June 2019 Newsletter

June Worship Leaders

June 2, 2019, by Rev. Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine: A Reflection on the Power of Belief
With poetic, political, and musical interludes.

June 9, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Does a Bear Think in the Woods?”
We are learning that animals and even plants communicate in much more sophisticated ways than we once imagined, and many mammals in display behaviors that indicate they are far more intelligent than creatures acting only on instincts.  What are the ethical and spiritual implications of such discoveries?

View and download the full newsletter



May 2019 Newsletter

May Worship Leaders

May 5, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Unitarian Christianity at 200”
On May 5, 1819 William Ellery Channing delivered his famous sermon “Unitarian Christianity” (also known as the "Baltimore Sermon”) at the ordination of Rev. Jared Sparks in Baltimore, Maryland. Does his sermon that defined Unitarianism in his day still speak to us 200 years later?

May 12, 2019, by Rev. Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine

May 19, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Occupations, Vocations, and the Heart’s Bliss”
In response to my invitation for sermon topics, one of you suggested I talk about my ongoing work in both Information Technology and ministry. What (if anything) makes a vocation different from an oc-cupation, and how can we find our heart’s bliss?

May 26, 2019, by Nick Boke: “ How do we act religiously?”
My Shiite friend’s decision to take off her headscarf and sneak out for a glass of wine, combined with some Rhode Island legislators’ decision to dab their fore-heads with ash in March got me wondering about the relationship between what we believe and what we do.

View the full May newsletter (.PDF)

April 2019 Newsletter

April Worship Leaders

April 7, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Returning to Gaia”
Taking a fresh look at the idea that all life on Earth is part of one superorganism.

April 14, 2019, by Kevin Carson:  “Tending the Garden of the Soul”                                          
In this season when the warm rays of the Sun reawaken the Earth, it is time tend our gardens, and a good time, I think, to tend the garden of our soul.

April 21, 2019, by Rev. Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine. 
“Easter Service”

April 28, 2019, by Buffy Boke: “Busy Being Born”
Bob Dylan sang, “He not busy being born is busy dying.” Thoughts on the diastole and systole of living.

View the full April newsletter (.PDF)

March 2019 Newsletter

Worship Schedule

March 3, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “Requiem for the Animals”
An alarming number of species are going extinct because of human activity, and the total number of non-human creatures with whom we share the Earth continues to shrink as well. Let us pause to reflect on the implications of these trends and how we might respond.

March 10, 2019, by Rev Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine: “Dreaming, Praying, Dancing into Spring
Amidst the rubble of old sweaters and accumulated winter coats, we hope to find ourselves again this spring. After the distractions of paid work and winter chores, we hope to turn to the activities we cherish, the “work” only we can do, and to do it with our whole heart. Not as easy as it looks. Thoughts on what keeps us from what we most love, with a dose of Thoreau for good measure.

6:30 March 17, 2019, by Music Director Julane Deener: Sunrise Meditation

9:30 March 17, 2019, by Music Director Julane Deener and Peace Choir: An Interfaith Concert Service
This annual event, in celebration of the Vernal Equinox, will feature music, readings and interpretive dance. Please join us as we “Imagine Spring” with music reflecting peace and the hope of spring

March 24, 2019, by Kevin Carson: “A UU Encounter with La Noche Oscura”
The 16th century Spanish mystic John of the Cross, and his mentor Teresa of Ávila, spoke of encounter-ing la noche oscura in their spiritual journeys, which is usually translated as “the dark night (of the soul).” What did they mean by this phrase, and how might it speak to us today?

March 31, 2019 by Nick Boke: “Being Creative”
Words like creativity, creative and creation cover a wide range of activities, from finger-painting in kindergarten to setting up the whole universe in six days. It's at the top of Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives and seems to be the buzzword for everything from whatever's going on in Silicon Valley to United Colors of Benneton commercials. Some say it lies at the heart of what matters about the human experience. But what is creativity, anyway?

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Principles in Action March 2019

Our March collection will go to the Equal Justice Initiative in Birmingham, Alabama. The Equal Justice Initiative is an organization committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States. Racial and economic injustices are challenged, and this organization works to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy, is the executive director of this organization. Just Mercy is a story of justice and redemption and is well worth reading. Bryan Stevenson works tirelessly on behalf of the poor and people of color to overcome bias in the criminal justice system and he has been a keynote speaker at the UUA General Assembly. Among his numerous awards is the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant.

President’s Message - March 2019

This time of year, inclement weather offers us an excuse to stay cozy inside and work on projects that otherwise get pushed to the back burner. For me it’s been working on genealogy and the ever-extending branches of my family tree. Some of us plan gardens, scouring newly-arrived seed catalogues, or dive into a few good reads on bestsellers lists, and others pursue creative projects like quilting.

My husband has been trying out new bread recipes for the last month (not sure if this is entirely a good thing). But isn’t it lovely to give some attention to the things we enjoy doing inside when we’re not having to dash here and there in the hustle bustle of our too busy lives? Winter storms allows for it without guilt.

Today in church Dick Andrews spoke of a joy during his morning walk that even though it was just barely above freezing the atmosphere was such that it carried up and sent sailing his way the aroma of boiling sap. The collective sigh in the sanctuary was audible, “Ah!” Vermont. Soon enough the ground will thaw, and snow will melt revealing yards full of branches from the wind’s natural tree pruning, and outdoor projects will call us away from our inside indulgences. The sun is inching its way north. Relish these last days of winter!

Take care,

Melody Reed

The board meeting will be held after coffee hour, Sunday, March 24. Members and friends are welcome to attend. If you have an item, you’d like added to the agenda please email me at melodious54@gmail.com.

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Music News March 2019

Vernal Equinox Interfaith Concert Service
On Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 9:30 AM, Music Director, Julane Deener will lead an Interfaith Concert Service at the First Universalist Parish in the Stone Village in Chester VT. This annual event, in celebration of the Vernal Equinox, will feature music, readings and interpretive dance. Please join us as we “Imagine Spring” with music reflecting peace and the hope of spring. A special feature of this service is the community-based Peace Choir made up of singers representing a wide range of faiths and backgrounds. The Peace Choir gathers several times a year to share a common love for singing music on a theme reflecting peace and hope.

On this special Sunday, March 17, Julane will also lead a sunrise meditation from 6:30 to 7:30 AM at the First Universalist Parish.

March 3: Anthem: Kyrie Eleison – a Gregorian chant

March 10: TBA

March 17: Choir led Vernal Equinox musical service: Imagine Spring
Anthems of spring and hope, readings, poetry, hymns and reflection. Once again, a highlight of the service will be interpretive dancers Olivia and Greta Bernier.

March 24: Anthem: The Silence and The Song

March 31: Soloist: Will Danforth

The Peace Choir had its first rehearsal for the vernal equinox service last week. The music was lovely, the musicians excited to learn new music to celebrate spring and hope. The choir already sounds great and will only get better – put March 17th on your calendar! Celebrate the coming of spring with us!

The Parish Choir rehearses every Tuesday from 6 to 7:30. All are welcome. Those who cannot commit to weekly rehearsals should contact Julane about other musical possibilities.

The Peace Choir is a great way to be involved with our music without needing to make a weekly commitment. We are just getting started for spring, so if you’d like to sing, please speak to Julane, or come to any Tuesday rehearsal. We’ll also be rehearsing Saturday, March 9th, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Singing Meditation will resume for spring with a special Sunrise Meditation the morning of March 17th, from 6:30 to 7:30. Alternating song with silence, we’ll watch the rising light as it gradually illuminates our glorious windows. It’s a special morning!!

In April the group will resume its monthly meditations on the third Thursday, from 6 to 7 p.m. For information about music at First Universalist Parish, contact Julane Deener at (802) 463-9719 or julanejulane@comcast.net

Food for Warming Shelter

There 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.

Photos from Our Italian Night, February 24



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. 

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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.

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January 2019 Newsletter

Worship Schedule

January 6, 2019
Reverend Kevin Carson | “Recognizing the Holy”
Some thoughts on recognizing what is holy on this Feast of the Epiphany

January 13, 2019
Nicholas Boke | “When was the last time you felt clueless?”
He appropriated the idea from the sign in front of a nearby Congregational church which prompted him to think long and hard about both the nature of cluelessness and the question of how often he felt it (Hint: Often).

January 20, 2019
Reverend Kevin Carson | “Unity and Diversity”
A look at unity and diversity among the world’s religions on “World Religion Day” from the Baha’i faith.

January 27, 2019
Reverend Nancy J. Crumbine | TBA

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Principles in Action – January 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 January, we'll support the Jubilee Sailing Trust. The mission of this organization is to promote the integration of people of all physical abilities through the challenge and adventure of sailing tall ships on the open sea.  Two people are paired together:one able-bodied and one physically-disabled. They share the voyage and help one another along the way, developing a special bond that leaves a positive and lasting impression. Over 30 not for profit organizations serving the physically disabled population support this organization, and scholarships are offered to make it accessible to as many people as possible.  Changing lives in a positive way through education and teamwork, this organization demonstrates our UU principle of respect for all people.

Principles in Action Meeting

A meeting will be held on January 6, 2019 downstairs in the nursery following worship. The agenda will include identifying organizations for our monthly PIA contributions through the end of the church year and determining if there are other outreach activities

that the congregation should pursue. We welcome new ideas and are looking for some additional folks to join our social action team. Let us know what organizations you would like to see us support. Do you have ideas for a movie and discussion that could take place following worship or on a Friday evening? If so, please share your ideas and contact Nancy Davis to find out more about our initiatives.

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President’s Message - January 2019 - Happy New Year to all! At

At our annual meeting on January 9, 2018 our accomplishments and challenges for First Universalist Parish for the coming 2019-2020 season were discussed.

On the positive side:

• We have fine-tuned our worship services with excellent results and the facility is running smoothly for another year.

• We have worked together to build a volunteer-run children's program.

• Our excellent music program continues to delight everyone who attends our services.

• The marketing committee made some strides in publicity where it is very challenging to reach a wide audience and increase communication within our community.

We will continue to build our solid foundation and adjust plans as necessary:

• Operate within budget without dipping into reserve funds.

• Fill the pulpit with guest speakers and lay leaders (twice a month in addition to our regular rotating ministers).

• Get our message out through social media.

• Add new members and friends to our congregation.

• Continue to preserve and improve our beautiful church and grounds.

I am hopeful we'll meet these challenges with positive and realistic action. I have faith in this congregation. As I hear different thoughts and ideas for fellowship and how we might attract more people and young families to our parish, I’m very excited for our future together. The first board meeting of 2019 will be after coffee hour Sunday, January 20. Members and friends are welcome to attend. If you have an item you'd like to include on the agenda please contact me at melodious54@gmail.com.

Take care,
Melody Reed, Board President

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Music News

The choir really pulled out all the stops in December!  Thank you, ladies and gentlemen for all your hard work!

January 6th:  Soloist Julane Deener – The Lone Wild Bird
Chant:  Ubi Caritas

January 13th:  Soloist Will Danforth – Both Sides Now
Chant:  Be Ye Lamps Unto Yourselves

January 20:  Choral Anthem:  Om Shanti Om
Chant:  O God of Countless Names

January 27:  Choral Anthem:  I Have A Dream
Chant:  TBD 

We have some exciting projects in the works, so stay tuned for more news from the choir! 

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Singing Meditation is on January 17th from 6 to 7 this month.  Come sing chants and sit in silence with us for an hour of tranquility.  Start your New Year with a little less hustle and a little more hush.

The Parish Choir rehearses each Tuesday evening from 6 to 7:30. Interested singers should contact Julane Deener (802) 463-9719 or julanejulane@comcast.net.  

Children’s Program for January:                                                                                           
January 6th:  Cooking a meal for the Warming Shelter with Ange.
January 13th:  Other Religions – Shiva the Superhero with Julane
3rd or 4th Sunday:  Craft with Melody

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.

Food for Warming Shelter:  there 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.

CANCELLATION OF SUNDAY SERVICE NOTIFICATIONS You will receive an e-mail

notification of cancellation of services as early as possible, but a decision will usually be made

early Sunday morning. So, check your e-mail before church on Sunday if there is any doubt whether

services will be held.

December 2018 Newsletter

Church Events

Sunday Services begin at 9:30pm; childcare Provided

• December 2, 2018, | First Universalist Parish of Chester Annual Meeting

  There will be an abbreviated service with special music beginning at the usual time, 9:30 a.m. led by Scott Wunderle, followed immediately by the annual meeting when we’ll review committee reports and vote on the budget, and any other matters that come before the meeting. Following the meeting at Coffee Hour, Julane and Melody will host a “Tacky Christmas Sweater Contest”. Attendees will vote for tackiest sweater and the wearer will win a prize! Join Julane and company for a few carols to kick off the holiday season.

• December 9, 2018, by Nick Boke: “When was the last time you felt clueless?”
  I appropriated the idea from the sign in front of a nearby Congregational church which prompted him to think long and hard about both the nature of cluelessness and the question of how often he felt it (Hint: Often).

• December 16, 2018 by Nancy Crumbine: “ After Lighting the Solstice Fire” 
  In the field beyond the pond we huddle upwind on the longest night.                    Persistent stars hover, coyotes answer. What’s not to believe?

• December 23 by Buffy Boke: “We Need a Little Christmas”

  We “need a little laughter, need a little singing ringing through the rafter” so we’ll tell the ancient stories in a traditional service of “lessons and carols,” with some special music from Julane and Val and the Choir.

• December 31 | Monday Evening Vesper Service by Julane Deer and the Peace Choir

  This is a choir-led service, featuring the Peace Choir. This year we’ll be singing a selection of lullabies from around the world, along with readings and poetry, encouraging us to Focus on Family this coming year. 

Please note: You will receive an e-mail notification of cancellation of services as early as possible, but a decision will usually be made early Sunday morning. So, check your e-mail before church on Sunday if there is any doubt whether services will be held. 

Principles in Action – December - Chester Family Center

Each month we take up a collection that supports a not for profit organization that works toward putting our principles into action.  In December, our collection will go to the Chester Andover Family Center.  The Center is impressive and provides financial assistance, nutritional food, affordable clothing and household goods to our community.  

Remarkably, it is run entirely by volunteers including several members of our congregation.  The Center funds the food shelf and financial assistance program with the proceeds from thrift shop sales, grants, and donations from our community.  This is one of the ways we support our neighbors and we encourage you to give generously.

Food Collection:  In conjunction with our financial collection, we will be collecting nonperishable food items throughout the month of December.  Please make sure that your food donations have not passed the expiration date.  Peanut Butter, cereals, soups, pasta etc. are all needed.  Food donations can be placed in the box in the entry way to the churc

Principles in Action Meeting:  January 6th following worship.  If you are interested in social outreach, this is a good way to help decide on the organizations that will receive our monthly collections and we would love to have greater participation, so we could offer films, discussions and other projects.

December Music News

December 2: the choir will participate in out abbreviated service prior to the Annual Meeting by sharing Sleigh Ride!  We’ll be singing, Scott will be playing the trumpet, and the kids made jingle bracelets last week so that they (and others!) can be our percussion section.  After the annual meeting, Julane will lead carols during our Christmas Sweater Party downstairs.

December 9: Special Music by Will Danforth!!!!

December 16:  Don’t miss the special candle-light service with special music and dancers!  The choir will sing Stars I Shall Find and O lux beatissima.  Laurel will lead a round while we light our candles “This Longest Night your candles light…..”

December 23:  Choir, accompanied by Scott on trumpet, will sing Sing Gloria, and we’ll reprise last year’s Gloria Gloria ending, with multiple instruments and lots of energy! 

December 31:  New Year’s Eve vesper service from 5 to 6.  This is a choir led service, featuring the Peace Choir.  This year we’ll be singing a selection of lullabies from around the world, along with readings and poetry, encouraging us to Focus on Family this coming year. 

Ever thought of learning to play ukulele?  Now’s the time!  Julane will be leading holiday carols and teaching chords on Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall on Dec. 5, 12, and 19.  Mele kalikimaka!!!  If you need to borrow an instrument, I may have an extra or two – email julanejulane@comcast.net 

Singing Meditation WILL be meeting upstairs in the sanctuary this month.  Thursday, December 20 - 6:30 to 7:30 - (special time for this month only). Celebrate the solstice with silence and song.  No experience necessary.  Center yourself for the coming holidays – you’ll be glad you did.

The Parish Choir rehearses each Tuesday evening from 6 to 7:30. Interested singers should contact Julane Deener (802) 463-9719 or julanejulane@comcast.net.

Message from the President

“Start by doing the necessary, Then the possible,

And suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Francis of Assisi

  Sunday’s annual meeting, December 2, will include a short service and some seasonal music. This will be followed by our annual meeting which includes committee reports, budget discussion and a vote for its approval, and. election of officers to the board.

Our slate of officers for this year has been affected by life changes for several of us. Most of us can continue to serve on the board though perhaps in different capacities. We will present our slate and open the meeting to other nominees.

Following the meeting we will adjourn to the social hall for refreshments and hijinks. Wear your tackiest Christmas sweater to our gathering and judges will be awarding prizes for the gaudiest and most tinselly garments created. (If the prizes are what I think they are, you’ll be well rewarded for daring to wear your most outlandish apparel.)

We can look back on a full year of projects and activities which are highlighted in the annual report and look forward in the new year to continuing our fellowship and outreach.

I wish you joyful holidays and safe journeys.   

- Stephanie Rowe

Food for the Warming Shelter

there 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.

November 2018 Newsletter

Church Events

Sunday Services begin at 9:30pm; childcare Provided

• November 4, 2018, by Kevin Carson: “Our Story, Part 3: An American Faith.” 
  Part three traces the development of the Unitarian and Universalist sides of our family tree in America, and how we eventually became the Unitarian Universalist faith we see today.

• November 11, 2018, by Nancy Crumbine: “Rising from the Past” 
  Thoughts on simple spiritual practices that pull us from the ever seductive

  past into the healing light of the present.

• November 18, 2018 by Kevin Carson: “Embracing Our Ecological Self.” 
  Finding a new perspective to confront the slow-motion catastrophe of climate change.

• November 25 Nick Boke: “How We Celebrate" just a few days after Thanksgiving. Since all people everywhere have, as far back in time as we can tell, have celebrated-births and weddings, harvests and holy days, new moons and revolutions-there's clearly something dear to our hearts about this process. But what does it really mean to celebrate something? Why do we do it? What do we hope will come of it?

Principles in Action – November

Each month we collect donations in the yellow envelops for an organization that works to put our principles in cation month we collect donations in the yellow envelopes for an organization that works to put our principles into action. In November our donation will go to the Women’s Program Association (WPA) of the Bourj al Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut. This organization has a long history of helping women and families in the camp, which is a small, under-resourced and under-funded city within the city. Under the leadership of Mariam al Shaar since 2004, with whom Nick Boke has worked since 2007, the WPA has launched several new ventures, from a catering service to the learning center for out-of-school Palestinian and Syrian children in the camp (https://www.nourinternational.org), along with a new kindergarten. The WPA receives grants, but no on-going funding.

November Music News

We have greatly enjoyed putting our efforts into historic music for Rev. Kevin Carson’s historic services.  The choir and guest musicians shared Medieval and Renaissance music the first Sunday, Baroque for the second service, and for the last of the series we’ll share an anthem by America’s first choral composer, William Billings, and several American folk hymns for Gathering Music and Postlude.

Nov. 4:  Sing Gloria!

Nov. 11:  Who Has Seen the Wind (lyrics by poet Christina Rosetti)

Nov. 18:  Thanksgiving (traditional, with additional third verse by Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Nov. 25:  Autumn Gives Her Hand to Winter

The choir is gearing up for the holiday season.  We’ll be starting our Solstice and Christmas music in the next week or two, and plans are under way for this year’s New Year’s Eve Vesper Service.  The Peace Choir will once again be singing on New Year’s Eve – any interested singers should contact Julane for details.  Peace Choir is a great way for those who can’t make weekly rehearsals to participate musically from time to time!

Singing Meditation is cancelled for November. 

December may see a Solstice night Singing Meditation on Thursday, December 20th. 

Let Julane know if you are interested in celebrating the longest night of the year with song and silence.  If there are enough interested in attending, we’ll meditate that evening upstairs in candle-light (a reprise of our vernal equinox Sunrise Meditation).

The Parish Choir rehearses each Tuesday evening from 6 to 7:30. Interested singers should contact Julane Deener (802) 463-9719 or julanejulane@comcast.net.

Message from the Board

October was a busy month here at First Universalist Parish. Kevin Carson began his three-part historical series and Julane and the choir worked very hard on special music to complement Kevin’s sermons. We welcomed Nancy Crumbine back into the pulpit. Our longest and oldest member, Ginny Freeman, passed away in September and her Memorial Service, conducted by the Rev. Telos Whitfield, was held on October 14th. Thanks to all who helped with the reception following the service and to the choir for singing “Gift of Love” during the service. Ginny lived a long, full life, singing in our choir for decades, handing out orders of service, participating in a variety of women’s groups, tending her birds, and always lending a helping hand. She will be missed, and we extend our deepest sympathy to her family.

The Board voted to hold a Congregational Conversation on November 4th, following worship. The treasurer will lead the meeting downstairs. We have very high-quality worship services led by our recurring ministers, complemented by great music and good fellowship. Our building is in good shape. However, our resources are limited, and we need to set some clear priorities for the future. This meeting will be an opportunity to begin such discussions. Put on your creative hats and be prepared to ask questions and participate in creative thinking about our future. Everyone’s input is needed. Many of the suggestions made a couple of years ago at a congregational meeting have been implemented.

There will be a Waffle Breakfast on Sunday November 11th following worship. The Board will provide waffles, sausages, and pure Vt Maple Syrup and everyone else is asked to bring along something to share. Enjoy good food, fellowship and conversation.

We are in the process of reinstituting a small RE program, based mostly on volunteers. Julane will do music with the children one Sunday a month, a high school student will cook meals with them for the Warming Shelter one Sunday a month, and Melody will do a craft one Sunday a month. Vanessa Heyburne will be available to help our volunteers as needed on Sunday mornings and to be in the nursery.

You may have noticed the new ads in both the Chester Telegraph and the Vermont Journal. Many thanks to Will for taking the lead on this initiative and Melody for helping to make it all happen. We’ve already had a visitor because of this ad!

Thanks to Scott for arranging to have the big ash tree on the east side of the building taken down and for moving those beautiful big rocks to create a real barrier along the top of the stone wall.

The east side of the building is nice and open, and the church is a lot more visible. It’s great to look out on the marshland behind the building. Scott hopes to work on a streetscape plan over the winter that could be implemented gradually and it’s easier to imagine some alternatives now that the space is more open. Thanks to Barbara, Gretchen and Susan Marie for their work on the front Our building looks great with all the flowers.

Get your recipes out bakers! Melody is organizing a bake sale for the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 21, at Lisai’s Market. She’ll be bringing in festival bags and boxes so our baked goods will look great. We’ll need lots of pies, cookies, bars and anything else you want to bake. Volunteers will be needed to man our booth so please mark Wednesday, Nov. 21st as a day to help for a couple of hours.

Finally, our Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, December 2nd. There will be an abbreviated service, led by Scott Wunderle, followed immediately by the annual meeting. The annual meeting is where we review committee reports and vote on the budget and any other matters that may come before the meeting. If you have any items you want to have placed on the warrant, please sent them to Stephanie Rowe as soon as possible. Friends and members are invited to the meeting although only members can vote. If you are not able to attend and want to vote at the Annual Meeting, a Proxy is attached to the same e-mail as the November Newsletter.

The next Board meeting will be Sunday, November 18th following worship. The warrant for the annual meeting will be developed and a slate of Board Officers for positions where terms are ending will be proposed. The Board is acting as the Nominating Committee. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please let Stephanie Rowe know.

Stone Village Art Guild meets on Wednesdays - Please join us!

Does your inner artist need a regular, supportive environment where you can “do” art? Every Wednesday from 3-5:30, the community room at the First Universalist Parish in Chester’s Stone Village is alternately buzzing or serene as artists pursue their creative art projects.

All are welcome; first timers, beginners and experienced artists. We represent a variety of artistic mediums including water color, oil, pastels, quilting and any other means by which you like to express your creativity.

Please call or email Nena Nanfeldt, 802-875-4309, nnanfeldt@gmail.com for information and to get on our email list. We will be sure you have table space and a chair. You need to bring your art supplies and a cover for your table space. Stop by for a visit on a Wednesday afternoon to meet the artists and check out our space, or bring your supplies and stay for art.

Whether you are an experienced artist or new to art, please join us. Our friendly, supportive environment will help your creativity flourish.

First Parish Book Club – Next meeting will be in January:

Look for more information in the next newsletter. We will have an e-mail conservation as to how we will continue so that we will have more continuity. Everyone is welcome. If you are looking for a book to read, I have attached as a pdf to the e-mail containing this newsletter

“THE GREAT AMERICAN READ” sponsored by PBS, so look at the Website also.

October 2018 Newsletter

Church Events

Sunday Services begin at 9:30pm; childcare Provided

• October 7, 2018, by Nancy Crumbine: “This Blessed Month in Vermont”.

• October 14, 2018, by Kevin Carson: “Our Story, Part 1: From Ancient Creeds to the Reformation”
  Part one looks at the theological origins of Unitarianism and Universalism leading up to the Reformation.

• October 21, 2018 by Buffy Boke: “Walking on the Floor”
  Sometimes we are so concerned with the dramatic events occurring in the world and around us, we neglect to notice the gift of the ordinary. Buffy will share some thoughts about a high-wire artist and how, when we give up our efforts to be somebody special, we make it easier to become the unique creatures we are capable of being.

• October 28, Kevin Carson: “Our Story, Part 2: European Roots”
  In part two, we will examine the influence of religious movements in Europe during the turbulent centuries after the Reformation.

Principles in Action – October

This month our collection will go to SEVCA (Southeast Vermont Community Action) for the Community Solar Project. SEVCA has raised most of the money needed to put in a solar project that will help approximately 15 families meet their electrical needs. They have taken out a bridge loan to cover the last $50,000 that is required to complete this project and this money must be raised by December 2018. Please give generously as this is a long-term investment in an important empowerment project for our community.

October Music News

The Parish Choir has special music in the works for October! To set the scene for Kevin Carson’s series of sermons on the history of Unitarianism, we’ve turned to history and have been busily rehearsing Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and early American music. Guest musicians Meekah Hance and Suzanne Lawler will join Julane in providing prelude and postlude music for these historical services as well. The music aims to be a ‘soundtrack’ for what promises to be a fascinating series – not to be missed!

October 7:
Anthem: Harvest Moon
Chant: Now I Walk in Beauty

October 14:
Anthem: Inimichi autem (a Renaissance era motet by Orlando di Lasso)
Chant: O frondens virga (a Medieval chant by Hildegard von Bingen)
Prelude, Offertory, and Postlude: members of the ensemble Mandolin Road Trip will play Renaissance trios by Thomas Morley and William Byrd.

October 21:
Soloist Julane Deener: The Stars are With the Voyager
Chant: Return Again

October 28:
Anthem: Laudamus Te
(a choral arrangement of the Baroque classic by Vivaldi)
Chant: TBA
Prelude, Offertory, and Postlude: 3 movements from Teleman’s Cannonic Sonata No. 1 – Meekah Hance and Julane Deener – violin

The Parish Choir rehearses each Tuesday evening from 6 to 7:30. Interested singers should contact Julane Deener (802) 463-9719 or julanejulane@comcast.net.

Singing Meditation will meet on Thursday October 18 from 6 to 7. No experience necessary – all are welcome!

News for the Children

Beginning on October 21st, Music Director Julane Deener will be joining the children downstairs once or twice a month (after the choir’s performance) to share music and cultural activities. We’ll start this fall by working on a song – perhaps with movement - to share at the Solstice Service on December 16th.

September 2018 Newsletter

September 10 Rosh Hashanah
September 19 Yom Kippur
September 23 First Day of Autumn

Church Events

Sunday Services begin at 9:30pm; childcare Provided

September 9, 2018, by Nick Boke - Things that Flow
On September 9, we will welcome each other back for another year of singing, musing and meditating as we consider and contemplate things that matter. We’ll begin the year with a water communion, in which we will share water we have brought from our summer activities—from an ocean or a lake, river or pond, well or tap in Bangladesh, Bangor or Bartonville. To wrap things up, I will speak briefly about Things that Flow. 

Bring whatever water you want or use water that will be provided as you briefly share something about your summer.

September 16, 2018 by Buffy Boke: “Monkey Wants The Moon”
The service is about a Zen poem similar to a koan. It’s about worrying and trusting. The service will include a 5-minute silent meditation. 

September 23, 2018 by Kevin Carson: Tunnels of Hope
Where are the tunnels of hope through our dark mountains of disappointment?

September 30, Kevin Carson: “St. Francis and the Animals”
A celebration of animals and the life of St. Francis of Assisi. l will include a "blessing of the animals" in this service. People are invited to bring their pets.

Principles in Action – September

Each month we collect money that we give to a not for profit organization that works to put our values into action. In September, our collection will go to the Refugee & Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES). This organization provides free and low-cost legal services to immigrant children, families and refugees. Last spring/summer they established a hot line, run by volunteers, to help reunite families.

Worship Committee

The worship committee organized two special summer services and ice cream socials in July and August. Our Sundae Sundays were held in a semi-circle in the fellowship hall downstairs where it was cooler. A few from the congregation attended and enjoyed them thoroughly, saying how nice to see familiar faces again over the summer.

We were all very excited to have Kevyn Malloy and Tony Panzetta surprise us with visit from Pennsylvania and attend one the summer services. My daughter Charity and grandchildren also attended both services (I know it was really Julane's hot fudge that got them here the second time). We will most likely continue the Sundae Sundays next summer. A special thanks and shout out to Julane and Val for donating their time for these services.  

The Worship Committee has been working on the pulpit schedule over the summer and I'm happy to say that we are most fortunate to have returning all three of our regular ministers, Nick Boke, Kevin Carson and Nancy Crumbine. Kevin will be in the pulpit twice a month, Nick and Nancy about once a month. Also, Buffy Boke will give a few sermons this season.

.Julane has been busy finding music for the choir to sing and the choir has begun regular Tuesday night practice. Some of Julane's talented students will join us from time to time this season. We are grateful to have them all! Julane has also been gathering music for December's solstice and holiday services. Same as last year there will be a New Year's Eve vesper service lead by the Peace Choir. This year however, New Year's Eve falls on a Monday, December 31. We will NOT have Sunday service on December 30. More on December's special services will be in later newsletters.

Our first service will include a Water Ceremony. Please bring water and a story from your travels this summer. See you soon! ~ Melody, Worship Committee chair

September Music News

After a summer of relaxation, along with anthems and ice cream, the choir has been busy rehearsing and getting ready for the coming months. We have some exciting music to share this fall!

September 9: What a Wonderful World – with a Scott Wunderle trumpet solo

September 16: Simple Gifts

September 23: Vocal Soloist: Julane Deener

September 30: Make Me A Channel of Your Peace: Prayer of St. Francis

The Parish Choir is always happy to welcome new singers into our ensemble. Choir rehearsals are on Tuesdays at 6. If you are interested, please join us!

If you are an instrumentalist who is interested in sharing your gift with our congregation, please speak with Julane after a service on Sunday.

Singing Meditation – interfaith chant interspersed with silence – is open to all who wish for an hour of peace in their lives. We meet the Third Thursday of every month in the Fellowship Hall. Participants don’t need to be ‘singers’ – just willing to use their voice to find the calm center which is always there when we slow down and set aside the day to day for a bit. Curious? Bring a friend and try it out!

First Parish Book Club

We will be meeting on the second Wednesday of the month from October to May. Soup and bread will be served along with the book discussion. Books for each month will be selected by one individual and then we will all vote on the book that we all like the best to read for the next month. I will send out an e-mail to everyone notifying you which book we have selected for October. Everyone is welcome to join us downstairs in the social hall on Wednesday, October 10 for our first meeting this fall.

Message to the Congregation from the Board

Many thanks to Julane Deener, Val Linck and Melody Reed for organizing and promoting our two special summer afternoon services. Services Resume Sunday, September 9th, 9:30am. We are fortunate to have Reverends Nick Boke, Buffy Boke, Kevin Carson and Dr. Nancy Jay Crumbine returning to lead most of our services over the next 9 months.

Hosts Needed

Kevin is generally leading two services a month and we also need to host Nick and Buffy during the Sundays they are in the pulpit – that is hosting 27 Saturday nights. The Danforth, Davis, Holme, Mason and Nanfeldt families have stepped up to cover most of these dates but we still have 7 dates where we need hosts. If you are able to host, please let Nancy Davis or Melody Reed know.

In the absence of congregants hosting, FUP will need to absorb the unbudgeted cost (~$125 per night) of putting ministers up at the Fullerton Inn. If you are unable to host but are able to contribute toward these costs, contact Steven Davis.

Roots of Unitarian Universalism

October 14th & 28th and November 4th, Kevin Carson will be delivering a series of sermons on the history of Unitarian Universalism. Julane is coordinating special music for this series. This is a great time to invite friends who would benefit from understanding the centuries long story of Unitarian Universalism.

Special Holiday Services in December

There will be 3 special Holiday Services in December:
- Dec 16th late afternoon (no morning service): Nancy Crumbine will lead this service. - Dec 23rd will be the traditional Holiday Service with Christmas songs and stories, at the regular 9:30 time. - Monday, Dec 31st late afternoon (no morning service Sunday, Dec 30th) will be led by the Peace Choir under the direction of Julane Deener and will offer a service of music and readings.

Youth Program Suspended


Jamie Maloof has done a great job over the last year with a curriculum that integrated world religious themes and social action. We appreciate the talents that Jamie brought to our program but without a regular core of children attending, it is simply not viable. If we are able to attract 5-6 families with children who are interested in participating on a regular basis, Jamie has indicated that she would consider coming back. She would love to continue the programming that she started.

Vanessa Heybyrne will continue to care for our infants and preschool children. We will have art materials available for any young children who may occasionally attend services.

Facilities


Our beautiful historic church and grounds continues to be both a great asset and a burden. We depend overwhelmingly on the volunteer efforts of congregants to maintain our building and grounds. A new lawn mower was purchased, and Wendy Swartz, Steven Davis and Scott Wunderle have done the mowing. The annual roof will cost a couple of thousand dollars following the hard winter last year. Scott is evaluating the removal of several trees that are leaning toward our neighbor’s home and are destabilizing the stone wall. The removal of the tree issues is expected to cost several thousand dollars. On a more positive note, the historic marker for the Stone Village Designation will be located on our parish property and will help attract attention to our beautiful building. Money from the Vermont, Quebec & Labrador Universalist Association will be used to buy a bench that will match the others being installed throughout the town in pocket parks. A bake sale fundraiser just before Thanksgiving will be held to raise the additional money needed for the bench funding.

Next Board Meeting: Sunday, October 14th following worship service

Gratefully, Nancy Davis, First Universalist Parish Board of Trustees

Community Events

The Nature Museum will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Vermont’s original Fairy House Festival on September 29th and 30th. We’re always looking for individuals ready to lend a hand leading up to the festival and especially during the festival weekend. Be a part of the magic! You’ll get in FREE and receive a Fairy House Festival t-shirt. Invite your friends and family to join in the fun. Are you on Facebook? Spreading the word about just how magical the weekend is really helps us as we hope to attract new families and visitors who may not be aware of the festival. Learn more about the festival on the Nature Museum’s website.

August 2018 Newsletter

Church Events

Ice Cream Sundays                                      August 12, 2018, 5:00 PM
Julane Deener and the First Universalist Parish Choir

Thanks to a very cooperative and enthusiastic group of singers, the choir will be leading another special Evensong service this summer.  On August 12 from 5:00 to 5:45, we’ll share anthems, hymns and readings in special abbreviated musical services that will end with an ice cream party downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. These services are designed to be Very Family Friendly, so snacks before ice cream will include protein and veggies to offset the sugar. The theme for August is Children. Please join us!  Bring your friends and children and take a bit of time to reconnect with our church family during our summer off.  You’ll be glad you did!

Principles in Action

Our donations will go to the Refugee & Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), a non profit group that provides free and low cost legal services to immigrant        children, families and refugees. They have just set up a hot line, staffed by volunteers, to help reunite families that were separated at the border. Money will go toward detained parents bonds which are needed to reunite families and will also fund legal representation of            separated families.

Music News

Singing Meditation will continue on August 16 – third Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m.  All are welcome!

Board Meeting

Sunday, August 26
10:00 AM
All are welcome to attend.

May Yard Sale

A Note from Melody:
"We worked hard at the yard sale, but with Ed’s hot dogs and the goodies from the bake sale, lots of fun was had by all. We set up Sunday, and what didn't sell went into the free pile and most disappeared overnight. The grand total is now $3,575.55. We did good! :-)"

June Church Picnic

The Pizza was great from the wood fired pizza oven. It was delicious!!!!! It was a beautiful day at Melody’s and Wally’s home and we ate a lot of pizza , saw the gardens, and had great conversations.

July Ice Cream Sunday

Singing and Sundaes How much better can a Sunday Service get? Nick Boke will be giving the first sermon of the season, Sunday, September 9, 2018.

Remember Water Communion

Please remember to bottle a little water from the meaningful place you visit this summer. If you found joy or peace, bring some token of your experience to share with us at our Water Communion Service September 9.

August Community Events

Community Asylum Seekers Project Update                                                    
Steve Crofter wants to let people know that in addition to the Mexican family that he and Laurel are hosting, the Community Asylum Seekers Project (CASP) has now welcomed two asylum-seeking women from Honduras to live in a host home in Brattleboro, and it looks like host homes will be available soon in Putney and Westminster."

Home Health Aide Services Needed
A neighbor is looking for home health aide services for his elderly mother. Flexible shifts.
Mother lives off Main street. She requires minor lifting. She is very alert and oriented.
Clean environment to work in. Current wage offered. Inquires please call Mr. Kim Kendal 802-875-3469. Thank you very much.
- Liz MacAdie

The Nature Museum, Grafton

• Wild World of Mushrooms, Morning Walk, August 25th
• Wild World of Mushrooms, Evening Walking, August 25th
• Grafton Inn Mushroom Dinner, August 25th
• Fairy House Festival, September 29-30th

June Newsletter

Worship Schedule

- June 4, 2017 by David Driver
"Gratitude"

- June 11, 2018 by Kevin Carson
"Are We There Yet?”
This month, cities across America will celebrate LGBTQ identity with Pride marches and festivities, in a time when a climate of political uncertainty has created enormous anxiety within the LGBTQ community and their allies. I will share some thoughts on where we stand as a faith within this national conversation.

Sunday services begin at 9:30, childcare provided.

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Principles in Action 

- June Principles in Action

We will be supporting our children’s Medicine Wheel Project in June.  Many thanks to all who donated plants, rocks and time to this project.  There are some items associated with the project such as compost that must be purchased and our contribution will make this possible.  The Board is also hoping to install an outside water faucet to make watering outside plants easier.

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Religious Education Program (RE) 

- June // Medicine Wheel

View fullsize

We have been working on a short play, Pete Seeger's Abiyoyo, and we will share this with the congregation on June 11 during the children's time. 

The Medicine Wheel is moving along nicely.  Thanks to Laurel and Steve at Singing River Farm for donating rocks.  The families and children outlined the wheel and set up the fire circle on Wednesday, May 24. 

The installation, which involves mostly composting and planting, is scheduled to happen after the service on June 4.  We are hoping for this to be a great opportunity for the members of the congregation to participate with the children in the final phase of the medicine wheel.  All are invited and asked to join us after the service for this wonderful project.  We will need people to come with spades, gardening shovels and watering cans, as well as the plants you have previously offered if you have not already arranged for them to be dropped off.

Lisa Crocker and the RE Students outlined the Medicine Wheel with stones on June 4th.

Our final service on June 11 we will have our flower ceremony at the medicine wheel with a special dedication of the wheel as well.  It is our hope that this wheel will be enjoyed by the entire congregation.  The Wheel is located on the South Side of the church and the site would also be available as a location for church picnics, weddings, and other church activities and celebrations.  If anyone has any questions about all of this, please contact Lisa at lisaarlenecrocker@gmail.com or at church.  

The Medicine Wheel Great stone circles are considered feats of ritual or spiritual architecture. Many sacred circles can be found around the globe including, Europe, Africa, South America and North America. Many of these circles are thought to be over 5,000 years old. Some are thought to represent solar calendars that regulated work, hunting and even the return of animals for the people of their region. People to this day often travel thousands of miles to stand near a circle or wheel of stones. The most well-known medicine wheels come from Native American Tribes. Many Native tribes used their wheels for growing sacred herbal medicines to honor the ancestors, the seasons, and the cycle or circle of all things in nature and life.

There is evidence of Native tribes making yearly treks to these sacred wheels and making offerings of seeds, tobacco, sage, and more, to the directions, their ancestors and to nature. It is said that, the wise leaders or medicine people of the tribes would come to these sites for advice, visions or guidance on the healing of their people. And there are many stories through history that talk about these visions or experiences that happened within these circles. Many wheels represent the 4 directions of North, South, East and West. Within those directions, the elements are also honored. The elements being, North=Earth South=Fire East=Air and West=Water. Those elements and their colors can also change within various tribes and locations.

However, the symbol of the circle seemed to be honored within every tribe. The circle was and often is represented on their shields, on their horses, and on ceremonial clothing. In creating your own medicine wheel, you are honoring the ancestors before us, Mother Earth, Nature, the cycle of life and beauty within all things connected.

Please join us on June 11th for the flower ceremony in the Medicine wheel. With the presence of the members, we can honor and celebrate the sacred space of the new UU Medicine Wheel.

“Then I was standing on the highest Mountain of them all, and round about me was a whole hoop of the world. And while I stood there I saw more than I can tell and I understood more than I saw; for I was seeing in a sacred manner the shapes of all things in the spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they must live together like one being. And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people was one of many hoops that made one circle.” -- Black Elk

If anyone has any questions about all of this, please contact Lisa at lisaarlenecrocker@gmail.com or at church. If anyone has any questions about all of this, please contact Lisa at lisaarlenecrocker@gmail.com or at church.   

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Church Events

- Church Picnic //  June 11 after church 
Liz and Bruce MacAdie are looking forward to hosting the annual picnic June 11, after church. Please plan to car pool from the church lot, as parking is tricky. Bring a dish to share and a chair, they will provide hot dogs and hamburgers. 

- Art // June 4
We are having a small showing of artwork today in the social room downstairs.  Take a look at some of the art we have created.  Pictures and a quilt are mounted on the walls and windows downstairs.  We will be having another show next year, so come join our group and be creative with us no matter what your medium.

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Community Events

Protesting the Trump budget and support real health care reform! Peter, Susan, Steven, Melody and Mary on Friday afternoon May 26, Main Street in Chester. 

We have been invited to participate in the Saxtons River 4th of July parade by the S. R. Human Right Cafe/Indivisible group.  Wendy Regier and Melody Reed volunteered to make big puppets.  I will put them in touch with the folks in Saxtons River who are working on this.  We will schedule one or more puppet and sign making workshops in June.

The parade is in the morning of the Fourth and is always well attended and lots of fun.  Put it on your calendar. 

Aides for Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders, and Representative Welch confirmed at the SEVCA event last week that their bosses appreciate our calls and emails of support.

• Senator Patrick Leahy
  Burlington: (802) 863-2525
  DC: (202) 224-4242
• Senator Bernie Sanders
  Burlington:  (802) 862-0697
  DC:  (202) 224-5141
• Representative Peter Welch
  Burlington:  (802) 652-2450
  DC: (202) 225-4115
• Your call might sound like this: "Thank you so much for taking my call. I wanted to thank ___________ for standing by our values in this budget fight. I know you are doing what you can to protect programs that make our country more equal, fairer, and more decent. I want you to know you have my support, and please let me know if I can do anything more to help."

- 19th Annual Spring Chester Craft Sale // June 3rd and 4th

- Butternut Ridge Trail Work and Trail Exploration Day // June 17th

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Board News

Charlotte Edgar’s funeral on May 5 was a moving celebration of her life. Those of us who knew her during her many years in Chester found, through stories and photos, so many other aspects of her life. Her love for her family, especially her special bonds with her grandchildren, shone through in every remembrance.

On May 28, a farewell brunch was held after the regular service to honor David & Laura Driver for their dedication to our church since 2005. Through the years they have served on many committees and brought cultural events to our church and community.

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Dates to Remember:

- Medicine Wheel Work Day // June 4

On June 4th we plan to have a brief work session, helping the RE children set out the foundation for their medicine wheel. They have done much study of the Indian traditions surrounding the structure and they designed and chose the herbs that will be planted in quadrants of the wheel. It is a nice opportunity to work with the children and help them achieve their goal. Later it will be a nice place for contemplation or quiet chats for all of us.

- Church Picnic // June 11

The annual church picnic will take place after church on June 11 at the home Liz Macadie. Please bring chairs and a dish to share. Hamburgers & hotdogs & beverages will be provided. This is always a great chance to chat with everyone, to talk about our individual summer plans, or to share ideas about what we’d like to see in the fall at our church.

Somehow our church year has almost ended. I hope we’ll enjoy sunny temperate days through the summer, maybe see one another here and there, and come back in the fall ready for fellowship, thoughtful sermons, and energy to carry out the ideas we believe in.  

Steph Row

May 5th First Parish Newsletter

May Worship

Sunday Services begin at 9:30
Childcare Provided

May 7, 2017 | Nick Boke
“A pebble from the shingle”: The opposing faces of science in the modern world.
The poet Robinson Jeffers concluded his poem “Science,” which was written in the 1930s, thus: “A little knowledge, a pebble from the shingle, /A drop from the oceans; who would have dreamed this infinitely little too much?” Cut to March 2017, when physicist Stephen Hawking told the Times of London that world government may be the only way to protect ourselves from the robots.

May 14, 2017 | Kevin Carson
“Welcome to the Anthropocene”
In August 2016, the scientific body that officially designates the names of geological strata
recommended that we call the current epoch of Earth’s history the “Anthropocene”– the age of humans. What does it mean to be human in “the age of humans”?

May 21, 2017 | Nancy Crumbine
"Bluets whiten the fields….”
A meditation on creativity, lilacs, persistence, and otters, with help from Thoreau, who saw the bluets, and Emerson who wrote: "What potent blood hath modest May.”

May 28, 2017 | Jane Dwinell
What Can We Do?
Rev. Jane Dwinell is just back from the People’s Climate March in Washington, DC and will share
some thoughts about what we can do in the face of climate change. She was the minister at the First Universalist Parish in Derby Line, VT and the Adirondack Unitarian Universalist Community in Saranac Lake, NY, and worked as a small congregation consultant. She is mostly retired, and lives in Burlington, VT with her husband, son, and daughter-in-law where they love to play disc golf, Bridge, and grow lots of veggies.
 

May Principles in Action

Our May donation will go to the American Diabetes Association. The Heybryne family will be participating in the annual fundraising walk the first weekend in May that supports research efforts that one day may result in a cure for juvenile diabetes and help kids like Brielle and Sydney. Both girls have juvenile diabetes and the Heybyrne family has learned to give injections, count carbohydrates, and monitor blood sugar levels regularly. The girls pancreases are unable to produce the insulin needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into the energy needed to live. We all hope that the research being undertaken by The American Diabetes Association will result in a cure for juvenile diabetes one day in the near future.

Religious Exploration (RE) May-June

The RE kids will be very busy working this month on the Medicine Wheel and also putting together their service for June 4. The theme for the service will be "Peace" and we will have music and readings and a skit. This Sunday, the children will be going on a field trip to Jamie's dad's greenhouse where they will be planting seeds for the wheel. They have chosen what they would like to have in the wheel for plants and the design of the wheel. Now it is time for us to ask for your help! In order to keep costs down and involve the greater church community, we have put together a list of items and other help that we need for the wheel. Please review the list below and let Lisa know what you can help with, either by talking to her or emailing her at lisaarlenecrocker@gmail.com. Thanks!

For plants we are looking for the following:

Yarrow
Lemon Balm
Echinacea
marshmallow
Bee balm (monarda)
Mint
Sunflower seed packet
chives

For other items we will need or require help with....

*Transporting/truck rocks to build wheel with (from Rosie's or elsewhere)
*Top Soil/garden soil
*mulch
*compost
*tools to use like shovels and rakes
*and people willing to dig and move rocks!
*a couple stumps and a board for making a bench OR someone willing to make a simple wood bench
*people willing to help water once a schedule is made for the summer time

Honoring the Drivers and Saying Goodbye – May 28

The process of saying goodbye to active members of our congregation is always bittersweet. We are excited for David and Laura that they have purchased a new home in Amherst Massachusetts, close to their children and grandchildren. They expect to be relocating from Vermont over the summer, and we hope they will return for a visit every now and then. Their departure will leave a big empty spot here in Chester and we want to express our gratitude and appreciation for their many contributions over the last decade during our worship service on May 28th. There will be a brunch following the service and everyone is invited to bring a dish to share and to come and wish David and Laura the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives. They certainly will be missed.

Art at the Stone Church

Please join us Tuesday at 3PM in the parish community room for "ART". We meet weekly from 3-5 in a supportive, creative environment. Whatever artistic medium you practice; water color, oil, pastels, drawing, quilting, or jewelry design, you are welcome. Come every week or when you can. We are excited to produce and share our art. No need to sign up. Just show up.

From Melody Reed:
Calling Artist and Artsy friends!
 I want to hang an art show in my studio shop (inside the Moon Dog Cafe, Chester). I'm looking for mixed media pieces no larger than 16 x 20. The criteria: anything goes but must be a mixed media piece and MUST incorporate a vintage photo booth photo. The photo can be a copy, and does not have to be an original. If you have more questions PM me. Timetable, it's a quick turnaround; I'd love to have the work by the end of the month. I'd like to have at least a dozen pieces, the more the merrier. The show will hang at least a month, maybe longer. Please let me know if you're interested and spread the word! Thanks!

First Parish Special Notice March 31st

Charlotte Edgar's Funeral
Charlotte Edgar’s funeral will take place on Friday, May 5 at 11:00 am. at the First Universalist Parish Church.  A reception follows at the Fullerton Inn to which all are invited.

Religious Education at First Universalist Parish Church
The RE kids will be very busy working this month on the Medicine Wheel and also putting together their service for June 4.  The theme for the service will be "Peace" and we will have music and readings and a skit.

This Sunday, the children will be going on a field trip to Jamie's dad's greenhouse where they will be planting seeds for the wheel.  They have chosen what they would like to have in the wheel for plants and the design of the wheel.

Now it is time for us to ask for your help!  In order to keep costs down and involve the greater church community, we have put together a list of items and other help that we need for the wheel.  Please review the list below and let Lisa know what you can help with, either by talking to her or emailing her at lisaarlenecrocker@gmail.com.

For plants we are looking for the following

Yarrow
Lemon Balm
Echinacea
marshmallow
Bee balm (monarda)
Mint
sunflower seed packet
chives

For other items we will need or require help with....
*Transporting/truck rocks to build wheel with (from Rosie's or elsewhere)
*Top Soil/garden soil
*mulch
*compost
*tools to use like shovels and rakes
*and people willing to dig and move rocks!
*a couple stumps and a board for making a bench OR someone willing to make a simple wood bench
*people willing to help water once a schedule is made for the summer time

Religious Exploration Prepares for June Service and Medicine Wheel Progress

The RE kids will be very busy working this month on the Medicine Wheel and also putting together their service for June 4.  The theme for the service will be "Peace" and we will have music and readings and a skit.

This Sunday, the children will be going on a field trip to Jamie's dad's greenhouse where they will be planting seeds for the wheel.  They have chosen what they would like to have in the wheel for plants and the design of the wheel.

Now it is time for us to ask for your help!  In order to keep costs down and involve the greater church community, we have put together a list of items and other help that we need for the wheel.  Please review the list below and let Lisa know what you can help with, either by talking to her or emailing her at lisaarlenecrocker@gmail.com.

For plants we are looking for the following:

Yarrow
Lemon Balm
Echinacea
Marshmallow
Bee balm (monarda)
Mint
Sunflower seed packet
Chives

For other items we will need or require help with....

*Transporting/truck rocks to build wheel with (from Rosie's or elsewhere)
*Top Soil/garden soil
*mulch
*compost
*tools to use like shovels and rakes
*and people willing to dig and move rocks!
*a couple stumps and a board for making a bench OR someone willing to make a simple wood bench
*people willing to help water once a schedule is made for the summer time

April 17th Newsletter

Upcoming Services

April 23 , 2017 - by Kevin Carson: “In Praise of Diversity"
Our Unitarian Universalist faith is a celebration of diverse beliefs, and this is one of our great strengths in an increasingly diverse world.

April 30, 2017 – by Kevin Carson: “The Practice of Forgiveness”
How forgiving others and forgiving ourselves can transform our emotional and spiritual life.

Principles in Action: April

The April Principles in Action collection will go to the Vermont Eco Studies (VEC) Loon Conservation Project.

Art at FUP

Every Tuesday from 3-5:30pm the community room of our church is the meeting spot for a welcoming group of art enthusiasts. All are welcome! Learn about this group >

Community Events

Big Woods Voices
Will Danforth would like you all to know that his a cappella group, Big Woods Voices, will be performing at Main Street Arts in Saxtons River on Friday, April 28, at 7:30. 

“Bird Is A Verb” with The Bird Diva and The Nature Museum
Do you smile at the first sounds of the winged harbingers of spring like the Red-winged Blackbird or the American Woodcock? Does the evening song of the Hermit Thrush stop you in your tracks?

Join us for a spring tune-up just in time for bird migration season when The Nature Museum teams up with naturalist Bridget Butler, aka the “Bird Diva,” who is heard on VPR’s biannual Bird Show. Butler will present “Bird is a Verb” on Thursday, April 27, at 7 p.m. at NewsBank Conference Center at 352 Main Street in Chester, VT. Doors will open at 6:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are available in advance online and at the door. 

Art at the FUP

by Nena Nanfeldt

Does your inner artist need a regular, supportive environment where you can “do” art? Every Tuesday from 3-5:30, the community room at the First Universalist Parish in Chester’s Stone Village is alternately buzzing or serene as artists pursue their creative art projects.

All are welcome; first timers, beginners and experienced artists. We represent a variety of artistic mediums including water color, oil, pastels, quilting and any other means by which you like to express your creativity.

Please call or email Nena Nanfeldt, 802-875-4309, nnanfeldt@gmail.com or Marilyn Mason, 802-875-4945, breeze@vermontel.net for information and to get on our email list. We will be sure you have table space and a chair. You need to bring your art supplies and a cover for your table space. Stop by for a visit on a Tuesday afternoon to meet the artists and check out our space, or bring your supplies and stay for art.

Whether you are an experienced artist or new to art, please join us. Our friendly, supportive environment will help your creativity flourish.

April 9th Newsletter

April 9th Service

Rev. David Robbins, D. Min.
“The Challenges Our Theologies Face. “

Today is Palm Sunday in the Christian calendar, and the day before Passover in the Jewish calendar. From these two holy days, and from our Unitarian Universalist theologies, streams the message to ground our faith in who and what we love. David Robins is retired from parish ministry in Peterborough, NH, Bloomington, Illinois, and Franklin, NH. He and his wife, Jean (a 4th grade public school teacher), live in Harrisville, NH.

Upcoming Services

April 16, 2017 - Nancy J. Crumbine

April 23, 2017 - Kevin Carson
“In Praise of Diversity’. Our Unitarian Universalist faith is a celebration of diverse beliefs, and this is one of our great strengths in an increasingly diverse world.

April 30, 2017 - Kevin Carson
“The Practice of Forgiveness”. How forgiving others and forgiving ourselves can transform our emotional and spiritual life.

Memorial Service April 8, 2017

Our hearts go out to Randy Wiggin on the recent death of his son, Tanner. A memorial service will be held at the church on Saturday, April 8th at 11AM. The congregation will host a reception following the service and congregants are requested to drop off finger food items (cheese/crackers, vegetables & dip, cookies/bars) between 10am and 11am on April 8th. Please let Nancy Davis know if you can help.

Tanner Gasco-Wiggin, born in Randolph, VT on July 3, 1990, grew up in the Springfield area and graduated from Springfield High School in 2008. He attended the Maine College of Art in Portland, ME, and he became an accomplished artist and printmaker. Tanner cared deeply about social and political causes and was a fierce advocate for freedom of expression. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed snowboarding, hiking, music of all kinds, and reading and writing poetry. He is survived by his father, Randall Wiggin and partner Marybeth Maloney of Chester, his mother Valerie Gasco and his step-father Jeff Lavin of Lehigh Acres, Florida; his paternal grandmother, Ruth Wiggin, of Rutland; his brother, Ian Gasco-Wiggin and sister, Siera Lavin, both of Boston, Mass; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in New England and Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tanner’s memory to: the Vermont Arts Council, Outright Vermont, or the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center.

Notes from the Board

To members & Friends of the First Universalist Parish of Chester:

So much has happened in the last month–-wonderful events, sad news, and enhancements to our building.

• The month began with the film, “He Named Me Malawa.” Olivia Bernier introduced the movie, telling us how the movie affected her and what inspired her to share the story of a 16-year-old Pakistani girl who was shot during her fight for education for girls. She eventually received the Nobel Peace Prize.

• At mid-month we shared a soup supper, when we wrote postcards to our Congressional delegation and president, expressing our concerns about health care, equality, and protection of the environment. Young members wrote earnestly while their parents and other church members tried to fit their indignation and values on postcards.

• A dedication of the asylum seekers’ apartment at Singing River Farm was spiritually uplifting, with hymns and readings by Rev. Nancy Crumbine and the priest from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The pastors visited and blessed each room. A few days later the church presented a check for $800 from our Principles in Action fund to Steve Crofter and Laurel Green, who own Singing River Farm. They established the Community Asylum Seekers Project to welcome asylum seekers.

• On March 24 our religious education students put on an ice cream social. Lisa Crocker served ice cream, and then we proceeded down the table for hot fudge, Oreos, whipped cream, cherries and other toppings. Watching the students raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation was delightful.

• Also on March 24 Sam Lloyd, a long-time member of the church, passed away. In church two days later people recalled Sam reciting humorous poems or telling tales of his time in the Vermont Legislature. As you travel our billboard-free roads or return beverage cans for deposits, you can thank Sam, who was chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee when he persuaded his colleagues to protect Vermont’s environment.

• Another sad note is that former member Mary Lou Farr is being treated for terminal brain cancer. You may send cards to her at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

• Several members gathered two weeks ago to de-clutter the social hall, sorting historic papers and a jumble of office equipment, and discarding outdated materials. Please join us on Friday, March 31, at 9:30 a.m., if you’d like to help finish this task.

• If you drive by the church at night you may notice the stained glass windows glowing. Automatic timers now turn on a couple of low wattage lights in the sanctuary. We hope this will catch the attention of passing motorists, and be a welcoming sight to us when we attend evening programs.

• Lynn Way is recovering from a knee replacement surgery on April 4 and is at home in Wichita, KS. Her address is 3450 N. Ridgewood, Apt. 714, Wichita, KS 67220.

The events of our church life will always be wonderful or sad, mundane or uplifting. I hope we continue to weather them together in grace. Stephanie

April Principles in Action

The April Principles in Action collection will go to the Vermont Eco Studies (VEC) Loon Conservation Project. VEC partners with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and a corps of dedicated volunteers to provide monitoring, management, public education and research on common loons in Vermont. There are now 300-500 adult loons in Vermont and they will begin returning from their ocean wintering grounds off the New England Coast in April. Nests are built in May-June and both parents help incubate one to two eggs for 27-28 days. Chicks grow and learn to feed themselves and practice flying so they are ready to migrate to winter grounds by November. Loons can be found on many lakes in Vermont, including nearby Lowell Lake.

Religious Exploration (RE)

The RE kids started their Medicine Wheel project this month with guest naturalist and herbalist, Jamie Malouf. We had a full house that day! The kids got an introduction to native medicine wheels, saw pictures and learned about the different meanings they may convey. We discovered the endless possibilities for constructing, laying out and populating a medicine wheel, from flowers, medicinal and edible herbs and plants, rocks and wood. We discussed the possibility (probability) of installing a fire ring in the center, growing plants and herbs that lend themselves to further RE projects such as making herb pillows, salves and teas. After much discussion and viewing of sample medicine wheels, we began the process of imagining our own, with each child starting to draw their ideas for a medicine wheel. All in all, it was a great start to what will doubtless be an engaging, inspiring, creative venture that will offer nice opportunities for community-building and inter-generational engagement within our parish.

The children also are enjoying the opportunities to give back to the greater community by making food for the Greater Falls Warming shelter, one main dish and then a dessert, and by deciding to hold an Ice Cream Social fundraiser for this past month's Principles in Action cause, the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The children watched a short film portraying a little girl with serious health issues, what her life was like with these challenges and how her life was so brightened by having her wish come true. The difficulty this little girl faced was not lost on the children, and they were visibly affected by this story of struggle and hope. They were eager to contribute their efforts, ideas and energy to this cause. Almost all our kids showed up for this event and everyone participated fully and with joy. During the month of April, there will be RE every week except April 16. Thanks for the opportunity to work with these amazing kids. Lisa Crocker

Church CommunityThe congregation extends deep sympathy to Barbara Lloyd and her family on the recent death of long-time First Universalist Parish member, Sam Lloyd. Sam was well known not only for his acting and dedication to the Weston Playhouse but for his great generosity and his wonderful sense of humor. You can learn more about Sam’s life by reading this article on Vermont Digger. You are bound to learn something new about this remarkable man. It was very special to witness people spontaneously sharing “Sam Stories” during our worship service on March 26th and to witness the outpouring of love than Sam engendered. Kudos to all our congregants who participated in the Wizard Of Oz production at GMUHS. Tuck Wunderle starred as the fabulous lion, Brielle Heyburn did some great dancing as a CAES Munchkin, and Olivia Bernier,

Ang Wunderle and Scott Wunderle made the pit band music rock. Saturday shows are at 2PM and 7PM at the high school and this is a show everyone will enjoy.

Art at the Stone Church

Main Street Arts in Saxton's River has three exciting ART opportunities on their spring calendar.

Playing Like Picasso - April 8
Life Drawing - Thursdays, April 13 - May 18
Watercolor; Mood and Water with Robert O'Brien, June 10

Community Events

“Vermont Wildlife: The Working Landscape Edition.”
Presented by The Nature Museum and the Windham Foundation

The Nature Museum and The Windham Foundation announce a celebratory event in honor of Earth Day. This special occasion will take place on Saturday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m. at the Phelps Barn, The Grafton Inn, in Grafton, Vermont. Musician and singer Will Danforth will get the show started with songs of nature before introducing the main event. Then enjoy a multi-media presentation with renowned wildlife expert Mike Clough complete with live wild animal guests from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum.

For more details> 

The Art of Bookmaking -- A note from Amber Paris local artist & teacherHave you ever wondered how hard it would be to make your own book? Have you tried other simple binding methods and found yourself ready to step it up a level? Do you love learning new creative skills? Come join me at The Community Art Garden and learn how to make homemade books using the Western Codex binding method. The next class is April 23rd! For more details > 

Religious Exploration Learns About Medicine Wheels with Jamie Maloof

The RE kids started their Medicine Wheel project this month with guest naturalist and herbalist, Jamie Maloof.  We had a full house that day!  The kids got an introduction to native medicine wheels, saw pictures and learned about the different meanings they may convey.  We discovered the endless possibilities for constructing, laying out and populating a medicine wheel, from flowers, medicinal and edible herbs and plants, rocks and wood.  We discussed the possibility (probability) of installing a fire ring in the center, growing plants and herbs that lend themselves to further RE projects such as making herb pillows, salves and teas.  After much discussion and viewing of sample medicine wheels, we began the process of imagining our own, with each child starting to draw their ideas for a medicine wheel.  All in all, it was a great start to what will doubtless be an engaging, inspiring, creative venture that will offer nice opportunities for community-building and inter-generational engagement within our parish.

The children also are enjoying the opportunities to give back to the greater community by making food for the Greater Falls Warming shelter, one main dish and then a dessert, and by deciding to hold an Ice Cream Social fundraiser for this past month's Principles in Action cause, the Make-a-Wish Foundation.  The children watched a short film portraying a little girl with serious health issues, what her life was like with these challenges and how her life was so brightened by having her wish come true.  The difficulty this little girl faced was not lost on the children, and they were visibly affected by this story of struggle and hope.  They were eager to contribute their efforts, ideas and energy to this cause.  Almost all our kids showed up for this event and everyone participated fully and with joy.  

During the month of April, there will be RE every week except April 16.  Thanks for the opportunity to work with these amazing kids.

Ice Cream Social to Benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation

We hope you can join us this Friday from 6:30-7:30pm for our benefit! It's going to be a sweet time!