Our Calendar

Sunday Services and Activities

Sunday Service Settings  Service Settings add an extra touch to our inspirational weekly services: a painting, flowers, candles, picture, or a favorite “thing”. Anyone can do it, and everyone is urged to take a turn at least once a year. Contact Phyllis Brockley at church or as listed in the Directory.  All services are on Sunday at 10:30 AM unless otherwise noted. Other activities are listed as scheduled.

March 2010 Service Schedule & Community Calendar

MARCH FOOD DONATION:
During the month of March, please bring in paper goods :  toilet paper, paper towels, tissues.  Two years ago we managed to collect over 500 rolls of t.p. !  Can we beat that record?  I think we can…. Thank you.- David

Some of you have requested more information about "The Land of Broken Dreams", specifically, what I was talking about in my sermon, "Oddballs & Eccentrics"
Go to:  http://www.agilitynut.com/h/bobsmith.htmlfor pictures and more information.

SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS: I would like to encourage the congregation to make better use of the PRINTED Sunday announcements! I would guess the least effective announcements are those given "off the cuff", loaded with details, that half the congregation can't hear, at the beginning of each service. If you have something that you feel is important to share with others, or an invitation you would like to extend, by all means do so! But PLEASE give it some advance thought and send Linda your announcement by Wednesday before the service. On Sunday morning, you and your
announcement can be recognized, and people will know who to see for more information. I imagine that this would streamline that part of the service (afterall, the children are still with us, and this is just "BORING"!!!!) and would benefit our goals of congregational communication. Thanks.  -  David

Sunday, March 7, 2010
10:30 AM:  Presentation about the Refugee Center    Peter Vogelaar   Music, Monk Rowe
10:30 AM:  Children's Religious Education  Spirit Play and Traditions with a Wink class
11:30 AM:  Hospitality Hour
11:45 AM:  Stewardship Canvass Volunteer Orientation:  Those who have agreed to help with this year's canvass will receive instructions on this year's Stewartship Drive.

IMPORTANT: Set clocks ahead one hour for daylight savings time before you retire on March 13th!!

Sunday, March 14, 2010
10:30 AM:  Service with Our Minister   Rev. David Blanchard   Music, Bruce Phillips
10:30 AM:  Children's Religious Education  Spirit Play and Traditions with a Wink class
11:30 AM:  Second Annual UU IDOL Show & 2010 Stewardship Kick Off:  Remember how great last year's kickoff was? Make plans now to join us for food and fun, including a Chili Bake Off.  Singers, musicians, dancers, comics, jugglers, magicians–we need you to be a UU Idol this year. Please tell Jeff Chard if you'd like to be in this year's show. The UU House Band will be available to provide backup as needed. - Jeff Chard  IMPORTANT:  To view or print flyer for this event and see more details including who to contact to help,
go to:  http://www.uuutica.org/march2010kickoff.pdf

Sunday, March 21, 2010
10:30 AM:  Service with Our Minister  Rev. David Blanchard  Music, Monk Rowe
10:30 AM:  Children's Religious Education  Spirit Play and Traditions with a Wink class
11:30 AM:  Hospitality Hour
12:00 Noon:  Social Action/Green Sanctuary Committee Meeting in the parlor.

Wednesday March 24, 2010
6:30 PM: The R.E Committee will host the Movie "Young at Heart"; a two hour documentary of a senior's singing group. Their inspiring story celebrates the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the life-affirming power of music!  - Malcolm Buffington

Sunday, March 28, 2010
10:30 AM:  Discussion about the Seventh UU Principle    Judy Jerome   Music, Bruce Phillips
10:30 AM:  Children's Religious Education  Spirit Play and Traditions with a Wink class
11:30 AM:  Hospitality Hour

Great Decisions Series:  Thursdays at 7:PM starting March 4th through April 22nd.  To view or print entire schedule go to http://www.uuutica.org/greatdecisions2010a.pdf
If you cannot view pdf documents, go to:  http://www.uuutica.org/greatdecisions2010.htm  Most events are at our Church, except April 6th, which will  be at New Hartford Public Library on Oxford Road.  The Great Decisions Discussion Program is the core of the Foreign Policy Association’s (FPA's) civic education outreach efforts. It  brings millions of Americans together in communities, classrooms and places across the country to discover, discuss and decide their opinions  on foreign policy issues.  UNA/USA of the Mohawk Valley will sponsor seven of these Great Decisions discussions this year.

MUSICAL INTERLUDES:  Would you like to sing a song or play an instrument for an interlude during a Sunday service? We'd  love to have you. Contact Jeff Chard for more info.

Church Cancellation:  Should it become necessary to cancel church services due to inclement weather, we will notify WKTV (Channel 2, Channel 4 on cable) and ask them to run our church name with the other cancellations. If it's especially snowy or icy, if there are storm warnings being broadcast, it is always best to check the television before venturing out to attend church.

Do your little ones get restless during a Sunday service? Help yourself to a "Borrow Bag" by the window next to the name tags. You'll find all kinds of soft, quiet toys to entertain them if the nursery does not fit your needs.

Worship Committee Chair Carola Zavalidroga and her committee are to be commended for offering varied and interesting services throughout the summer. They will also be preparing services for the fall season on those Sundays when our minister is not with us.  Thanks to Carola and her committee!  If you are interested in doing a service / presentation related to one of the seven principles (or another topic of interest) on days when our minister is not available, please contact the worship committee chair, Carola Zavalidroga as listed in the Directiory or carola_zavalidroga@yahoo.com.

This non-profit monthly newsletter was produced by Linda Williams and the UU Church.
Deadline for the April 2010 Newsletter is Sunday,  March 21st. All articles and announcements should be placed in the newsletter folder on the wall in the church office by the deadline, or e-mailed to Linda Williams at lwilliams73252@roadrunner.com.  Copies should also be e-mailed to Shirley Williams at cariadsmw@aol.com. Those submitting items should sign them.  Thank you.

Linda’s office hours: Monday -Tuesday & Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 AM.

Web postings, corrections & e-mail announcements can be sent to pencandle@roadrunner.com You can also request personal announcements and address updates printed in the newsletter from this address.  Our policy is to avoid posting personal phone numbers, addresses or e-mail addresses.

E-Mail:  If you are new to our church, or have a new e-mail address and you would like to receive announcements in between newsletters, please send your current e-mail address to pencandle@roadrunner.com .  To assure timely postings, leave a phone message with Bill's cell phone as published in the Directory.  Thank you, Bill Gazitano

Our Web and E-mail Addressess
If you receive error messages for any of these addresses, forward them to welcome@uuutica.org
Accessing the church by web and e-mail is very simple.  Our website is http://www.uuutica.org/.  Our church e-mail address is welcome@uuutica.org.  To send newsletter articles and other office related information to Linda, our Secretary, write to secretary@uuutica.org (currentlly not working, use lwilliams73252@roadrunner.com instead) For Rev. David Blanchard, write to minister@uuutica.org.  Our Board President is at president@uuutica.org  For the Social Action chair, socialaction@uuutica.org  For our Financial Secretary, please use financialsecretary@uuutica.org .  If you have any questions or suggestions, contact Bill.  Thank you.

Ongoing Events:

CHALICE CIRCLE:  We will meet the first & third Tuesday of each month (March 2nd & 16th) 7-8:30 PM in the Parlor of the church.   We meet in the Parlor. If you have any questions, or are interested in attending, please contact me. Chalice Circles are our version of the small group ministries that many UU congregations are engaged in.  At each session we focus on a topic of shared interest and common concern.  It is intended as a time of reflection, dialogue, and deep listening.  We try to keep from being just another discussion group.  Regular participation is important for the development of trust among the group.  It is NOT a “drop-in” gathering. If you have any questions, please speak to me.  - David

Meditation Group:  Sunday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.   We meet in the church parlor for silent sitting and walking meditation.  It's a great way either to end your week or start the new one.  No commitment is required and you will be welcome if you find you need some quiet reflection time in the presence of others. This will includesitting and walking meditations.  Contact Elaine Griswold or Diane Stebbins as listed in the Directory, for more information.

Yoga Classes  Fridays 5 - 7 PM.  If you have any questions please contact Julie Waldas as listed in the Directory.

Zen Meditation:  Zen meditation will meet according to the following Winter schedule:  March 17th; 5 - 7 PM.  For questions call Reiho as listed in the Directory.

IONS Community Group:  Community Group summer meetings will be Saturday, March 6th & 20th , 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  Contact Jack Pendrak as listed in the Directory.

Social Action & Green Sanctuary Committee Meeting:  Our next meeting is Sunday, March 21st at 12:00 Noon at the Chruch (tertatively rescheduled from February 21). All are welcome to attend.  - Bill Gazitano Acting Co-Chair

Lifelong Wellness meets at the church the second Tuesday of the month from 6:00 PM to 9 PM.  Lifelong Wellness is an informal community providing avenues of learning, growth, self-discovery, and empowerment to free body, mind and spirit for full health in the celebration of life. They meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month.  If you would like more information please contact Mary Ann Stockton as listed in the phone book.  Visit http://www.llwcny.com/  for more information.  Contact person is Bill Gazitano as listed in the Directory.  Linda Welch is current President of
Lifelong Wellness.

SpiralScouts meets on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th (5th if applicable) Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 PM .

Book Group is meeting on the  Second Thursday of each month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Unitarian Universalist Students At Hamilton College  Contact Esther Kanipe for more information: ekanipe@hamilton.edu

Duplicate Bridge - The Duplicate Bridge meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays, 7:00 PM.  This is a fund raising activity of our church and is seeking more players. This is a friendly, easy bridge game and is at our church.  Just find a partner, or ask if one is available, and bring $2.00 for the game, refreshments and prizes.  Contact the Director, Paul Kempkes for further details.  Come and enjoy!

HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) of Utica twice a year to be announced.  For more information contact Roger MacCasland as listed in the directory.

The Mohawk Valley Bonsai Club will be meeting at the church, Saturday, March 13th from 12-3 PM.  Our meeting is at 12:00 noon, followed at 12:30 by the rescheduled program of January. Tom Pape will give us a demonstration of air-layering using a willow-leaf ficus. This is an important, and interesting method of propagation, and is a technique often used to create new bonsai material. If you have not seen this demo come see “T.P.” and learn how to do it yourself. And if you have not yet renewed your club membership please do so in Feb. Bring along a friend. Guests and new members welcome. Please return any borrowed club library books – pick up some new ones to read during the long Winter months (weeks?) ahead. Check out the updated calendar of events. It is available on the home page of our site www.mvbonsai.com . The calendar gets changed monthly. Also continue to visit the Bonsai Forum and please post to it whenever you want to. If any members prefer to receive their R, S & T  and calendar of events by regular mail just let me know. I will gladly print and mail them to you.If you have some knowledge of Bonsai or are just curious, you would be most welcome to attend.  For further information, go to www.mvbonsai.com.

World Music Group:  Saturday, March 13th & 27th, 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Car Pool
Is anyone interested in being in charge of a car pool? The secretary’s duties keep her too busy to get involved at this time. Some folks would like to attend our church events, but they have no transportation. A list of possible drivers and their telephone numbers could be put up on the bulletin board.   If you are willing to establish a car pool, or be considered as a driver, please contact the church office (724-3179) or e-mail secretary@uuutica.org.  You are under no obligation...just give rides when you are able and in areas where you are willing to travel. The person in charge would connect these people with rides when they need transportation.

News and Reports

Highlights from the Board Meeting Wednesday, February 10, 2009
 

• House committee report: Kim Bywater  met with Linda Williams about remodeling the secretary’s office and some improvements have been made with the help of Gary Parrish.  More house committee members are still needed.

• The Stewardship Campaign is progressing.  There will be a canvass dinner on Sunday, March 14 with entertainment by the UU Idols.

• Long term plans will be a focus of future discussions.

• R.E. report: The OWL (Our Whole Lives) program is being developed jointly with the Barneveld and Little Falls UU Churches.  This will require additional money in the budget.

• Publicity: Bill Gazitano and Bill Cannon are updating the website, and news articles for the media will be funneled through Bill Gazitano.

• Social events: An intergenerational movie, “Young at Heart,” will be shown in March.

• A Safe Congregations Committee is being developed.  Ellen Gooch has agreed to serve on the committee.

• Caring Crew members are being sought through questionnaires that are distributed on Sundays.

• The next board meeting will be Tuesday, March 23rd at 6 PM.

Sally Carman, Clerk

Board members: Phone numbers are in the church directory.  Links to e-mail addresses are on the Committees page at http://www.uuutica.org/committees.html .
 Denise Morgan, President
 Elaine Griswold, Vice President
 Bill Gazitano
 Malcolm Buffington
 Sally Carman
 Doreen Markson
 Joe Gee, Treasurer
 Kristin Burns
 William Cannon

CARING CREW:  During the past month, almost 20 people have volunteered to be a part of our “caring crew” ---- a group that exists to extend care and support to members and friends of our congregation who may be going through a “rough patch”.  My intention is to identify three or four people who can take turns (on a monthly basis) coordinating the care.  But at the moment, I would ask that any needs or concerns be directed to me.  If you know of anyone who could benefit from some care or cheer, please let me know.  In next month’s newsletter, I hope to have the system of coordination in place.  Thanks to all those who are willing to reach out to others.    - David

Religious Education News for March 2010  More Information at our RE page:  Children's Religious Education    (http://www.uuutica.org/re.htm)

Thanks to all those who contributed to and helped with the Valentines Day Potluck.  Sally Patton's workshop “Welcoming Children with Special Needs" will be offered at  the Albany church on Saturday, March 6. This full day workshop costs $60/person, and is sponsored by the SLD RE Committee.   Register online at the district web site (http://.sld.uua.org/calendar1.html) or use a paper registration and a check.       Contact  Malcolm Buffington as listed in the directory for more information.

The RE Committee is continuing our program of paying two Spirit Play Instructors and an instructor for 10 to 13 years olds.  As we plan for next year we are estimating a total budget of $6,400.;  we hope to offer the OWL program to 5-18 year olds.

The next Religious Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 9, at 7:00 PM.  - Mary Drucker

Spirit Play: 7-9 year olds    -  Julie Jacobs    Spirit Play: 4-6 year olds   - Alida Davis

Spirit Play lessons for the younger students will be based on the "Seven Promises" and the older Spirit Play students will continue learning about world religions & their stories.

 Traditions With A Wink:  Sarah Cannon

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!  We are in dire need of volunteers in all of our RE Classes.  Volunteer Sign-up sheets are on the classroom doors. Please sign up as you are able!
 - Malcom Buffington

Kids’ Change Jar:  Each Sunday, the children are given the opportunity to contribute change to a big mason jar when they come forward during the service.  These monies are donated to
charities of the children’s choice.

Food Bank:  Thank you for continuing to support our  “Traditions with a Wink” service project; by doing so you are teaching our youth how important it is to help others in need.  The Community Food Bank is very grateful for your donations.  Thanks for your support.
 

Social Action/Green SanctuaryCommittee:

We need a new co-chair for this committee.  Responsibilities include
1. Prepare an agenda for our monthly meeting.
2. Facilitate the discussion at that meeting.
3. Document Results (can be delegated).
a. Summarize our discussions & plans (minutes)
b. Distribute them among committee members (e-mail to committee members)
c. Send monthly announcement to the newsletter (e-mail to Linda & Shirley)

Bill Gazitano is functioning as co-chair primarily of Green Sanctuary agenda items, but can help with distributing information and sending announcements to newsletter.  Contact Bill, if you are willing to help with this important committee.  Our next meeting is March 21 at 12:00 Noon in the parlor.  Go to Social Action at http://www.uuutica.org/socialaction.htm for more details.

UUSC Coffee Project is an ongoing fundraiser where coffee, tea, and chocolate is purchased through Equal Exchange, an organization that works directly with small farmer cooperatives.  Establishing these trade partnerships supports sustainable and shade-grown farming practices, aids development of stable incomes and improved lives of the farmers, and contributes to UUSC programs that support the human rights and social justice work of community-based cooperatives in coffee-growing regions.  Please stop by our display in the sanctuary and support this organization while enjoying their delicious products!   - Kim Bywater

STAY IN THE LOOP!  Periodically, thanks to Bill Gazitano, there are e-mail updates sent out to folks from church that are reminders of upcoming events or news of importance that comes up between issues of the newsletter. On the average there might be one of these messages a week. If you are NOT getting these, and would like to, please send Bill an e-mail requesting to be added. (And if you are getting them, but DON'T want them, let Bill know that!) His e-mail is pencandle@roadrunner.com.

Home	Current Events	Our Minister
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Donations & Pledges	Committees

Previously Published:

HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

On Sunday January 17th, a special collection was taken to support the UU Service Committee's relief work in Haiti. Over $1,400 was collected, including the contents of "the jar" that the children have been collecting all year. If you were not in church and would like to add your contribution, please send a check to the church with "Haiti" marked in the memo, or go to the UUSC web site and make your contribution  directly. The UUSC has long standing programs in Haiti, and they will be able to make immediate use of any support we have to give. Thank you to everyone who made a contribution --- though our church - or some other agency doing this important and urgent work. - David

On Monday, January 18th, our food and clothing drive collected donations with an estimated worth of up to $1500. Thanks to all who contributed.

GAME NIGHT ANYONE?  I am thinking about starting an adult Game Night. If you play pitch, other card games, or have a favorite board game, give me a call. Wednesday or Thursday evenings would be great, maybe 6:00 to 8:00 or 6:30 to 8:30. I'll start a list of interested people, and if we have enough, we will get the group started. Call Pam as listed in the directory any day before 8:00 pm and leave your name, phone #, and the game you are interested in. Thanks!  -  Pam Fisher

A reminder for all St. Lawrence District Chalice Lighters that a call has gone out for support of the Capital Region’s media project to build public awareness of Unitarian Universalism.  Their six goals to promote growth are worthy of our support.  Let’s remember when they do better we all do better.  - Nancy Bender

Membership Directory:  New Directories are now available at Church.  If you cannot find one, let us know.

Would you like to pledge?  Your contribution is greatly appreciated.  .Click on link for details.

Pledge reminder Notices have been sent out. If you did not receive a reminder it means you have paid in full. Thank you! Remember that all contributions to the church are tax deductible and early payments are welcome.  Contact Lynn Shaw, financial secretary at  lynn.shaw@yahoo.com or  financialsecretary@uuutica.org if you have any questions.

Pledge Card

Pledge Giving Guide

CHALICE LIGHTERS PROMOTE GROWTH OF CONGREGATIONS IN THE ST. LAWRENCE DISTRICT
Are you a Chalice Lighter?  Thirty-four people in our congregation can answer yes to this question.  They have helped bring ministerial leadership to many congregations in our district.  Chalice Lighters have helped congregations move into buildings of their own.  They have helped congregations get up and running and they have helped existing congregations realize their dreams.   If these sound like worthy goals to you than you are a Chalice Lighter at heart!  Chalice Lighter Sunday is day set aside in the St. Lawrence District to recognize our present Chalice Lighters, and provide an opportunity for those who believe in the Chalice Lighter goals to join the group.
Go to this link for more information:  http://www.sld.uua.org/conggrowth/chalicelighters.html

In Gratitude:  The congregation thanks Phyllis Brockley for her very generous donation of an especially fine vacuum cleaner to replace the one which mysteriously "disappeared" over the summer. The next time we need to make those coffee hour crumbs disappear, we shall think of you with gratitude, Phyllis.  - Elaine Griswold

Congratulations to David: His Christmas Eve homily from last year ("The Gifts of Samuel J. Stone") was selected for publication in the December issue of "Quest", the monthly publication of The Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF). CLF is our largest UU Church --- comprised of members who live too far a distance to participate in a local UU congregation. Check CLF out at their website. Copies of the sermon will be available on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary, or by request from the office.

Key Security: If you have been entrusted with a church key, please do not give or loan it to anyone else without clearing it with our secretary, Linda Williams.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Phyllis Gee’s Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
1 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 cup sugar
Mix well, make 1 inch balls, place on cookie sheet,press down lightly.  Bake about 10 minutes at 350°  They should all fit on one cookie sheet.

Our long-time member, Ethel Schaffer, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.  Her family - husband, Bob, daughter, Ruth, and son, Howie, are asking members of our congregation, where Ethel has been a member for 36 years, to support them with donations or walk with them in the 2008 Alzheimer's Memory Walk Sept. 13 at the Masonic Care Community on Bleecker Street, Utica.  Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the 2-mile walk begins at 9:30 a.m.  Donations in honor of Ethel may be sent to Ruth Schaffer Wheeler, Memory Walk, 215 Candee Ave, Syracuse, N.Y, 13224.   Donation Form

"Greetings!  We need greeters for visitors to our church.  If you can say 'Hi!' to people coming into the hall and help visitors feel comfortable making that first journey into our sanctuary, you can be a greeter.  (Ushers, stationed inside the sanctuary, cannot do this.)  Welcome visitors four times a year (a small commitment), or more often because it's so much fun to do.

New St. Lawrence District Officers

Ernie Hall , Niskayuna - President - hallel@nycap.rr.com
Karen Palmer, Oneonta - Vice President kpalmer@dmcom.net
Nancy Reed, Canandaigua - Secretary renown@ix.netcom.com
Trustees: the Rev. Frances Manly, Buffalo; Robb Smith, Wynantskill; Bill Parke, Buffalo;
David Friedman, Rochester.
Youth Trustee - Taylor Longo, Liverpool taylongo@aol.com

Food Bank  The Community Food Bank needs our help!  If you have a garden, plant a row for the Community Food Bank.  Director Kim Strong said if 200 people would donate the harvest from five plants each, this would enable them to feed the ever increasing number of hungry people.  "We need all the help we can get to survive this year," she said. "People are saying they have enough to pay their bills but there is nothing left for food."  If you can lend a hand or have questions, call Kim and Denise at 733-0346

The Family Nurturing Center of Central NY, Inc. sent a note of thanks for the paper products given to the Evelyn’s House.  They are very pleased our
congregation is a part of the community’s efforts in assisting them in meeting the needs of young women and their babies who are in need of services.

COMPEER Volunteers & Donations needed  Can you spend an hour or so a week having lunch or visiting with an adult or child with mental health or emotional challenges?  Your help is greatly appreciated.  Bill Gazitano, one of our members, is a on their Board of Directors.  Go to http://www.compeermv.org for more information or call COMPEER at 315-735-1066.

Chalice Lighters

I am happy to report the very impressive level of support from our congregation for the Chalice Lighter program of the St. Lawrence District.  Our most recent Chalice Lighters are:  Barbara Brookes, Kim Bywater, Sally Carmen, Alice Casey, John Casey, Ellen Gooch, Betsy LaPorte, Bruce Phillips, Brian Rahn, Mary Rahn.  This is the largest group in any one year.   It is not too late to enroll.  If you did not attend on Chalice Lighter Sunday or misplaced the brochure that was included in the May newsletter, I would welcome the opportunity to provide you with more information.
Nancy Bender, Chalice Lighter Ambassador  (Phone number is listed in the Directory.)

Kids Change Jar

Each Sunday, the children are given the opportunity to contribute change to a big mason' jar when they come forward during the service.  (One young lady even arrived one Sunday with the dollar bill the tooth fairy left for her!)   As the church year comes to a close this June, the children will make a decision together about what to do with the money they have collected.  It will be given to a worthy cause that the children care about.  Habits of generosity can't be encouraged too early.

Quote: "Unitarian Universalist value the individual spiritual journey and believe there is no one right way to lead a religious life. For us, religion is ultimately not what you think. Religion is about how you live.  Ours is a faith of deeds, not creeds."  Rev. William G. Sinkford  President, Unitarian Universalist  Association of  Congregations

Join a committee!  Please remember there are many ways you can contribute to our church and one of them is
to volunteer for one of our many church committees. Although some positions are filled by
appointment, all committees benefit from new members. Please give your name, committee
interest, and phone number to any member of the Board so the appropriate committee chair can contact you. We need your support!

1. Finance Committee
2. House Committee
3. Worship Committee
4. Social Action Committee & Green Sanctuary Committee
5. Membership Committee
6. Religious Education Committee
7. Public Relations Committee
8. External Affairs

Church Use Procedure

To reserve church space for any function, the first step is to secure an application from our secretary, Linda Williams.  Please complete the form and return it to her.   The responsible person submitting the form will then be contacted  and advised if the date and time are available. Occasionally, unusual requests are referred to the board of trustees for a decision.

As the church year comes to a close next June, the children will make a decision together about what to do with the money they have collected.  It will be given to a worthy cause that the children care about.  Habits of generosity can't be encouraged too early.

The UUSC has a new address:
689 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139-3302
Their phone number and e-mail remains the same.

Hosting Hospitality Hour?  Frequently Asked Questions Answered:

How did my name end up on a certain date?  Friends and members are randomly assigned a Hospitality Hour date.

When do I need to be at church?  Set-up for Hospitality Hour takes about 45 minutes, maybe a little less if you have done it before. We try not to have distractions during the 15 minutes before a service begins, so plan to be at church by 9:30 a.m.

What do I have to do?  Minimally, set-up the cups, napkins, sweeteners and creamers, spoons and trash receptacles, put out the juice with paper cups, and prepare the coffee, decaf, and hot water for tea. Then, clean it up after the service. The congregation deeply appreciates snacks, but these are not required. We provide the coffee and tea here at the church.

I can’t host Hospitality Hour this week/month!  It is your responsibility to find another friend or member who will host for you or exchange hosting times. It is also your responsibility to notify the office as soon as possible about the change, since we make reminder calls to hosts on the week of their posted hosting and thank hosts in each Sunday bulletin.  Neither the Office nor the Minister are responsible for finding new Hospitality Hosts when your date doesn’t work for you.

I just did Hospitality Hour a few months ago!  Sometimes, with the congregational year ending June 30th, you might end up early in the following congregational year’s calendar. If it is too soon for you, you can change with someone else.

Why me?  As a community, we are dependent on each of us caring for each other. We are not staffed with professionals to offer coffee service. Your taking up the Hospitality Hour duties once a year is a way for you to care for this community, and enjoy having Hospitality the remaining Sundays of the year.

Ushering: Frequently Asked Questions Answered:

How did my name end up on a certain date?  Friends and members are randomly assigned an Ushering date.

When do I need to be at church?  Please arrive by 10:00, or half an hour before the service, so you may greet visitors, friends, and members.

What do I do?  You are the welcome to our community! Please greet each person, and especially direct visitors to the name tag table and the visitor information cards. Hand out the service bulletins and announcements. Help people know where they’re going, pointing out the restrooms, classrooms, teachers, Minister, and Director of Religious Education. If someone arrives in a wheelchair, please provide assistance as requested, particularly with moving chairs in the seating rows, for where the person would like to sit. Before everyone arrives, please check the seats to make sure they are in the proper configuration and number (posted on the inside of the main closet doors in the sanctuary), and that the hymnals are spaced for every other seat.

I can’t Usher this week/month!  It is your responsibility to find another friend or member who will usher for you or exchange ushering times. It is also your responsibility to notify the office as soon as possible about the change. Neither the Office nor the Minister are responsible for finding new Ushers when your date doesn’t work for you. If you’re not there, and there’s no one substituting for you, our community has no welcoming face.

Why me?  As a community, we are dependent on each of us caring for and welcoming each other. We are not staffed to support a professional ushering crew. By ushering once a year, you care for this community and welcome others to it, and can enjoy being welcomed the remaining Sundays of the year.