February 2019 Newsletter
/Worship Schedule
February 3, 2019, by Kevin Carson: "Unity and Diversity”
A look at unity and diversity among the world’s religions and why it is important.
February 10, 2019, by Buffy Boke: “What is Holy?”
The sacred–profane dichotomy is an idea posited by French sociologist Émile Durkheim, who considered it to be the central characteristic of religion: "religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden.” ' Really?
February 17, 2019, by Kevin Carson: "Life as Pilgrimage"
There is an old Celtic saying that, "Life is a pilgrimage, from the place of our birthing to the place of our rising." What does it mean to live life as a pilgrimage?
February 24, 2019, by Rev. Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine: TBA
President’s Message - February 2019
The Board meeting will be held after coffee hour Sunday, February 24. Members and friends are welcome to attend. If you have an item, you'd like to include on the agenda please contact me at meldious54@gmail.com. Take care, Melody Reed, Board President
Music News February 2019
The Parish Choir has been working hard on anthems and chants for coming services. We’re not announcing them in advance anymore – it’s easier to try to match up with the minister’s message if we have the ability to switch things around!
The Peace Choir is once again gathering members for our choir led Vernal Equinox service, Imagine Spring, on March 17th, at 9:30 a.m. Any singers who can’t commit to weekly choir rehearsals can join us in singing anthems and chants about nature, spring, and hope. Once again, this special spring service will include interpretive dancers Olivia and Greta Bernier.
Peace Choir rehearsals will be Saturday, February 23 and Saturday March 9, both from 10 a.m. to noon. Also, any Tuesday in late February or early March will find the choir working on these spring pieces. Join us!
Singing Meditation is on hold until warmer weather encourages meditators to come out and sing. There WILL be a sunrise meditation on March 17th at 6:30 for any who wish to participate. Last year’s sunrise meditation was a magical morning – each time we opened our eyes to chant again, we saw the changes of light in the lovely stained-glass windows. It was the perfect way to start spring!
For information about music at First Universalist Parish, contact Julane Deener at (802) 463-9719 or julanejulane@comcast.net
Children’s Program for February
The Children’s Program is subject to short notice changes due to our smaller sized children’s congregation. Please let us know when you plan to attend or when you cannot make it, by emailing julanejulane@comcast.net or calling Julane at 802-463-9719.
February 10 – End of Pledge Drive Waffle Breakfast
Bring your appetites and join us for this annual event held after the service February 10 in the social hall. There will be real Vermont Maple Syrup, waffles, and sausages. YUM
February Italian Dinner Night - February 22 at 6:00
The fellowship committee invites all members and friends to join us in the social hall on February 22. We are planning an Italian dinner at 6:00 pm. Italian music and activities are in the works.
Marilyn Mason has promised to make her scrumptious lasagna and Gretchen will be making spaghetti with meat sauce. Melody will provide crusty bread with garlic and Nancy will concoct her famous punch. We need volunteers to provide salad and Italian dessert.
Help is also needed to set up and clean up. Join Marcia who has already volunteered for cleanup. The sign-up sheet will be passed around Sunday.
More details will be announced each week.
Food for Warming Shelter: Tgere is a sign up to provide food for the Warming Shelter in N. Springfield at coffee hour. On the first Sunday of the month, the children will be making a portion of the meal with Ange Wunderle. Thanks to all who have signed up to help with the remaining portions of the meal. There are a few spots still available and this is an easy way to volunteer to help our neighbors who do not have permanent housing. There are approximately 8-10 guests at the shelter each night from November 15th to April 15th. The Shelter is also looking for volunteers to staff the Shelter on the 1am-7am shift. Talk to Nancy Davis if you can help.
Principles in Action – February 2019
Each month we take up a collection in the yellow envelopes to support an organization that works to put our UU principles into action. In the February collection, we’ll support the work done by Safe Art of Chelsea, Vt., an institute for Trauma, headquartered in Chelsea, Vermont. Safe Art works with trauma survivors to help them engage with and transform emotional, mental, and physical injuries of all kinds. It is a community-based organization that creates personal and social change and supports mental health and general well-being by using the creative power of the expressive arts. Residencies, workshops, and classes in the expressive arts are available for children, teens, and adults.
Sunday Social Hour after the service.
Everyone is welcome to join us after the service in the downstairs social hall for a Social Hour. Set-up and clean-up for these fellowship times are taken care of by regular volunteers, but refreshments are potluck. Goodies are bring what you have, ready to serve, when you can. If there are leftovers, please give them away or take them home.
Community Events
REVERSING GLOBAL WARMING: INTRODUCTION TO DRAWDOWN – FEBRUARY 9
Local farmer and activist Laurel Green will lead a two-hour workshop called “Reversing Global Warming: Introduction to Drawdown” on Saturday February 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Whiting Library’s basement level meeting room. This workshop is designed to shift the conversation around global warming and is useful to anyone interested in climate crisis issues. It is meant to give people an encouraging place to stand and a clear idea of what actions they can take to contribute to reversing global warming. Laurel would especially like to have young people and adults of all ages participate.
The workshop, developed by the Pachmama Alliance in collaboration with the Drawdown Project, includes several short videos, listening exchanges and group activities. A handout with 100 Drawdown Solutions will be available to take home. “Introduction to Drawdown” fits well with the local climate action groups such as 350 Vermont, Planet A, Living Earth Action Group and church climate action teams.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information go to www.whitinglibrary.org call (802) 875-2277, e, ail whitinglibrary1@gmail.com or stop by the Library at 117 Main St., Chester, VT.