Dear Friends,
As we have been engaging more intently in discussions about how we might “choose to bless the world” and engage in social justice work, I keep thinking of a pair of congregants from the church where I served as an intern. At Unity Church Unitarian in St. Paul, a volunteer always maintained a presence at the front desk. One of those volunteers was a 91 year old retired law professor and ex-navy commander, with a piercing intellect and dignified presence, that we will call Henry. The year before I came to the church, Henry’s wife took ill with kidney disease and had to move into an assisted living facility. This was a difficult transition for Henry, though I understand he bore it with characteristic reserve. During coffee hour one morning he remarked to another congregant, a man with two young kids who worked for public radio that we’ll call Ben, that one of the hard things about living alone was wondering if anyone would know if something happened to him. Ben, who did not know Henry well, asked, “Would you like me to call you in the morning?” at which point Henry did not say “No.” And so the next morning Ben called, just to say, “Good morning.” And so it went for every day after that. Some days Ben would just say, “Good morning,” and Henry would say, “Have a good day.” Other days their conversations were a little longer. It had gotten to the point where Ben’s kids would remind him, “Did you call Henry today?” As I was leaving the church, Ben and Henry had shared this practice for two years without missing a day.
I have been thinking about Ben and Henry for a couple of reasons. First, this act of service, of blessing the world, came out of Henry venturing to share his real concerns to a member of his community. He may not have thought about it this way, but in doing so he was blessing Ben with the opportunity to care for someone and to build relationship. Second, this blessing came out of Ben hearing Henry. One of the most important aspects of social justice and service is listening, being attentive to where the need lies. Third, this became, for Ben, a spiritual practice. It wasn’t long before it was so integrated into his days, that he did not think about it as doing something for Henry, but as a part of what made his days feel whole. For Henry, it expanded his understanding of his support system, soothed his loneliness, and repositioned the church in his heart as a part of his family.
This is social justice work as much as marching on Washington is. Granted we should still advocate for compassionate systems for caring for our elders. We should pay close attention to support systems like Medicare and Social Security. However, we should not dismiss the tremendous blessing that is brought upon people when they engage on a more intimate level in co-creating the world in which they want to live. As we approach our discussions about social justice and let ourselves think big about what is possible when we pool our energy, let us also maintain reverence for the smaller gestures we daily make in the name of building a more compassionate and connected world. In doing so, we are, in some ways, letting ourselves live in that world as we are creating it.
Faithfully,
Katie
We are on the downward side of the church year once again. Time to forget (if that's possible) winter, think spring and that period of planting, growing, and change that, for me, is the start of the year. This is when we all think of gardens being started, finding our yards long hidden by snow, and yes...for UUs in Foxborough, planning for next year's budget. At the next Board Of Trustees meeting we will be discussing fundraising for the balance of this year, and for activities next year. If you cannot make the meeting, please send your ideas to any Board member or discuss them at church.
Dick
Worship In March
March 1: “The Relevance Of Church And Bowling”
by Minister Katie Lawson and Worship Associate Neda Joury-Penders
Social institutions like churches, clubs, and bowling leagues have experienced declining participation over the years and seem to have lost their relevance in today's world. Is this simply a marker of change or a critical loss for our communities? Join Katie and Neda in considering the role that institutions might play in a rapidly changing social climate.
March 8: “The Problem With Tolerance”
by Minister Katie Lawson and Worship Associate Ginger Bailey
We desire to continue to grow a congregation and a society that celebrates its diversity and accepts all people. What does this require of us? Join Katie and Ginger in exploring how might we need to change as individuals and as a community to fulfill the promise of our beliefs.
March 15: “This I Believe”
by Minister Katie Lawson and Worship Associates
Our congregation is truly representative of the idea that there are many paths up the mountain. Several members of the congregation will share the beliefs that guide their lives. There is still room for a couple more participants. You are encouraged to craft a five minute statement to share with the congregation. Contact Katie if you are interested in participating.
March 22: “The Possibility Of Peace”
by Minister Katie Lawson
Throughout human history, war and other types of violence have been a constant. As pressure on our resources increases, laws of nature seem to indicate that violence will only increase. Are there viable alternatives to war and violence or are they inevitable?
March 29: Intergenerational Passover Seder
by Worship Associates Steve and LeeAnn Dobro and Minister Katie Lawson
We will come together to celebrate the Jewish holiday, Passover, by sharing a Seder. Invite a friend and experience the ritualized story-telling and symbolic meal.
Some Upcoming Events
- Mar. 4: (7:30 p.m.) Men's Group Meeting at Pike's Peak Mining Company (31 Hampshire Street, Mansfield, MA).
- Mar. 5: (6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) First Thursdays Peace Vigil at 6 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA.
- Mar. 8: (7:00 p.m.) Board Of Trustees Meeting at the church. All are welcome to attend.
- Mar. 9: (7:00 p.m.) Women's Group Meeting.
- Mar. 13: (5:00 p.m.) Pot-luck Dinner And Movie Night.
Even an enlightened being, with limitless knowledge and power and the wish to save all others from suffering, cannot eliminate the individual karma of each being. ~ His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso
Foxborough Universalist Music
Our choir information and music catalog is on-line at www.geocities.com/uufoxboroughmusic. The collection ranges from music published as recently as 2005 to music published as far back as 1832. All sheet music listed in the catalogue is available to other Ballou Channing District churches on a lending basis. Please contact us to add items to the database.
Wayside Pulpit
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead
Faith Without Borders
Introduced at General Assembly, the �Faith Without Borders� program invites congregations to integrate a commitment to faithful global citizenship into many aspects of congregational life. Participants in the program will receive resources, consultation, and celebration from the International Resources Office. Please visit www.uua.org/fwb for more information.
Notices
- Preserving the Unitarian Universalist Chaplaincy at the Doolittle Home a new Fund
- Committees & Groups: Women's Group, Green Sanctuary Committe, Social Action Committee, Sunshine Committee, Worship Committee, & RE Committee
- Please check the bulletin board and Order of Service for weekly updates.
Planning A Wedding, Meeting, Party, Or Other Event?
Members and non-members are able to hold special events at our conveniently located church! Overlooking a quintessential New England Town Common, the Foxborough Universalist Church makes a lovely setting for weddings, meetings, reunions, classes, workshops, rehearsals, and other events and ceremonies. In addition to the Sanctuary, piano, overlooking balcony, and vestibule, there is a large finished downstairs which includes a kitchen and social hall. We welcome all to tour our treasure and discuss your event needs with our Minister and/or Board of Trustees. Our minister, Katie Lawson, is available to perform your ceremony, but utilizing her pastoral services is not a requirement for using our historic building. Please contact the church office via office@uufoxborough.org to reserve the church for your events.
If you will be using the church some evening or Saturday for a meeting or other event, please drop the Property Committee a line or give them a call a bit in advance. This will allow the thermostat to be programmed so that the building is welcomingly toasty when you arrive and, after you leave, it will return automatically to its preset program.
First Thursdays Peace Vigils
A Peace Vigil is held outside at the church from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. the first Thursday of every month. Everyone - members, congregants, area residents, etc. - 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. If you want to be added to the reminder e-list, please let LeeAnn or PR know or sign up via http://events.uufoxborough.org
"Music can be an important component of identity, but it is also an important means of arriving at cultural pluralism, by which I mean a tolerance, openness and understanding towards other peoples' cultures, social structures, values and faiths." ~ His Highness the Aga Khan
BCD and UUA Events
Dates and time subject to change so please check with the offices.
- Mar. 7: New England Music Conference
- Mar. 13 - 15: Allies for Racial Equality 2009 Annual Conference
- Apr. 1-5: UUJEC 20th Anniversary Conference
- Apr. 3-5: Now Is The Time! Conference
- May 2: BCD Spring Conference and Annual Meeting
- June 24 - 28: General Assembly in Salt Lake City, UT.
- Feb 26-Mar 1 International Convocation of U*U Women Houston, TX
- Mar 7 New England Music Conference Murray UU Church
- Mar 13-15 Allies for Racial Equality 2009 Annual Conference All Souls UU Church, Kansas City, MO
- Mar 16 BCD Board meeting 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: TBA
- Mar 22 Rev. Tess Baumberger Installation Unity Church, North Easton, MA
- Mar 25-26 RE Gathering Retreat Location TBA
- March 26-29 UU Christian Fellowship Revival 2009 All Souls Church, Tulsa, OK
- Apr 1 Lobbying Day, UU Mass Action Massachusetts State House
- April 3-5 Leading Congregations into a Multiracial, Multicultural Future Post Oak Lodge (Tulsa, OK)
- Apr 6 Job-a-Like Conclave: Worship 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Universalist Unitarian Church of Brockton
- Apr 13 BCD Board meeting 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: TBA
- May 2 BCD Spring Conference and Annual Meeting First Parish Church (Old Ship), Hingham, MA
- May 11 UUMA Spring Retreat Sacred Hearts Retreat Center, Wareham, MA
- May 18 BCD Board of Directors Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: TBA
- Jun. 1 New Congregation Presidents Orientation (tentative) 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: TBA
- Jun 24-28 General Assembly Salt Lake City, UT
- Please see the BCD-In-Brief , church web-sites, and church bulletin boards for additional events and information.
Other Upcoming Events
Stewardship
In 1915 Sarah Doolittle gave her family home to the Universalist Convention of Massachusetts to be used as a residence for the elderly, especially those of the Universalist faith. Over the years there has been a strong relationship between the Home and the UUA (and its predecessors) and currently about half the residents are UUs who chose to retire to this haven because of its affiliation with the UUA. Now, a current Board of Trustees is trying to sever that tie. A policeman in uniform was hired to keep people out of an Annual Meeting (the people barred entry were UUs who are members of the corporation or people who were holding valid proxies). This is a very unfortunate situation where a group of outsiders is trying to wrest control of a UU institution. There are legal costs to fight for Doolittle so please contribute - a large check if you can, or a small one if you can't. Checks should be made out to: The UUA Fund for Doolittle Home, Inc. and sent to the UUA, Attention: Jerry Gabert, 25 Beacon St. Boston, MA 02108. Please be generous. We are very grateful for your support. For more information please contact Rev. Dorothy Boroush.
Support the Doolittle Home residents, our UU family, friends, and community,
and the Home's treasured UU Heritage!!!
Not just the "big green and white house on the corner or across from the Library", the Doolittle Home has been a planned for retirement haven of U's and UUs for over 90 years. Support the Doolittle Home residents, our UU family, friends, and community, and the Home's treasured UU Heritage!!!
Love To Sing...Love Good Health...Join The Choir!
In several studies recently cited in The Boston Globe, it was proven that those people who belong to choirs enjoy healthier lives than those who are not choir members. Wow - what a rousing endorsement! Look for upcoming dates for our choir rehearsals. We have a general choir for adults and older youth and a children's choir. Practices are usually held before and/or after worship services. All are joyously welcome. Contact Katie for further information.
Summer At Ferry Beach
Registration for summer conferences at Ferry Beach is now open to everyone! We are very happy to announce our newest conferences: Quilting for Beginners (June 20-26) and Fiber Fanatics Festival (July 25-August 1). And we are very excited to add an entire 2nd week of youth camps! For more information on all of Ferry Beach's programs, visit www.ferrybeach.org or check the vestibule for the current brochure. You can register on the website or over the phone at 207-282-4489. There is also a registration form on their web-site to download and mail in.
How Has UUism Touched Your Life?
“For New Year 2009, we asked you to share blessings in your lives with us. From all over the world, you sent stories of the ways Unitarian Universalism has transformed your lives, and those things for which you are deeply thankful during these turbulent times�. You can read some of the stories and blessings that have been shared through www.uua.org/giving/news/generosity/stories/124904.shtml or share your own through www.uua.org/giving/news/generosity/stories/index.shtml.
CUUPS
Unitarian Universalism draws from many sources including "Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature." The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, Inc. (CUUPS) is an Interest Group of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) which "exists in part to promote the practice and understanding of Pagan and Earth-centered Spirituality within the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and to enable networking among Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists. Chapters are one way CUUPS accomplishes these goals." Currently there are more than 100 chapters world-wide, with six of them based in Massachusetts. If you're interested in CUUPS or the local Chapters, please visit www.cuups.org.
Spreading the Good News Of UUism Via Podcasting
"Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers." Podcasting is a great way for congregations to reach a larger audience for that very reason: They go to the people, busy people who might lose a bookmark or be too pressed for time to check back every week or two. Audio sermons of any sort are a smart move for a congregation because they allow the pastor and lay leaders' words to reach UUs who live too far from a brick-and-mortar congregation to visit, or who might be shut in due to illness, or who may have been hurt in a religious setting and thus be reluctant to walk into a UU congregation without getting some sense of what they'll find there. To find out who's podcasting and to listen to some, please check the following websites: www.geocities.com/scarcrest/uu_podcasts.html, www.uupodcasters.org, www.podcast.net, and www.uuism.net/uuwiki/index.php/List_of_UU_podcasts.
The Goddess And You
'The Goddess And You: Exploring The Relevance Of The Goddess For Women Today'� is the theme of this year's Womensphere Spring Gathering. First Unitarian Church of Providence is the location of the Saturday, March 21, 2009, event. This will be a day spent celebrating the energizing power of the goddess. We will have time to share the impact of the goddess in our own lives. Then we'll cross the street to the Rhode Island School of Design museum and stand before Isis, Hathor, Maat, Kuan Yin, and others. Cost is $25 including lunch plus admission to the museum, $10 adults/$7 62+. A limited number of scholarships are available. To register or for more information, please contact Susan Emmer Schmidt via emmerschmidt@verizon.net.
Wayside Pulpit
Even an enlightened being, with limitless knowledge and power and the wish to save all others from suffering, cannot eliminate the individual karma of each being. ~ His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet
His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama Of Tibet Coming To Foxborough
"The Tibetan Association of Boston is honored to invite the 14th Dalai Lama to share his message of hope and compassion in a public address. The universally recognized spiritual leader of Tibet and Nobel Peace Laureate will host two public talks on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The day will be broken out into two separate talks each lasting two hours; one ticket allows access to the entire day."� The morning session will be a brief introduction to Tibetan Buddhism (The Four Noble Truths). The afternoon session will be a public talk on "A Path to Peace and Happiness". Ticket prices range from $37.50 - $200, and go on sale Friday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased on-line through www.TicketMaster.com or by phone 866-448-7849. For more information about the event, please e-mail info@bostontibet.org.
Restocking The Shelves
Since 1970, the Foxborough Discretionary Fund and the Foxborough Food Pantry have provided emergency food relief as well as temporary food support to Foxborough residents in need. The organizations could not exist without the generous support of our community and friends. Donations to the Foxborough Food Pantry can be made in the designated boxes at the Foxborough Stop and Shop and the Sharon Shaw's Supermarkets. Demand at area food pantries is especially high during the winter months (when utility and fuel costs rise) and during the summer months (when children do not have access to the school lunch programs). Gladly accepted is any food donation that has not reached its expiration date. The following items are always in short supply at the town pantry:
Baked Beans, Beef Stew, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Cereal, Chunky Soups, Cleaning Supplies, Feminine products, Hamburger Helper, Jelly, Juice Boxes, Kleenex, Laundry Detergent, Peanut Butter, Shampoo, Spaghetti Sauce, Toilet Paper, Tuna, Bottled or Canned Juice, Canned Chili, Hash, or Spam, Canned Pasta: Ravioli, Spaghetti O's, & Snacks: cookies, crackers, chips
No matter which town or city you live in, our contributions have an immediate impact on the lives of many individuals and families in our municipalities. Please help if you are able to either by donating to your local food pantry or by adding something to the Church's monthly donation box in the Vestibule. The Discretionary Fund also usually sends out an annual request for holiday gifts and needed winter clothing. Please donate if you can. Thank You!
Universalism struck hell from the theological menu; Unitarianism removed original sin. ~ Forrest Church
Guest At Your Table 2008-2009
UUSC's Guest At Your Table kicks-off on November 23, 208, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. For over 30 years, UUs of all ages have built lasting connections to our shared values through Guest at Your Table. Later this church year, we hope to participate in this special UU tradition. If you're interested in more information about UUSC and human rights in the United States and around the world, please visit www.uusc.org/guest.
You may have to allocate a little more time to get to the church and to park, but like most everything else downtown, we will be open during the construction of the mostly federally funded transportation and business district demonstration projects. For roadway conditions and projects' updates, please check here.
Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline
With the high cost of living in the Commonwealth and more than 522,000 people across the state struggling to put food on the table, chances are that a friend or neighbor of yours is having difficulty making ends meet this winter. Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline can help . The FoodSource Hotline is the only comprehensive information and referral service for the hungry in Massachusetts. Counselors can provide information and screen callers for food stamp eligibility, connect them to school meal programs, and direct them to emergency food resources right in their neighborhood. Counselors can assist callers in 160 languages and the calls are both personalized and confidential. Extend your goodwill and reach out to those in need. A call to Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333 TTY: 1-800-377-1292) may be all it takes to provide comfort to someone who is struggling. In response to the increased demand for help, Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline has extended its hours to: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.. and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
March’s Action Of The Month
The March Action Of The Month is “Sexuality Education Call-In Days�. “The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) views sexuality education as an issue of justice . It is our religious faiths and values that compel us to support justice and equity for people of all genders, races, backgrounds, income levels, abilities, and sexual orientations. We support age-appropriate, medically accurate, and fully inclusive sexuality education in schools and communities and congregations.�. Some suggested ideas to participate in this action are to: contact your legislator regarding the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act; form an ongoing sexuality education advocacy group in our congregation, campus group, or community; partner with groups in our community and state; investigate what type of sex ed programs are provided in our local schools or community; and educate our community about these issues by hosting a forum or a movie night with films such as “The Education of Shelby Knox� and “Abstinence Comes to Albuquerque�. Additional information is available via www.uua.org/socialjustice/actioncenter/.
"Inspired Faith, Effective Action"
The Washington Office For Advocacy's new Legislative Assistants, Grace Garner and Lisa Swanson, started in the office during the summer, learning the ropes from their predecessors, Elizabeth and Meredith. The two new L.A.s have big shoes to fill but we are confident that they are up to the task. Alex Winnett, the new Program Associate for Peacemaking, has been with the office since June. You can read more about Alex, Grace, Lisa, and the rest of the office on the UUAWO office blog, "Inspired Faith, Effective Action." at http://uuawo.blogspot.com. The Washington Office looks forward to working with fellow UUs over the coming year.
Who Will Be The Next UUA President?
This June there will be an important election to choose the next president of the UUA. All the votes will be counted at GA, whether they are in person or by absentee ballot. Information is available on the UUA web site (www.uua.org/aboutus/governance/elections/index.shtml). There is an e-mail list you can join by going to lists.uua.org/mailman/listinfo/election-l. Each month, the candidates will answer a question posted by the Election Campaign Practices Committee and subscribers are free to comment. There is also a blog that contains the candidates' statements, provides links to the candidates web-sites, and gives readers an opportunity to comment on-line at uuapresidentialdebate2009.wordpress.com.
March’s Global Chalice Lighting
A truth worthy of complete devotion may not be provable by reason, but it will not insult our intelligence, nor will it be alien to our experience. If God is, then there is no place God is not—be it in temple or telescope. May we take to heart the injunction to question, listen, respect, and understand, and live the beauty of our faith.
~ Samuel Trumbore
Unitarian Universalist Association
www.uua.org
