Sunday, November 25, 2007 10:30 AM	Sunday December 2, 2007 10:30 AM
Sermon	“A Skeptical Faith” – An Investigation into the Understanding of Faith from the Point of View of A Humanist and Skeptic Al Murray, Worship Arts Committee	“Would Buddha Drive an SUV?” Rev. Tim Kutzmark
Children	Pre-k through grade 2 begin in classrooms. Grades 3 – 5 begin in Community Hall for Young People’s Worship. Church School dismissed at 11:45 a.m. Playschool with Jennifer in Sawyer House.  Our Whole Lives 6:30 – 9:00 Loring House.  No SHYP.	Pre-k through Grade 6 begin in Sanctuary. Church School follows until 11:45 a.m. Playschool with Jennifer in Sawyer House.  | Our Whole Lives 6:30 – 9:00 Loring House.  Senior High Youth Program 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House
Ushers	Needed	Alice and Mike Modica
Altar	Marie Brennan Taylor	Needed
Coffee Hour	Needed	Dru Wood-Beckwith and Geoff Beckwith
Welcome Table	Judy Riley	Nancy Bond
Greeters	Junelle Barras and Nancy Morley	Kris Abbot
Paper Recycler	Janet Nussmann	Anne Mark

Sunday, November 25th - 10:30 AM

“A Skeptical Faith” – An Investigation into the Understanding of Faith from the Point of View of
A Humanist and Skeptic
Al Murray, Worship Arts Committee

The Bumper sticker says "Question Authority."  I ask "What is your authority to tell me that? Why should I believe you?" How do you balance a healthy skepticism against the beliefs you were taught to be 'True'.  What is the difference between a skeptic and a cynic?   How do you become a skeptic?  Join us as Al Murray of the Worship Arts Committee explores (note explores, not answers) these questions and leads us to a host of other questions.    Music for this service will be provided by Meghan, Beth and David Murray.

Sunday, December 2, 2007 – 10:30 AM

“Would Buddha Drive an SUV?”
Rev. Tim Kutzmark

Living out our liberal religious values in our fast-paced, consumer-driven society can seem almost impossible at times.  How can we be people of moral and ethical integrity in a world that doesn’t necessarily support this way of life?  Today’s service will include a “talk-back” after the sermon to engage us all in discussion. 

SANCTUARY SEATING ALTERNATIVES

As part of the Sanctuary construction our narthex and atrium sound systems have been restored. We now have two quiet areas that restless people and their children may sit in and listen to the service without feeling they are disturbing others. Sit on the comfortable chairs, crawl on the carpet or rock gently on the tiles, we are just happy to have you with us.

NEWCOMERS TEA AND TOUR

Join Rev. Tim after the service on Sunday, December 9th for a casual, comfortable chance to talk, ask questions, have a tour of the church campus, and learn a little bit more about Unitarian Universalism.  We’ll have snacks for adult and kids.  Nothing fancy.  Just friendly.  We hope to see you. (We'll meet at Tim's office after the service)

POINSETTIAS FOR OUR HOLIDAY SERVICES - ORDER DEADLINE DECEMBER 11, 2007

We are asking UUCR members and friends to help beautify our sanctuary for the upcoming Christmas Services.  Order a red poinsettia ($17.00).   The poinsettias will decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas Sunday, December 23rd and Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th.   You may take your poinsettia home after the second service on the 24th of December or you may leave it and it will beautify the Sanctuary throughout the remainder of December.  We ask that you indicate when paying whether or not you would like to take your plant(s) home after 2nd service.   We are asking for poinsettia dedications, in memory of or in celebration of a loved one.   Please send a check made out to UUCR for $17.00 per plant ordered, with your dedication(s) specified to Rosemary, Church Office, UUCR, 239 Woburn St., Reading, MA  01867.  Please call the office at 781-944-0494 if you have any questions.

Holiday Happenings at UUCR

Friday, December 7 at 7:00 PM “Christmas at Yellowstone”

Bring your popcorn and pillows for this film perfect for all ages.  Sponsored by our Green Sanctuary Committee and Adult Enrichment.  Loring House Room 103.

Sunday, December 9 at 10:30 AM -  “Annual Christmas Choir Service”

Dr. Mark Bennett and the UUCR Choir start-off our holiday season
on the right note.  Rev. Tim leads worship.

Sunday, December 9 -  “Unplug the Holiday Machine—A Workshop For Parents” 12:00 PM-2:00 PM

Can we, as parents and Unitarian Universalists, slow down our lives to enjoy a gentle, inspirational winter season?  Join Aileen Dashurova, Director of Religious Education, and explore traditions and ideas for a relaxing and fulfilling Holiday Season.  Create strategies for nurturing family time and establishing boundaries with ourselves, our children, and those tugging at us from every side!  A light lunch and childcare will be provided.

Wednesday, December 12 -  “Sanctuary: An Evening of Stillness and Reflection” 7:30 – 8:30 PM

Escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and join Rev. Tim
for this quiet, candle-lit time of spiritual reflection.

Sunday, December 16 (afternoon) - “Holiday Open Houses”

New faces and long time members are invited to share good holiday cheer and company.
See newsletter and web site for more details.

Sunday, December 16 at 4:00 pm - “When The Holidays Hurt”

Join Rev. Tim for a gentle service of support for anyone who finds themselves grieving a loss, or challenged, hurting, or struggling during this holiday season.

Saturday, December 22 at 5:00 PM - “Evening Winter Solstice Celebration”

Join us on the night of the Winter Solstice for an intergenerational celebration. 
Worship will be created and led by the teens of our Senior High Youth Program. 
Pot-luck and party/dance follows.
Families, singles, youngsters, seniors and everyone in between are welcome.

Sunday, December 23, at 10:30 AM - “The Darkness Before the Dawn”

As we pass through the longest night of the year,
join us for a special service reflecting on the spiritual gifts of darkness and night. 
As winter enfolds us, come find comfort and meaning in the coldness and the night.

Monday, December 24 - Traditional Candle-light Christmas Eve Service 5:30 and 7:15 PM

Join us for this sacred evening of story, carols, and hope renewed.
The 5:30 pm “family service” is more suited to younger children who might need to wiggle a bit.  The 7:15 pm service will have more reflective moments. 
Choose the service that fits your needs or your schedule. 

Sunday, January 6 at 10:30 AM - “Looking Back, Looking Forward”

Begin the New Year with a celebration of the past year, of those who have passed into the mysteries of death, and of life itself.  Everyone will have an opportunity to light a candle to honor loved ones and friends who have died in the past year.  Acclaimed Boston vocalist Michael Ricca will provide special music and help us look forward with anticipation as we welcome in the New Year.

Dear Friends:

Our congregation has been blessed with the long and dedicated service of many staff members.  For over twenty-five years, Chuck Wettergreen has been a fixture at UUCR, serving as our custodian, and now, more recently, as our first official Facilities Manager.  An avid Red Sox fan, Thoreau scholar, proud Grandpa, free-thinker, and former educator, Chuck has been a warm and friendly face at UUCR for many, many years.  Prior to joining our staff, Chuck was an active member of the church, and served in church leadership roles.

At the end of this month, Chuck will be retiring from his duties at church, in order to focus more fully on his other work commitments and his Granddaddy-hood. 

I, for one, will miss Chuck’s rapier wit, sense of humor, astute view of the world, and willingness to engage in religious discussion.  I will also miss the various articles on philosophy, politics, and religion that he regularly tucked into my mailbox or left on my desk. 

Please make sure you take a moment to thank Chuck for many years of loyal service to this congregation.  His work, so often behind the scenes, made a difference here.  If you want to drop him a note of appreciation and good wishes, please do so at: P.O. Box 3294, Andover MA 01810.

At our December 2nd worship service, we’ll take time to and celebrate and thank Chuck for all he’s contributed through the years. 

Tim

PS: The text of my short Thanksgiving reflection is available on-line on the UUCR Sermons page and in the atrium.

PPS: I’ll host another informal Newcomers Tea and Tour after worship on Dec. 9th.  If you are new or new-ish to our church community, or simply exploring what the Unitarian Universalist faith is all about, please mark your calendars and plan to join me.

November 18, 2007

Hi, Everyone:

Well, we’re in the thick of the holiday season now with the Fair behind us.  It was a glorious day and followed by that incredible worship service honoring the Greatest Generation.  I was completely pooped after church on that Sunday—in a good way, of course.

I know you were all VERY interested in the Governing Board’s goals for this year (ahem, they were in my last column…), and you may remember that one of them had to do with publicity and marketing. 

The Governing Board has approved charges for a new committee and a new task force and you may be just the person we need to help get these launched.  The Publicity Committee is charged with publicizing—via free media—events and programs that would be of interest to the wider community, thereby keeping the church name and programming in front of the public.  These words begin the new committee’s charge.  We had interest last year from some of you about what I was calling the PR Committee. We never actually got the committee going, so if you had an interest and still do, step right up – we are ready for you now.  If you have talent and some time to share in the areas of writing, graphic design, publishing, PR, and/or planning, this is the perfect place for you.  Please call me 781-944-2249 or email me and we’ll get started. 

The other exciting thing that’s coming is the Marketing Task Force.  The Marketing Task Force will determine an initial marketing plan for the church using paid media or paid outreach to attract perspective visitors and members.  This will include identifying the primary target audiences, the key message we wish to communicate, project strategies, and creative requirements…Thus says the charge for the task force.  We invite any one with marketing expertise to offer their time and talent to this short term commitment—say, this year???  We even have a process that the task force could use to get this job done.  Then, we hope the task force will recruit and launch an ongoing marketing committee to carry out the plan. 

What do you think?  This could be fun for the right people and I’m thinking that if the Publicity Committee came up with a PR calendar, they could divide up the tasks and the dates – and, maybe, just maybe – NOT MEET VERY OFTEN.  Pretty cool, eh?

Oh, and if you can talk with me pretty quickly – like before then end of November—I can look really smart at the next Governing Board meeting on December 3rd.  As President, I always try to look smart, but I’ve had better luck with that when I have help from my friends.  I’m thinking these two groups should get started with an introductory meeting in December and then really dig in after the first of the year.

Come on, it’ll be fun.  And you will be doing something special and important while you make friends and have a good time.  It doesn’t get better than that.

I’ll be seeing you, soon, I hope.

Peace,

Lorraine

NEW UU CLASS TO BEGIN IN JANUARY

Are you new to the church?  Would you like to meet other folks who are new as well?  Have you been here a while but would like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, or get to know some new people in a fun, small group setting?  Are you thinking about becoming a member of UUCR? 

Then the NEW UU CLASS is just the thing for you.  Join Rev. Tim for a four-week exploration and introduction to our faith.  The class will be held on four consecutive Tuesdays: January 15, 22, 29, and February 5 from 7:00—9:00 PM. Registration is required, please call the church office at 781-944-0494, email the Church Office , or sign up in the new atrium .

Do you remember the re-usable canvas grocery bag fundraiser we ran last spring?  We do!  Thank you so much for your support.  We raised $127 from canvas bag sales and used that money to purchase 192 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) which we donated to the Reading Food Pantry.  A great deal, by the way.  Thank you all our Green Sanctuary bargain hunters!  And a big thanks to all the RE teachers and kids who created our beautiful bags.  One person DID make a difference after all!

This work represents a Green Sanctuary Environmental Justice project because we provided the upfront investment on an energy saving method for people who might not have been able to afford it themselves.  CFLs are considerably more expensive than standard incandescent bulbs but are much less expensive to run because they use so much less electricity and last far longer.  Consider switching the incandescent bulbs in your home to CFLs.  Your wallet, the environment and many future generations of people will thank you for it.  And we thank you, for being a part of our Green Sanctuary.

1. CFLs contain mercury so please dispose of them at the Reading DPW M-F, 9-5.
2. CFLs contain far less mercury than the amount emitted by power plants to produce the extra electricity needed for incandescent bulbs.

SOKA IKEDA COLLEGE FOR ARTS AND SCIENCE FOR WOMEN IN INDIA

When Rev. Doris Hunter completed her interim ministry with us, many members of the congregation made donations in her honor to support students at the Soka Ikeda College of Arts and Science for Women in India. Here is an update from Doris:

“In January, I found myself in India with Howard attending the Fourth Graduation Ceremony of the Soka Ikeda College of Arts and Science for Women.  We were outside of Chennai having traveled over dirt roads to reach the College.  When we arrived, we were greeted by a band, a chorus of welcome that included being decked with glorious flowers and offered delicious refreshments.  In preparation for the ceremony, we were asked to put on academic robes and to march with the graduates into a large open area covered with one of those remarkable decorated tents bursting with colors of yellow, red, and orange.  When seated, we were greeted with applause that rang out from the graduating students and their parents.   I can't begin to describe how beautiful the graduates looked and how unforgettable it was to see their expressions of joy having completed their education.  Coming from the villages, this college offers them a future as educated women and for them, it was gift of life itself.  I gave the graduation address telling the women about the principles of nonviolence as practiced by Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.  I emphasized that nonviolence begins at home and that they, being students of these values of beauty and truth, will be the agents of peace and harmony in their homes.  We gave many awards that morning and again, to see their faces as they received these honors was a gift that we will never forget overwhelming us with joy.”

“Your gift from the Reading Church was the part of this joy for us as we presented it to their president.  So many young women will be able to have an education because of your generosity.  On that day in January so far from home, I saw your voices and remembered that moment when the gift was presented to me.  I wish you could have seen their faces but somehow I felt that you were there with me presenting the gift of education and hope to these women of India.  Thank you again!  Doris Hunter...and Howard Hunter too!”

 

“WHAT IS A VILLAGE BANK ANYHOW?” – COFFEE HOUR INFORMATION DECEMBER 2ND

Together with each other at the UUCR, and with our fellow congregation at the Melrose UU Church, we have the chance to raise money to sponsor a village bank in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The bank will provide microloans to a group of 25-30 women currently living in poverty. The women will use the loans to purchase materials, inventory, and equipment to help them start or expand small enterprises into income-generating businesses—enabling them to better feed, clothe, and educate their families.            To learn more about village banking, conditions in Haiti, and the joint UUCR/MUUC project, please visit the Social Action table at coffee hour on Dec. 2. We’re excited about the way village banking challenges global poverty, and we look forward to talking with you about it.

UU SERVICE COMMITTEE GUEST AT YOUR TABLES BOXES

If you missed receiving a Guest at Your Table box at church last Sunday, you can find one at the Welcome Table in the atrium or at the Social Action table at coffee hour on Nov. 25 or Dec. 2. Money you place in the box throughout the holiday season—coins, bills, or a check—will strengthen the UUSC’s work to advance social justice in the US and throughout the world, especially in the struggle to advance workers’ rights, to defend the rights of people affected by disasters, to promote the right to safe, affordable drinking water, and to protect civil liberties and democratic processes. Please return your box to the church service on Jan. 13. (Checks should be written to “UUSC.”)

UUSC HOLIDAY CARDS ON SALE AT COFFEE HOUR

UUSC holiday cards will be on sale at the Social Action table at coffee hour on Nov. 25. Send “Kids and Globe,” “Candle,” “People of Peace,” or “Celebrate the Season” (image of a gorgeous holiday quilt) to friends and family and know that your purchase ($12 for 10 cards) touches other lives as well. To preview the cards, visit www.uusc.org.

READING FOOD PANTRY

If you couldn’t bring your food or paper goods for the Reading Food Pantry to the Thanksgiving service this past Sunday, not to worry! Food pantry items can be brought to church any Sunday and placed in the food pantry basket in the front foyer, under the coat rack. Ed Barbagallo regularly transports items from the basket to the pantry at Old South Methodist Church in Reading Square.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DISPLAY TO BENEFIT LOWELL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Imagine a church hall filled with lovingly baked, built, and decorated gingerbread houses of all descriptions! You’re invited to All Saints’ Episcopal Church (10 Billerica Rd., Chelmsford) on Dec. 1 (9–4) and Dec. 2 (12–6) to view this year’s display of amateur and professional houses, “Gingerbread Express: A Train Runs Through It.” The $5 suggested donation per family will benefit Lowell Habitat for Humanity, which is getting ready to build 8 homes in Bedford and 1 in Westford. You can also visit the Gingerbread Express Café, Whistle-Stop Lunch Counter, Sweet Shoppe, Train Display, and Holiday Shops. Last year’s display had over 80 houses and raised $3500 for Lowell Habitat. (Info: 978-256-5673)

THANK YOU FROM MISSION OF DEEDS

From Bruce Murison, executive director of Mission of Deeds: “On behalf of the Mission of Deeds, I wish to express our great appreciation for your generous donations to the linen drive. The response from your congregation is greatly appreciated. Words alone cannot express our thanks for your help. Our shelves empty out fast, when we are assisting about 15 families a week. The shelves are now full and we have enough linen to give our clients….We at Mission of Deeds appreciate all that you do as a church family.”

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TUTORS NEEDED IN HYDE PARK

The new Adopt-a-School Project, coordinated by Rev. Cheryl Rubin Lloyd, is working to improve English-language skills and meet other educational needs at the William Ellery Channing Elementary School (K-5) in Hyde Park. Volunteers are working in close relationship with the teachers and students to make a difference in their lives. The school’s principal requested UU tutors and the Needham church initiated this multi-congregational project. If you would like to join these efforts and enter in relationship with your wider community, please email Cheryl Lloyd or phone 617 244-3226.

Church School and Events

Sunday, November 25

• Pre-k through grade 2 begin in classrooms
• Grades 3 – 5 begin in Community Hall for Young People’s Worship
• Church School dismissed at 11:45 a.m.
• Playschool with Jennifer in Sawyer House
• Our Whole Lives 6:30 – 9:00 Loring House
• No SHYP

Sunday, December 2

• Pre-k through Grade 6 begin in Sanctuary
• Church School follows until 11:45 a.m.
• Playschool with Jennifer in Sawyer House 
• Our Whole Lives 6:30 – 9:00 Loring House 
• SHYP  6:30 – 8:30 Loring House

ON OUR WAY TO NEW ORLEANS!

Our wonderful Senior High Youth Program, fresh off the success of the Kid’s Fair on Saturday, Nov. 10, began conversation about their trip to New Orleans. The group will be making this journey during one of the school vacations, February or April, and will create their own itinerary based on research, interest and needs of the community in which we will volunteer. The youth are very excited about this commitment to social justice and education and plan to go by van in order to make the trip financial manageable, economical and to further build trust, community and care among themselves.
The group will keep you posted as plans develop. There is a possibility that the group will fundraise again this year with a Homeless Weekend, using the proceeds to continue the still necessary rebuilding of New Orleans and the surrounding area.

A BIG KRIS KRINGLE THANK YOU

Thank you to the many 6, 7, and 8 grade church school students who helped out at the Kid’s Fair. There were several wonderful activities and your help was very appreciated. We also had three Coming of Age Alumni come to help out; Carlene Kluge, Leah Marinakis, and Matt Maughan came to lead cookie decorating and bead making.   Betsy MacKenzie and her Mom, Martha Moore, gave the SHYP youth the history, materials and initial inertia to make this Kid’s Fair a huge success! Thank you everyone.

SOLSTICE SERVICE AND DARTY – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 FROM 5 TO 8 PM! EVERYONE WELCOME!

On Saturday, December 22, the Youth Adult Committee will be leading a Winter Solstice Service at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Following the service there will be a light meal in Fellowship Hall and a wintry wonderful Darty! (Darty: Dance Party).  The Committee hopes that all youth, Grades 6 – 12 will attend and the Service and Celebration is open to the larger Church Community.  Please join us on Saturday, December 22 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall to celebrate and honor the Winter Solstice!

SECOND QUARTER RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

A reminder that this Sunday, November 25 the children will be with their Second Quarter Teachers. Please let your children know that different teachers will be with them on Sunday. 

Sunday, Nov. 25 – Young People’s Worship. Church School.  Our Whole Lives 6:30 – 9:00 Loring House.  NO SHYP
Sunday, Dec. 2 –Pre-k through Grade 6 begin in Sanctuary. Church School.  Our Whole Lives 6:30 – 9:00 Loring House.  Senior High Youth Program 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House.  Our Whole Lives Parent Orientations for 7th Grade and High School Students.
Sunday, Dec. 9 – Pre-k through Grade 6 begin in Sanctuary. Church School. Christmas Choir Service.  Youth Adult Committee Meeting 5 – 6:30 Loring House.  Our Whole Lives 6:30 – 9:00 Loring House.  Senior High Youth Program 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House. 
Sunday, Dec. 16 – Young People’s Worship. Church School.  Our Whole Lives 6:30 – 9:00 Loring House.  Senior High Youth Program 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House. 
Saturday, December 22 – YAC All Youth Solstice Celebration 5 – 8 p.m. 
Sunday, Dec. 23 – Multiage Religious Education Program. Winter Solstice Service.
Monday Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Service 5:30 Family, 7:15 Adult
Sunday, Dec. 30 –-Multiage Religious Education Program. Resolution Stars
Saturday Jan. 5 – 3rd Quarter teacher ingathering 9 – 11 a.m.
Sunday, Jan. 6 –- Young People’s Worship. Church School. Resolution Stars.  Senior High Youth Program 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House
Sunday, Jan. 13 –  Pre-k through Grade 6 begin in Sanctuary Church School.  Youth Adult Committee 5 – 6:30 Loring House.  Senior High Youth Program 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House

SENIOR HIGH YOUTH PROGRAM CALENDAR

November 25 – No Meeting
December 2 – Special Guests: Young Adults from active UU Young Adult Groups
December 9 – Senior Youth Birthday Party
December 16 – Gift Swap
Saturday, December 22 – Solstice Service and Darty 5 – 8 p.m. 

OUR WHOLE LIVES PARENT ORIENTATION

Our Whole Lives Parent Orientations for 7th Grade and High School Program will be held on Sunday, December 2. All parents of 7th graders who are interested in their child taking O.W.L. must attend. The meeting is being held right after church.   For all Parents of High School Students who have interested youth in the High school OWL, please attend the Parent Orientation from 6:30 – 9 p.m.

MULTIAGE PROGRAM COMMITTEE

David Gould, Samantha Poland, Heather Ballou and Bob Love are working together to create fun, meaningful and community building activities for congregants of all ages. The Committee has met and been active over email for weeks now. There will be many opportunities for children and adults of all ages to gather and have a great time together! Stay tuned to future newsletters and newsblasts!

UNPLUG THE HOLIDAY MACHINE!

As Unitarian Universalists and as parents can we slow down our lives and the lives of our children to enjoy a gentle, inspirational winter season?  Yes! Yes we can! On Sunday, December 9 from 12 – 2, childcare will be provided,   we will gather to explore our traditions, ideas, desires and visions for a relaxing, intimate, fulfilling Holiday Season. Supporting each other and receiving enthusiastic permission to “unplug the holiday machine”, we will create attainable and successful strategies for nurturing family time, enjoyment of the outside beauty and wonder of winter, time management skills and assertive techniques for establishing boundaries with ourselves, our children and those tugging at us from every side!  Take some care giving time for yourself and join us for lovely time!  Remember, childcare will be provided as well as a  light lunch served for the participants and chicken nuggets with french fries for the children.