year is our youth group which will focus on issues important to the participants and they will participate in the democratic process by choosing, planning, and performing at least one community service project. In addition to the Sunday school classes for all age groups, special events and trips are planned throughout the year to further enrich the program, enhance program goals, and provide additional opportunities for bonding and building relationships with fellow students. Our community welcomes all who are interested.

To find out more about our classes and curriculum, please visit our website at http://www.uufoxborough.org, contact the DRE, or attend a class or worship service at the Foxborough Universalist Church (6 Bird Street) anytime during the church year. All are welcome!

Upcoming Happenings

August 28: Board Of Trustees Meeting (7:00 PM)
September 5: Men’s Group Meeting (7:30 PM)
September 6: First Thursdays Peace Vigil (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
September 9: Ingathering & Water Ceremony (10:00 AM)
September 10: Belly Dance Classes (7:00 PM)
September 11: Kundalini Yoga & Meditation Classes (7:00 PM)
September 16: First Religious Education Classes Of The New Church Year (10:00 AM)

Join The Peace Vigil On August 2, 2007!

...First Thursdays Peace Vigils Continue...
Please join the Peace Vigil from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 2, outside at the Foxborough Universalist Church. Everyone is invited to participate in the ongoing peace vigils - please show up during the hour and stay as long or as short as your schedule allows. Candles will be provided. There will be spoken and silent meditation in addition to a sign explaining what we are doing. The Church is located at 6 Bird Street (on the common) Route 140; directions to the church and more information about the vigils can be found through events.uufoxborough.org. Everyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to participate.

Hop Aboard For Historical Trolley Tours On Founders Day 2007!

Historical trolley tours return to Foxborough on Founders Day, Saturday, June 9, 2007. Rain or shine, four approximately one-hour guided trolley tours will depart from the Igo Administration Building / Elementary School's South Street parking lot at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. A local historian will be your guide for this moving exploration through part of the town's history. Tickets are $6 each and can be purchased in advance at Cindi's Jewelry Shop at 40 Central Street and the Little Shop at 17 Bird Street in downtown Foxborough. All trolley tour proceeds will be devoted solely to the preservation of the Foxborough Universalist Church building - the oldest church building in town and the oldest building on the Foxborough Common. Come join the fun on the trolley!

More information will be posted soon here and at http://events.uufoxborough.org.

Saturday, May 19: Annual Yard Sale (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

5/19 Church Yard Sale
Foxborough 6 Bird St.
8-1 Electronics, Books
Housewares, Comp., CDs
Sporting Goods, Games
Clothing, Misc. Items

&

Find some treasures on May 19!

The annual yard sale at the Foxborough Universalist Church, 6 Bird Street, will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May, 19. There will be electronics, books, housewares, CDs, sporting goods, games, toys, clothing, computer equipment, and other, miscellaneous items. We're also accepting donations. You can drop off your donation at the church: Wednesday, May 16: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Friday, May 18: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; and Saturday, May 19: 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

The Yard Sale is being sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Committee and all money raised will go to the GSC Fund to make the church a greener place. If you have any questions or comments about the yard sale, please contact us via office@uufoxborough.org.

http://events.uufoxborough.org

May Activities

May 2: Men's Group Meeting. Details: TBA.
May 3: First Thursdays Peace Vigil (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
May 6: Unitarian Universalism: A Religion?
May 12: Clean Up Party (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
May 13: Expectations: Great And Small
May 19: Annual Yard Sale 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
May 20: Cleaning Up Our Messes
May 20: Board Of Trustees Meeting (7:00 p.m.)
May 27: Wounded Hearts And The Road To Happiness

Choir Practice: Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
Belly Dance Classes on Mondays
Kundalini Yoga And Meditation Classes on Tuesdays


Ongoing: RE Sign-up, Membership Committee Fellowship, Community Outreach, Social Action Committee, Women's Spirituality Group, Sunshine Network/Circle of Friends, Book Club, RE Committee, Worship Committee, Meditation Group, Green Sanctuary Committee, Adult RE, & more!

A Plethora Of April Activities!

April 1: Intergenerational Passover Seder
April 5: First Thursdays Peace Vigil (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.)
April 8: Intergenerational Easter Tenebrae Liturgy
April 14: Party For The Planet (noon - 2:00 p.m.)
April 14: Dance Rehearsal
April 14: RE Gathering
April 15: Membership Sunday
April 21: The Muses & The Fates - 3^rd Annual Belly Dance Karavan Fundraiser (7:30 p.m.)
April 22: Earth Day Service
April 22: BOT Meeting (7:00 p.m.)
April 27: Green Sanctuary Committee Swap Meet & Potluck Dinner
April 27: Canvass Workshop
April 29: An Intergenerational May Day/Beltane Celebration

April 21: The Muses & The Fates (3rd Annual Belly Dance Karavan Fundraiser)

The 3rd annual Belly Dance Karavan is stopping in at the Foxborough Universalist Church at 7:30 p.m., on April 21. This years Karavan fundraiser includes more than fifteen women who will tell stories of life, love, and inspiration through the ancient art of belly dance in a fun, family friendly environment. The belly dancers are scheduled to portray different daughters of Zeus in the multi-part show that will culminate with a finale which will include all the dancers together on-stage.

Tickets are $12 general admission, $6 students and seniors, and $30 families and will be sold at the door the night of the show. The church's Women's Spirituality Group is hosting this fundraiser; the belly dancers are donating their talent and time. All proceeds will be devoted to accessibility improvements as a part of our historic building preservation. If you need directions to the church (located at 6 Bird Street, adjacent the town common/Route 140), or want more information, please call us at 508-543-4002 or visit http://events.uufoxborough.org.

Erato, Clotho, Calliope, Mnemosyne, Thalia, and Polyhymnia are some of the goddesses you will be seeing at the show. Come watch the Karavan on April 21!

April 14: Party For The Planet

The Green Sanctuary Committee of Foxborough Universalist Church invites you to a "Party For The Planet" at the church from noon to 2:00 p.m. on April 14. As part of the nationwide "Step It Up 2007" campaign to get the general public, lawmakers, and businesses to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by the year 2050, the event will include fun and games, earth-friendly snacks, and music. There will also be informative pamphlets and information on how you can reduce your carbon footprint. Be a part of a nationwide effort, with thousands of others who want to spare our children from the disastrous affects of global warming. Come hold signs and wave to passersby with us on the Foxborough Common, spreading the word about global warming. This event is open to the public and we urge anyone who is concerned about the environment to join our "Party For The Planet". The Foxborough Universalist Church is located at 6 Bird Street (on the common), next to the town library (Boyden Library). Directions to the church and more information is available via http://events.uufoxborough.org.

April 5: First Thursdays Peace Vigil

You're invited to join the Peace Vigil from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on April 5, 2007, at the Foxborough Universalist Church.

Everyone is invited to participate - please show up during the hour and stay as long or as short as your schedule allows. Candles will be provided. There will be spoken and silent meditation in addition to a sign explaining what we are doing.



The Foxborough Universalist Church is located at 6 Bird Street (on the common - Route 140); directions to the church can be found through http://events.uufoxborough.org.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

March 31: An Evening Of Big Band, Show Tunes, and More - A Benefit Concert At Orpheum Theatre

An Evening Of Big Band, Show Tunes, and More - A Benefit Concert At Orpheum Theatre

The Boston City Band, Inc., a local 25 piece concert ensemble, will grace Foxborough's Orpheum Theatre stage at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2007. With their complement of woodwinds, percussion, and brass instruments, the band's eclectic musical selections are designed to give audiences of all ages a musically interesting and informative experience. Musical selections will include show tunes, marches, classical pieces, selections from popular
movie scores, and traditional patriotic songs. Often seen performing on town greens or in area parades, the band always provides a program of diverse genres that are enjoyed by all!

Tickets are affordably priced at $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children under 12, and $32 Families. Tickets are available in advance through Cindi's Jewelry Shop (40 Central Street) and The Little Shop (17 Bird Street) in downtown Foxborough and at the door the night of the concert. There will also be a 50/50 raffle during the program. All proceeds from the concert and raffle are being devoted to accessibility improvements to our historic church building. After the program, you are invited to join us for a reception and refreshments at the church - free and open to all.

The Orpheum Theatre is located at 1 School Street (on the common) in Foxborough. The church - the oldest building on the town common - is located three buildings away at 6 Bird Street. More information and directions can be found on-line at events.uufoxborough.org or via phone (617-780-6290).

Oodles Of Upcoming Events!

Mar. 1 - GSC Meeting @ 10:00 a.m.
Mar. 1 - Peace Vigil @ 6:00 p.m.
Mar. 1 - WSG Meeting @ 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 4 - Friends Are The Bacon Bits In The Salad Bowl Of Life
Mar. 7 - MG Meeting @???
Mar. 11 - TBA
Mar. 18 - Vernal Equinox Service
Mar. 18 - Pool Party (2:00 p.m.)
Mar. 18 - BOT Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 25 - Arts Sunday: How Great Thou Art
Apr. 1 - Passover

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation Classes Offered

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation If you're feeling stressed, overworked, out of control, and/or uncentered, then Kundalini Yoga & Meditation (KY&M) is for you! This ancient tradition: promotes the better functioning of our bodily systems, impact all aspects of our physical, mental & spiritual well-being, and is the yoga of awareness. An 8 week, Tuesday night class featuring mental focus, pranayama (breathing), mantras (chanting/sound vibrations), postures, mudras (hand positions), meditation, and relaxation will begin on March 6.

Each classwill be 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours long and will include a breath meditation/exercise, an exercise series, a full meditation, and a relaxation. Gathering for classes will be at 7:00 p.m., with classes starting at 7:15 p.m. in the Social Hall of the Foxborough Universalist Church (6 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA). Susan Morgaine, the instructor, has practiced KY&M for 13 years and in 1998 was certified as a Level 1 KY&M teacher by the Kundalini Research Institute. The cost for the 8-week session is $75, pre-paid. Please contact Susan at SusanMorgaine@comcast.net or 508-561-4229 for more information and to register. A portion of the proceeds go to the Foxborough Universalist Church Building Preservation Fund.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 1 - Peace Vigil @ 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 1 - WSG Meeting @ 7:15 p.m.
Feb. 4 - Interactive Drumming Imbolc Service
Feb. 7 - MG Meeting @7:30 p.m.
Feb. 11 - Love Is The Spirit Of This Church
Feb. 11 - Attitude, Zills, & Za-Beth Workshop @12:00 p.m.
Feb. 11 - BOT Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 16 - GSC Meeting @ 10:00 a.m.
Feb. 18 - The Welcoming Congregation
Feb. 25 - Are We A Pacifist Church?

Mar. 1 - First Thursdays Peace Vigil @ 6:00 p.m.

Workshop On February 11: Attitude, Zills, & Za-Beth Part II

Attitude, Zills, & Za-Beth Part II
Za-Beth (Boston’s Grande Dame of the Belly Dance community) will lead ‘Zills Made Simple’ workshop on Sunday, February 11, 2007, from noon to 3:00 p.m. Zills (a.k.a, finger cymbals) are an instrument that can be used to add drama and attitude to your belly dance performance. Participants will learn a mini routine with zills only. This is a continuation of last year’s “Attitude and Zills” workshop. There will be a review, so students need neither previous dance nor zill experience (of any kind). The class is appropriate for students of all ages and sizes. Bring a piece of music that you like and your own zills. Za-Beth has lots and lots of attitude and will help show us how to bring out our own attitude and personality with zills. This workshop cost is $25 per person and will be held at the Foxborough Universalist Church (6 Bird Street). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the church’s Building Preservation Fund. Please contact Sumora at 508-561-4229 or SusanMorgaine@comcast.net to register.

Event On February 1: First Thursdays Peace Vigil

You’re invited to join the Peace Vigil from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on February 1, 2007, at the Foxborough Universalist Church.

Everyone is invited to participate - please show up during the hour and stay as long or as short as your schedule allows. Candles will be provided. There will be spoken and silent meditation in addition to a sign explaining what we are doing.

The Foxborough Universalist Church is located at 6 Bird Street (on the common - Route 140); directions to the church can be found through www.uufoxborough.org. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

Contact Name: Rev. Fayre Stephenson
Contact Email: office@uufoxborough.org
More Information: Here

Firehouse Band To Perform At Foxborough Coffeehouse

Littleton's Firehouse Band is bringing their brand of contemporary American folk music to the first "Coffeehouse Concert" at Foxborough Universalist Church. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 27, 2007, this highly acclaimed band will play two 45 minute sets of popular folk music.

The Firehouse Band consists of Carolyn Hotchkiss (guitar and banjo), Eric Semple (guitar and dobro), Sara Weeks (vocals), and Charlie Weeks (bass). Their range of work includes familiar folk artists Shawn Colvin, Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, and Dar Williams. Join us, sing along or listen, and enjoy refreshments as the Firehouse Band warms your musical soul on a cold winter night!

Event chairwoman Alison Fleming notes, "the Firehouse Band plays folk music with a unique flair and amazing harmonies. We are very excited to host this concert and hope everyone in the community who appreciates high quality, live music will join us!"

Fairly traded Equal Exchange coffee will be freely served during the show. Fresh baked desserts and other refreshments will also be available for purchase. Ticket prices are: adult $10, senior $7, children $5, and family $32. Tickets are available in advance via phone at 508-543-4002 and, if not sold-out, will be available at the door the night of the concert. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m.

The church is located at 6 Bird Street (on the Foxborough Common). More information and directions can be found online at www.uufoxborough.org. Parking is available around the common, at the neighboring Boyden Library parking lot, and on sidestreets close to the church.

Upcoming Events

• January 14: The Legacy Of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• January 21: Body, Mind, & Spirit
  
• January 25: Women's Spirituality Group Meeting (7:15 PM)
  
• January 27: Coffee House Concert Featuring Firehouse Band (8:00 PM)
• January 28: The Welcoming Congregation
• February 1: First Thursday Peace Vigil (6:00 - 7:00 PM)
  
• February 11: Attitude, Zills, & Za-Beth Workshop 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
• February 11: BOT Meeting (7:00 PM)
  

See all the others at www.uufoxborough.org

Welcome To 2007!

Happening This Week:

• Thursday: Green Sanctuary Committee Meeting 10:00 a.m.
• Thursday: Peace Vigil 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday: Choir Practice 8:45 a.m.
• Sunday: “Unitarian Universalism & Christianity” and Religious Education Classes 10:00 a.m.
• Sunday: Board Of Trustees Meeting 7:00 p.m.