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'The Universalist' Newsletter |
he event that a Sunday Service is cancelled, check the following resources: On
the Web... On
TV... On
the Radio...
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Note: Please refer to the Church Directory for all member contact information.
The next Universalist deadline is Sunday, January 24, 2010.
FROM THE MINISTER
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Annie Dillard March is almost here… that month that comes in like a lion and departs like a lamb. That month when we will once again, oh leaping heart, save daylight! We will have days when the light lasts longer; and that sounds so good. Right about now we are in the midst of what, for some, feels like a long slow haul toward spring. For the winter weary, tired of swinging from frigid to temperate and back to frigid again, that one hour we lose is a small price to pay for the measure of lift and hope that “springing forward” brings. That one “lost” hour, not lost really, just put “into savings” until the fall, reminds us that time is the element we move within: our time in history, our time of year, our life time. We spend time, we lose track of time; we save time, and sometimes waste time. Time is what we have. And we never know exactly when it will run out. When we think these thoughts we want to be sure we are using our time well. This past two weeks I have been preparing a number of memorial services, which also heightens one’s consciousness of time – one’s life time. Several deaths came at the end of long, long lives, like that of Gus Pearson, who continued to “sing the song of life,” until the day he died. Even at the age of 94 and a half, though ready to “welcome sweet death,” he never ceased to marvel at the mysteries of the universe, the wonders of nature, and all creatures, great and small. There was another memorial, for a person whose death came at a much younger age; that came unexpectedly, in the midst of a very active and lively life. An untimely death, we often say. A reminder of how precious time is, and that we want to treasure it well. Written by an unknown author, these words: “Take Time …”
Take time to work,
it is the price of success.
Our life time is the canvas, the blank sheet upon which the “the moving finger writes; and, having writ, moves on.” Our life line. I have recently watched a part of a PBS series in which Henry Lewis Gates interviewed and researched the family histories of a number of well known figures - Yo-yo Ma, Louise Erdrich, Meryl Streep, Stephen Colbert, and others. Gates was able to trace their roots back into the places and times in history when their lives were intertwined with the histories of this country… Native American, Mexican, the founding fathers. In each instance it was the land upon which home was established which retains a deep hold on people down through the generations. It caused me to pause and to call to mind what it means to find a home, our spiritual home, in the places and on the land, in our history, in our ancestors. My UU faith is not land, but it is a people – a history of people who have lived in the light of this faith, and have carried its flame, passing it from generation to generation. They are incredibly precious: these particular people - their faces and their lives - spiritual ancestors. Who made certain that there would be a “home” for my generation and those succeeding. We are a covenantal people who walk together across the generations; not just a diverse bunch of free thinkers, but a group who walk together in the spirit of love and of respect, learning from one another, challenging one another, being changed by one another. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church is a home-land, a grounding place, a spiritual home for our minds and hearts. If it’s March, it is lion and lamb time, it is daylight savings time, and it is also Stewardship awareness time. This year, with no program budget at all, we’ve managed to get by. It’s brought out some creativity, that’s for sure. But it’s also meant a challenge for particular aspects of church life. I know that times are still uncertain and that, for some, jobs are still insecure. But still, it is we who are now the stewards of this steady beacon of liberal light – Murray Church – a flame that was passed to us in trust by our ancestors who said, I want this to be here, long after I am gone. This is my precious heritage that I entrust to you, so that our children and our children’s children will grow up in a place where freedom, reason and tolerance are valued. A place, a spiritual home, a people who do not see difference as a threat but rather as an opportunity.
~Sandra
The Rev. Sandra D. Fitz-Henry has written some
guest columns
for the local newspaper.
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The March Movie title has not been determined at ther time of the newsletter publication! |
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Murray Night: St. Patrick’s Evening Saturday Evening, March 6th at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please bring a snack to share and a donation for the Food Pantry.
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Murray Church 6th Annual Talent Show The Murray Church 6th Annual Talent Show will be held on Saturday evening, April 10th at 7:00 in the Sanctuary. All Ages and All Ability Levels Welcome! Reception Follows in the Unity Room. |
Please visit the
Religious Education page for more
information.
The
Religious Education blogsite: http://murraychurchre.blogspot.com/
ADULT RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION
GROUPS
& ACTIVITIES
First Sunday Book Group meets in the John Murray Room from 11:45am to 1:15pm
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On Sunday, March 7 we will be discussing the novel, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. This novel was the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2009. Set in the small community of Crosby, Maine, in Maine, this is a nuanced portrait of a retired schoolteacher, told through a series of stories, about the lives of the townspeople. “As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life – sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty… Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition – its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.” . |
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Yoga / Meditiation Group We meet on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30 in the John Murray Room. Our current routine is an hour of yoga using the Kripalu Center's Gentle Yoga DVD followed by a 20-minute meditation. If you'd like to join us, wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat or towel/blanket to sit on. For meditation, bring a yoga cushion/stool, or you can meditate sitting on the sofa or a chair. Newcomers are welcome. Contact: Barbara Clark Murray Church Member contact information is in the church directory or call the church office at 508-222-0505. |
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Healing Resources for Depression The Healing Resources for Depression group meets next on Friday, March 19th from 7-8:30 pm in the John Murray Room. This group is open to members and friends who are dealing with depression or anxiety in their lives and want a confidential group to share their journey with. If you want more information, please contact Gretchen Robinson, facilitator. Gretchen also has e-articles she can email on men and depression, and many other topics. Member contact information is in the Murray Church Directory or call the church office at 508-222-0505. |
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Parent of Teens Support Group Meets on Wednesday, March 3rd from 7 to 8:30pm in the Youth Group Room (Purple Chat Room). New members are always welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday evening of each month. For more information, please contact Barbara Clark For contact information, please refer to the Church Directory or call the Church Office at 508-222-0505.
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Networking/Self Care Group for Unemployed |
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THE IDEAS EXCHANGE On Wednesday Evening, March 3rd, the Ideas Exchange will continue. This is an informal gathering to exchange ideas and perspectives focused around a specific question or theme. Some of you participated in last spring’s Exchange. Discussions go many directions, through a prism of perspectives… At this session, we will explore the topic: Melting Pot vs. Salad Bowl Do we create cultures with clear ideas about what it means to be a member (like France), or culture around diversity where, some say, we don’t have enough in common (USA)? What is it we need in common to function as society or culture? The group meets from 7:00 – 8:30 in the John Murray Room. All are welcome. |
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Let's Laugh Today Laughter Club |
HOLIDAY FAIR CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Join us as we begin making Gift Room items to sell at the 2010 Holiday Fair. We’ll bring the supplies and provide instruction; you bring along your enthusiasm! The next workshop will take place on Thursday evening, March 11 from 6:30-8:30 PM (*Please note this is a date change from our previously published schedule.) Additional workshops will be scheduled each month. Please let us know of your interest by contacting Dawn Casstevens or Inki Hasselbaum.
Fellow Instructors/Artists/Crafters - Please share your creative talents by leading a workshop this spring; we’d love to craft with you!
Thursday Evening Exercise Group
Want to exercise but can't get going? Exercise but want some company? Join us Thursday evenings, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, in the John Murray Room. Bring your favorite exercise video/DVD and a mat. To date we've done firming, pilates and yoga routines. For more information call Barbara Clark
Please visit the Adult Religious Education page for more information on all ongoing Adult RE opportunities.
ADULT ACTIVITIES
A small contingent from Murray attended the Huntington Theater on February 21 for a matinee performance of Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte. This comic opera was staged as a reality TV show set in the 1960s. In addition to the heavenly music, we enjoyed a campy production in which one scene featured two sisters, one prim the other hip, pondering the intentions of their suitors while sneaking spoonfuls of Sealtest ice cream in an avocado-toned suburban kitchen.
COMING EVENTS:
Saturday, March 13 - Intergenerational Potluck &
Slide ShowFor the potluck, bring a main dish or dessert using a recipe you liked from your childhood. And a beverage of your choice. Also, to round out the evening's retro theme, we will have an old-fashioned Kodak carousel slide projector set up. If you have a collection of old color slides, please pick out up to 10 to share. (Please let us know in advance if you will be bringing slides, so that we will be sure to have enough empty carousel trays on hand.)
Sat.
April 10 - Wine Tasting
3:00-5:00 pm at the home of Stephanie and
Jeremy Paquette, 54 Jewell Avenue, Attleboro. Please bring a bottle of wine and an hors
d'oeuvre. Bruce Field will instruct us in the fine art
of wine tasting.
Sat.
May 22 - Hike - Destination to be
determined
Meet at Murray Church at 9:00 am
QUICK PICK:
This is not an official Adult Activities event, but we thought you might find it interesting.
Mon.
Mar. 22 - Bach's Birthday Organ Recital
7:30 pm - Cole Chapel, Wheaton College, Norton
- Free
For more information, or to let us know you are interested in any of these activities, please contact Barbara Clark or Charlie Adler at 508-222-6164 or email barbjclark@gmail.com.
~ Charlie Adler and Barbara Clark
For more information about the Adult Activities Commitee, click here.
Volunteers Needed for to help with the Local Food ‘N Friends Soup Kitchen
Murray Church
coordinates the Food n' Friends Soup Kitchen on the last Saturday
of each month. This month we are scheduled for March 27th
from 8:30am-12:15pm at the Centenary United Methodist Church located on the
corner of 39 North Main and 15 Sanford Street, across from the Attleboro
YMCA.
Even if you can only come for an hour or two during that time, it would be greatly appreciated. Help is especially needed to set up and take down tables -- can you spare 30 minutes?
When you come, please use the entrance located down the ramp at the side of the building. If you're interested in volunteering at the soup kitchen, please contact one of the coordinators: Mary Basilone, Theresa Mahoney or Kevin Dumont If you can't help this month, contact one of the coordinators to be added to the group email for future volunteer opportunities.
For contact information, please refer to the Church Directory or call the Church Office at 508-222-0505
Please contact one of the coordinators if you want to be added to the group email.
Please visit the Advocacy and
Service home page for more
information
The food pantry provides bags of non-perishable
groceries to local community members in need on Monday and Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30am.
Our food supplies are picked-up and re-stocked by volunteers at the beginning of each month. Towards the end of the month, food supplies typically run low on: cereal, tuna fish, canned meat, soup, stew, canned fruit, vegetables, fruit juice, Parmalat or powdered milk and peanut butter. Toilet paper, soap and large paper grocery bags are not a part of the food bank pick-ups, but are always needed. Please consider donating one or two items whenever you can. Items are collected in the marked boxes near the front foyer and Blue Room.
We thank you for donating food and other needed items, and we thank the many dedicated volunteers who work together to keep this valuable service open to the community.
Please visit the Food Pantry Page for more information.
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The Green Reel presents a series of films that depict the
challenges to sustainable living, and provide some real-life examples of how
individuals are opting for green solutions in their everyday lives. Time: 7:00 pm
Using many of Rachel Carson’s own words, Kaiulani Lee embodies this extraordinary woman in a documentary style film, which depicts Carson in the final year of her life. Struggling with cancer, Carson recounts with both humor and anger the attacks by the chemical industry, the government and the press as she focuses her limited energy to get her message to Congress and the American people (2007) For film listings and descriptions, see http://greentenmile.ning.com/page/2010-green-reel-film-series. For more information, contact Greg Wehmeyer. |
UUSC Updates on Haiti Relief
Donations:
As of 2/19/2010, the UUSC/UUA
Fund has received
$1,129,080.62.
Relief
Implementation:
Haiti is the Western
Hemisphere's poorest nation. For them, daily
survival was a challenge even before the
earthquake. Now life is indescribably more
difficult, as hundreds of thousands of
earthquake survivors stream out of the city in
search of water, food, medicine, and shelter,
the very structure of the Haitian countryside
is changing. Many villages have doubled and
tripled in size, and people are scrambling to
feed and house everyone.
In the months and years to come, how Haiti rebuilds and recovers will bear the stamp of the global community's values and priorities. UUSC stands with those who are working to reverse the cycle of collapse and dependence that has plagued Haiti for so long. UUSC partners with Haitian organizations and social movements to ensure that their Haitian vision becomes reality.
Jean Robert explained to the UUSC Assessment Team during their visit to Haiti from Feb 5-12: "We're not asking for charity — people have a right to get this assistance. And they should get it with dignity. Relief organizations should not be throwing sacks of food off trucks and leaving the old people to be pushed aside as stronger people grab stuff. We are human beings and this food should be delivered to us with dignity. That is why we began distributing food in the areas where we have worked — we know how to do it the right way."
Robert is the leader of the Platform of Community Organizations of the Port-au-Prince Metropolitan Zone (COZPAM), a UUSC partner organization providing relief in Mariani and Carrefour, two outlying areas of Port-au-Prince. COZPAM is a coalition of 12 grassroots organizations from the slums of Port-au-Prince. Immediately after the earthquake, COZPAM began organizing volunteer rescue and relief teams at the community level. While it took several days for international food relief to reach Mariani and Carrefour, COZPAM and other Haitian-led groups had already set up tent camps, found food and water, tended to survivors' medical needs and offer grief and trauma support.
Donations to the UUSC/UUA Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund help to make sure COZPAM can continue to provide relief with dignity to survivors.
Policy and Advocacy
Work:
In anticipation of Treasury Secretary
Geithner's meeting with international finance
ministers on February 5–6 in Canada, UUSC
joined with our allies to call for three
specific actions that would enhance the
international community's response to the
humanitarian crisis in Haiti: (1) the complete
cancellation of all remaining debts owed by
Haiti to multilateral financial institutions,
(2) a moratorium on Haiti's debt service
payments to these institutions until the debts
are officially canceled, and (3) additional
aid to Haiti given in the form of grants so
that the country does not incur more debt.
Thanks to this grassroots and congressional
pressure, Secretary Geithner announced,
"Today, we are voicing our support for what
Haiti needs and deserves — comprehensive
multilateral debt relief. . . . We are
committed to working quickly and closely with
these institutions in a way that provides
immediate grant assistance to help the Haitian
people recover and rebuild." He added, "I . .
. look forward to working . . . to provide the
critical support Haiti needs for recovery as
well as to discussing this issue with my G-7
colleagues this
weekend."
It is clear that raising our voices in unison does make a difference. Advocates for a just recovery in Haiti must and will continue to monitor policy developments to ensure full implementation.
What You Can Do:
UUSC is setting up clinics for Temporary
Protected Status (TPS) applicants in select
regions of the country. At these clinics,
volunteers will help provide free advice and
assistance. If you live in Atlanta, Boston,
Los Angeles, Miami, or New York City and would
like to help, please contact Nichole Cirillo,
UUSC's campaign manager at
ncirillo@uusc.org.
For more information, visit the
website at
http://www.uusc.org/resource/tps_training
While it is too early to begin UUSC's volunteer rebuilding and recovery trips, congregations could consider planning now on how you could incorporate this into your 2011 fiscal-year congregational calendar. For ongoing updates, visit www.uusc.org/haiti
Donations to the UUSC/UUA Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund can be made through our website and by mailing checks payable to “UUSC/UUA Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.” Mail checks to: UUSC, P.O. Box 844001 Boston, MA 02284-4001.
~Submitted by Lauralyn Smith, UUSC Representative
UUSC COFFEE PROJECT
Food Safety
Action Alert – Part Two
February 2, 2010 by
acherin
You may remember our
action alert from November. Food
safety legislation has been knocking around
Congress for quite a while, in the wake of the
numerous recalls and other scares. It seems
obvious that the government should put more
teeth into food safety oversight, but – like
many “obvious” initiatives that are spawned in
Washington – the devil is in the details. In
this case, the bills that have been reported
out of committees have the very real potential
to put many small farmers out of business.
This could include our farmer partners here
and abroad. A group of Senators is working on
a solution.
For the specifics on how to take action,
download this action alert from the National
Organic Coalition (Equal Exchange
is a member).
For more details on the legislation, see this
update from the Executive Director of the
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners
Association.
The websites for the groups mentioned above
are informative and eye-opening. Check them
out!
UUSC COFFEE
PROJECT
AT MURRAY CHURCH
Don't forget to stock up on your favorite
Equal Exchange products at coffee hour -
especially the organic chocolate bars!
They can only be shipped until mid -
April, so plan ahead! Remember, a portion of
every Equal Exchange sale goes
directly to help Murray Church.
Fair Trade matters! Equal Exchange fair trade coffee, tea and cocoa products are available for purchase during coffee hour each Sunday at Murray Church. See Liz Lamoureux.
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In the way that February encouraged a treasure
of music from African-American composers, much
of the instrumental music during March will be
devoted to Johann Sebastian Bach, whose
birthday falls during the
month.
The choir will sing at least one anthem from
Bach.
MURRAY CHURCH BOARD
OF
GOVERNORS & COMMITTEE
UPDATES
NOTES FROM THE MODERATOR
The Board of Governors met on Feb. 9. We discussed the change in Markman Day Care’s plans for a move. The Day Care needs to remain here longer than they had anticipated. We have no definite time line as of this writing but will remain in communication with their Board.
We also discussed suggested new policies of the Emergency Planning Group. It is unfortunate but in our current times we must always think of safety first and therefore will be instituting new policies regarding locking doors during our regular Sunday a.m. services.
We will be renting the Sanctuary this summer for a few concerts.
I attended a Stewardship Workshop in Barnstable on Jan 31. It was a great opportunity for sharing ideas with other congregations.
I will be attending another workshop at the end of Feb. in Newport called Walking the Talk, which concerns social action.
We are gearing up for the annual stewardship drive.
On Sunday Feb. 21 we had a Flu clinic here in Fellowship Hall. We gave 25 vaccinations. If there is anyone who would like either a seasonal flu vaccine or an H1N1 flu vaccine please call the office or email me.
~Donna Palmer, Moderator ~Donna Palmer, Moderator
FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Dear Members & Friends of Murray Church,
On March 7, 2009, Murray Unitarian Universalist Church will be celebrating Stewardship Sunday, formerly known as “Canvass Sunday”. Why the change in terminology, and what exactly does the term “stewardship” mean?
Stewardship is about taking care of something you value and enabling it to grow. When we become stewards, we take responsibility and contribute our time, talent and treasure.
We believe that use of the word “stewardship” in our ongoing dialogue with the congregation about church finances reflects one of our key Unitarian Universalist principles, the interconnected web of existence, and in this case we mean connectedness within our church community. Rather than thinking of an all-church “canvass”, where the church leadership asks its members to make an annual pledge, we prefer to think of the annual stewardship campaign as a congregation-wide renewal of our pledge to each other to ensure the viability of our community for the years to come. In essence, we are asking everyone to think about how much Murray means to you and to “pay it forward”.
We know that for many of you this year the current economic climate is weighing heavily on your minds. Many of us have a nagging sense of insecurity — essentials are costing more and more, employers are laying off workers, and the value of our investments is shrinking. It is a natural inclination to reassess priorities and to put off unnecessary expenditures until times improve. But what then about charitable giving? Do we put the needs of others on the back burner too? This is a tougher question to answer. Consider the following inspirational words of Ben Stein:
“We are more than our investments. We are more than the year-to-year or day-by-day changes in our net worth. We are what we do for charity. We are how we treat our family and friends. We are how we treat our dogs and cats. We are what we do for our community and our nation. If you had $100 million or $100,000 a year ago and now you have a lot less, you are still the same person. You are not a balance sheet, at least not one denominated in money."
So at this time, when you are being asked to consider a pledge during the annual Stewardship Campaign, we ask you to imagine what the world would be like if we could see ourselves as stewards of the bountiful gifts we have received in this life, to be cared for and shared with others, and then to give to Murray Church as generously as you are able.
Thank You for Your Support,
The Finance Committee
FROM THE MEMORIAL GARDEN COMMITTEE
Helping to Work the Vision
The Story Behind The Memorial Garden Committee Garden Path
Project
Members of the Memorial Garden Committee wish to express
gratitude and appreciation to all of those who helped make the
purchases of the new stone monument and the pavestone path
materials possible and to those who have turned an already
lovely garden into an even more sacred place in which to
remember those members and friends of Murray Church who have
gone before us.
The hard, physical labor of laying the path was done by an
all-volunteer group who met more than 400 hours over some of
the hottest days of summer to complete the work in time for
the opening of the 2008-09 Church year. If you are interested
in following the progress of the work,
please click here!
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS
Ballou Channing District News
Look for informational flyers and registration forms on the Denominational News bulletin board near the office…
BCD Workshop, March 6
Thinking Outside the Pulpit: Beyond the Hymn - Sermon Sandwich Service - Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 9:30am to 12:30pm at All Souls Church, Braintree, 196 Elm Street, Braintree, MA. A Hands-on, Hearts-open, creative and innovative approaches to congregational worship in traditional and non-traditional settings facilitated by Rev. Dr. Judy Campbell, UU Community Minister. Registration is $20 per person or 3 for $50.
Womensphere Spring Gathering, March
27
Saturday, March 27, 2010 9:30am - 3:00pm at
the
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth, 840 Sandwich Road, Falmouth MA. Unitarian Universalist women in the BCD are invited to come to a "day for women" with Dharma Teacher, Joanne Friday." Ms Friday is a Buddhist teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. The day's theme is "Listening as a Spiritual Practice, Hearing with the Heart." Registration fee is $20 and includes lunch. Registration deadline is Friday, March 19. Scholarships are available. For information and to register, contact: dschmader@cox.net or take a form from the Denominational News bulletin board near the Murray office.
BCD Spring Conference, April 24
Demographic and religious practice is changing
in the US and churches may need to change to
stay relevant in a new society. The BCD Spring
Conference, April 24, 2010 at First Unitarian
Church, Providence, will explore the
developing trends and possible congregation
responses. This year, rather than one
presenter we will focus the theme through
three sermons embedded in an extended,
dynamic, morning worship followed by five
conversation
workshops.
Our presenters will be: Rev. James Ford, First
Unitarian Church minister, Rev. Eric Wikstrom,
UUA Director of Worship and Music Resources,
and Rev. Sue Sinnamon, Thomas Jefferson
District Director of Faith
Development.
Plans are also under development for a
community social service
project.
A detailed program and registration
information will be sent in early March to
congregation offices and church leaders. Mark
your calendars and plan to attend this far
reaching and though provoking BCD Spring
Conference.
BCD Webinars & Blogs
There are many online UU resources, which
may be of interest to you. Here are some to
check out for March:
BCD Webinars (web-based seminars): http://bcduua.eventbrite.com/
Young Adult Issues and Ministry blog: http://www.bcd-ya.blogspot.com/
UU growth issues and activities: http://uugrowth.com/
UU General Assembly June 23-27,
2010
It’s not too early to start
planning!
Join thousands of Unitarian Universalists (UUs) from across the United States for the 2010 General Assembly (GA) in Minneapolis.
You’ll experience wonderful and
uplifting worship services—morning and
night—led by some of our best worship leaders,
with glorious music and inspiring messages.
Worshipping together with thousands of fellow
UUs at our Sunday Worship Service is an
experience that should not be missed.
General Assembly is the way that our faith does business. Actions of social witness are passed at GA, elements that make up future policies are discussed… and YOU have a voice in the discussion.
You’ll hear terrific speakers. There will be hundreds of entertaining programs and informative workshops, offering excellent support and learning for leaders in our congregations. You’ll be able to join the witness for our faith and values, in moving and exciting ways.
Minneapolis is an ideal setting for GA. It is a progressive, culturally diverse, LGBT friendly city that is rich in cultural arts and has a stunning natural environment. There are 900 lakes and 170 parks within the Twin Cities area.
Registration and Housing open March 1. Children's Programs, Financial Aid, and Accessibility Services are available. Read all about GA 2010 at www.uua.org/ga
UNIVERSALIST CONVOCATION 2010
May 14-16, 2010
First Universalist Society of Rochester, NY
Keynote: The Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed,
"Dragged Kicking and Screaming to Heaven"
Universalist Convocations is an Independent Affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our purpose is:
"…to explore and draw from the heritage of Universalist experience and faith to inform Unitarian Universalism today and help light its way toward the future." For more information visit http://nmuc.org/Convo
IF YOU WISH TO HONOR SOMEONE OR A SPECIAL
OCCASION,
YOU MAY MAKE A SPECIAL DONATION TO MURRAY
CHURCH
If you’d like a unique way to publicly mark an anniversary, a
special event, memorial date, birthday, with a donation to our
church, simply fill out an
Honoring Gifts
Form
and turn it into the office with your check attached. Later,
the honoree and reason for your tribute will be listed in the
newsletter. Please contact the church office to
participate.
MURRAY NEWS & UPDATES
Join Us for a Justice Sunday
Service
on March 21, focusing on “Economic
Justice”
Please join us on Sunday, March 21 at 10:00AM for "Justice Sunday," led by Lauralyn Smith. For those of you who are new to Murray Church, our Sunday service is coordinated once a month by the Religious Services Committee. Guest speakers and members of the congregation are invited to lead and participate in services.
Lauralyn Smith is the Senior Associate of Member Development at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, and is a longtime Murray member. The focus of UUSC’s 2010 “Justice Sunday” is Economic Justice. The sermon will address issues of economic justice from a personal perspective, as well as at community, national and global levels, with highlights of how UUSC addresses these issues.
Newcomer Informational Session
Are you a newcomer to Murray Church? If so, join us in the John Murray room
immediately after the service on Sunday, March 28th. It
will be any opportunity to learn about the church and ask questions in an
informal setting. Longtime members Shelly and Bill Freddo will be there to
talk about their experiences and answer your questions. The John Murray room
is located directly across the foyer from the Sanctuary.
Offerings For Our Fine Feathered
Friends…
Final Soup Sale On March 14th
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| Cynthia Eddy counting all the soups |
As we change the clocks, winter is winding down, this will be the last chance to stock up on soup. Sunday the 14th during coffee hour will be the final sale for the year. Selections will include, vegetarian and vegan, along with the usual varied selection. We need soup chefs and buyers. Containers are provided in the kitchen, to the left of the ovens or bring your pot of soup to the kitchen before church that morning. Please contact Cynthia Eddy, Peggy Dixon or David Sumner if you have any questions.
Thank you to all who have contributed their wonder-ful soup, chili and chowder creations this winter!
Think
Spring! Easter is April 4.
Clara Barton Spring Rummage Sale--
We Want Your
Stuff!
It’s almost time for spring cleaning – and the Clara Barton women’s group would love to have your gently used secondhand household items, clothing, shoes, jewelry, toys and books for our rummage sale taking place on April 9-10. Please bring your donations to Fellowship Hall starting March 18, labeled for “Clara Barton.” Please contact Joan Laurila at 508-226-4064 if you need help bringing your items to church. Proceeds from the Rummage Sale help support Murray Church and other charitable organizations. Our next luncheon meeting is Monday, April 5 at 12noon. All interested women are welcome to join us!
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MEDICAL TRAINING AND
The Emergency Preparedness Committee at Murray Church is developing an Emergency Response Plan in the event a medical, fire, transient, or other emergency occurs during worship services. As part of the planning process we are seeking to identify medically trained and/or emergency trained members and friends of Murray Church who are willing to help during any of the above emergencies. Please complete this brief survey, cut it out and return it to the church – this will assist us greatly in developing our emergency response plan.
Name:
________________________________________
Address:
______________________________________
Phone number:
________________________ Email: ________________________________________
Check the appropriate choice(s): ___ I am a Doctor (area of expertise __________________________) ___ I am a Nurse (area of expertise __________________________) ___ I am certified in CPR (level ___________________________) ___ I am certified in First Aid (level ___________________________) ___ I am certified in Emergency Response Training ___ I am (or was) a Firefighter or Police Officer ___ I am willing assist in the event of a medical or other emergency at Murray Church. (you may check this box with or without any of the above medical, emergency, CPR, First Aid training) Please place the completed Survey in the marked box on the table in the rear of the sanctuary or drop it off in church office. Thank you for your assistance!
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Please remember to shut off lights, close and lock windows, lock doors and pull them tightly closed behind you after your meetings and activities at Murray Church. Your assistance with building security and energy conservation is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!
More Murray Church Parking Available!
DID YOU KNOW? Murray Church has extra parking space
available at the medical office building located diagonally across from the
church at 550 North Main Street. If you arrive and cannot find a space here on the
main lot, don't turn around
and go back home! Please use this additional lot where you will surely be able to find
a spot and park as close to the street as possible. Please be very careful
crossing North Main Street as you approach and exit from the church property.
Thanks for your cooperation and we are glad you come to Murray Church!
Birthday List:
Please let us know your birthday, too (if we don’t have it on record already), so that your friends at Murray can recognize your special day. Month and day would be great – birth year is not necessary (unless you want us to know!)
Congregational Emails & E-Newsletters:
We sometimes send important congregational email bulletins and reminders to those we can reach via email. Are you on our list? Would you like to be? Let us know by emailing us at Murray.ch@verizon.net
Also, the Universalist newsletter is available electronically via email and downloadable from our website (www.murrayuuchurch.org). If you would prefer to start getting your Murray news via email instead of by mail, please let us know. Not only is the electronic version in color, but it also saves us a bit on postage and paper.
If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please contact the church office at 508-222-0505 or Murray.ch@verizon.net. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday mornings from 8:30am to 11:30am.
Note to Murray Members – If you have anything that you would like to share with the Congregation under Joys and Concerns please feel free to send them in to Dawn at Murray.ch@verizon.net , or leave your article in Dawn's mailbox if you don’t have a computer. She will be glad to include them in the next Newsletter. Articles should be brief, as space is limited.
RE: The New Member Feature, Joys and Concerns & the
Birthday List are features are available to members
and friends of Murray Church via the version of the
Universalist delivered via email. To obtain your copy, either stop by the Church
for services on Sundays and speak with a member of the
Welcoming Committee or contact the Church Office at
508-222-0505 to sign up to receive the electronic version of the
newsletter!
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MARCH 2010 |
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Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
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* Please note the Food Pantry is open on Mondays & Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 AM in the Blue Room. |
March 1 1:30 PM Gold Dusters Board – FH* 7:00 PM Yoga / Med – JM 7:15 PM RE Cmte – UR 8:00 PM Pathways – FH* |
2 6:15 PM Committee on Ministry - Study |
3 5-9 PM “On Common Ground” Planning Meeting – UR 7:00 PM Ideas Exchange – JM 7:00 PM Parents of Teens Support Group – YGR |
4 6:30 PM – JM Exercise Group 7:00 PM Philosophers’ Café – YGR 7:30 PM Choir – Sanc |
5 |
6 10:00 AM Music Cmte – JM 6:30 PM Murray Night: St. Patrick’s Evening – FH |
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7 9:00 AM Choir 10:00 AM Worship Service & Church School Stewardship Sunday 11:45 AM 1st Sun. Book Group – JM 7:30 PM Al-Anon – FH* |
8 7:00 PM Emergency Preparedness Cmte – UR 7:00 PM Yoga / Med – JM 8:00 PM Pathways – FH* |
9 7:15 PM Board of Governors – JM |
10 7:15 PM Safe Congregation Cmte – JM |
11 6:30 PM – JM Exercise Group 6:30 PM Craft Workshop - Blue Rm 7:00 PM Teen Book Group – UR 7:30 PM Choir – Sanc |
12
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13 6:00 PM Intergenerational Potluck Dinner, “Favorite Foods from Childhood” – UR |
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14 Daylight Saving Time begins 9:00 AM Choir 10:00 AM Worship Service & Church School 11:15 AM – UR Final Soup Sale 7:30 PM Al-Anon – FH* |
15 7:00 PM Yoga / Med – JM 8:00 PM Pathways – FH* |
16 7:15 PM – JM Deacons & Deaconesses
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17 St. Patrick’s Day 1:30 PM Gold Dusters Luncheon – FH*
7:00 PM
POSSIBLE: – JM |
18 UU Admins Mtg *office closed 6:30 PM – JM Exercise Group 7:00 PM Philosophers’ Café – YGR 7:30 PM Choir – Sanc |
19 7:00 PM Healing Resources for Depression – JM |
20 Spring begins! 8:30-11:30 AM BCD Pres./VP Meeting – JM |
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21 9:00 AM Choir 10:00 AM Worship Service & Church School 2-5 PM Unity Rm Renta April Universalist Deadline 7:30 PM Al-Anon – FH* |
22 7:00 PM Yoga / Med – JM 8:00 PM Pathways – FH* |
23 7:00 PM Religious Services Cmte – JM 7:30 PM Finance Cmte – Blue Rm |
24 7:00 PM Property Cmte – Blue Room |
25 6:30 PM – JM Exercise Group 6:30 PM Teen Movie Night – UR 7:30 PM Choir – Sanc |
26 |
27 8:30AM-12:15PM Soup Kitchen Centenary United Methodist Church
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March 28 Palm Sunday 9:00 AM Choir 10:00 AM Worship Service & Church School 11:15 AM Newcomer Info Session – JM 7:30 PM Al-Anon – FH* |
March 29 Passover begins at sundown 7:15 PM RE Cmte – UR 8:00 PM Pathways – FH* |
March 30 Passover |
March 31
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April 1 April Fool’s Day 6:30 PM – JM Exercise Group 7:00 PM Philosophers’ Café – YGR 7:30 PM Choir – Sanc |
April 2 Good Friday |
April 3 |
Abbreviation Codes
* = non-church activity – renter; BCD = Ballou Channing District; CR = Crib Room; FH = Fellowship Hall; HR = Historical Room; JM = John Murray Room; Office = Church Office; RE = Religious Education; UR = Unity Room; UUA = Unitarian Universalist Association; Sanc = Sanctuary; Study = Minister’s Office; YGR = Youth Group Room
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We
now send most Universalist newsletters
via email, saving the church office a considerable amount in postage,
supplies and time. The newsletter format will remain the same for now, making
it easy for you to print at home if you prefer to have a paper copy in hand
for reading away from the computer. 
We are an
active congregation who come
together in fellowship to
maintain an environment that promotes
spiritual growth for individuals and
families and affirms diversity of
Let's celebrate Bill's 60th and the
6th month anniversary of "Let's
Laugh Today" on Monday, March
22nd at 7:15pm to
8:30pm at the First Universalist Society
in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin,
MA. Everyone is invited to stay after
this very special laughter
session for a short concert by
singer/songwriter Mike Dakota singing his fun
songs! Laughter yoga is a unique concept where
anyone can laugh without a reason. We don't
have to rely on a sense of humor, jokes or
comedy. We laugh in a group and initiate
laughter as a form of exercise. Through eye
contact and child-like playfulness, laughter
then becomes contagious and real.
There is a $5 donation per person with a
maximum of $10 per family. Ages 10 to 110
are welcome. Since laughing is dehydrating,
please bring your water bottle. Linda and Bill
Hamaker are Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders.
More information is at
MUSIC
CORNER