Sunday, January 6, 2008 - 10:30 AM

”Bridges and Beginnings – A Service for the New Year”
Rev. Tim Kutzmark and guest vocalist Michael Ricca

Join us as we begin the New Year with a celebration of the year just ended, of those who have passed into the mysteries of death, and of the unfolding gift of life itself in a brand new year.  We’ll have special music, an opportunity for each of us to memorialize our loved ones who died in 2007, and Rev. Tim will share a message to point us all towards the hope of the future. Joining Rev. Tim this morning is vocalist Michael Ricca, who returns to UUCR to share reflective songs.   Michael Ricca has appeared off-Broadway, in Boston at the Huntington Theater Company and the SpeakEasy Theater Company, and to sold-out crowds at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston.  The UUCR choir will also sing.  NOTE: Please bring back your “Guest At Your Table” box today.   If you are donating by check, please make your check payable  to UU Service Committee.

Sunday, January 13, 2008 – 10:30 AM

"The Possibility of Something New"
Rev. Tim Kutzmark and special guest Dr. Maureen Walker

Today we will explore the ground breaking psychological work of Dr. Jean Baker Miller and her theory of Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT).  RCT suggests that growth-fostering relationships are a central human necessity and disconnections are the source of psychological problems.  In a male dominant world, we will ask what purpose and whose interests do more common psychological theories serve?' This service will be an invitation to think about complicity and competition, especially among women, and also a guide to envisioning how connection can follow disconnection in families and at work as well as in therapy. 

NOTE: If you forgot last week, please bring back your “Guest At Your Table” Box today.  If you are donating by check, please make your check payable to UU Service Committee.

Rev. Tim will lead today’s service, which will feature comments from Dr. Maureen Walker, a psychologist with a practice in psychotherapy and antiracism consultation. Her clinical practice and research projects involve developing links between racial identity development and relational theories to support the growth potential of persons who experience disconnections stemming from marginalization and devaluation within the dominant society.  She works at Harvard Business School and is on the faculty of the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute.

On Monday, January 21, please join Rev. Tim for Reading’s Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration.  Sponsored by the Reading Clergy Association, this morning event is perfect for adults and children.  The celebration will be held at First Congregational Church in Reading (25 Woburn Street).  The morning will begin at 9:00 AM with a bagel and fruit breakfast, and the program will start at 10:00 AM.  The program will feature celebrated jazz singers Lynne Jackson and Mike Palter, a recreation of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, and short reflections on Dr. King, including one offered by Emma Conry, a student in our church school.

CHURCH OF THE LARGER FELLOWSHIP PUBLISHES REV. TIM’S SERMON

Rev. Tim’s sermon  "Bridges and Beginnings: Thoughts for a New Year" has been published in the January issue of the Church of the Larger Fellowship’s publication “Quest.”   Go to the CLF's website, where you can read the text and listen to the audio or subscribe to the CLF audio podcast. The print version of this publication goes to the CLF's 3000 members and all Unitarian Universalist ministers. Our congregation is proud of our participation.

Dear Friends,

A New Year is upon us.  I hope you will join me at church this Sunday, January 6th, for our traditional close to the Holiday Season at UUCR—“Bridges and Beginnings: A Service for the New Year.”  This service will be a meditation upon the year that has past, those we lost to death, and a look ahead to the dreams and possibilities that will unfold before us in 2008.

We’ve got a great deal going on in January.

You’ve still got a chance to sign up for our winter-spring cycle of Chalice Circles.  Chalice Circles are perhaps the most important program we offer at church, a chance for small groups of people to connect, get to know each other better, and explore together the important questions and issues of life.  This is not group therapy, but a powerful way to know yourself better and nurture a sense of belonging.  To fit your schedule, we have groups beginning on almost every night of the week.  If driving at night is an issue, let us know and we’ll see if we can provide a ride.  Chalice Circles begin this month—so if you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time to register. Please see our Chalice Circles page if you want more information.

A great way to step into the New Year will be by attending Ann Fisher’s popular “What Do I Want to Do with the Second Half of My Life?” workshop on Saturday morning, January 12th.   Please see our Adult Enrichment Programs page for more detailed information on this workshop as well as all of our adult enrichment offerings.
 
Our next The New UU: An Introduction to our Faith begins on Tuesday, January 15th.  This four session small group offers a great introduction to Unitarian Universalism, this church, and your spiritual journey.  It is a perfect way to meet others who are new to the church.  I’ll be facilitating this class, along with Eileen Cummings.  We hope you’ll join us. (registration requested: 781-944-0494 or email the Church Office ) 

Also, newcomers to the church are invited to join me for a short “Tea and Tour with Tim” after services on Sunday, January 20.  We’ll gather in my office for snacks, a short chat and then I’ll show you around our church campus.  Adults and children welcome.

On Sunday, January 20th we’ll celebrate our annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday service with a sermon exploring of the life and legacy of the great Nina Simone, a powerful voice for justice and jazz.  Following the service, we’ll show a rare film featuring concert footage and her reflections on religion, race, and justice.  A light lunch will be provided.

On Monday, January 21, please join me for Reading’s Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration.  Sponsored by the Reading Clergy Association, this morning event is perfect for adults and children.  The celebration will be held at First Congregational Church in Reading (25 Woburn Street).  The morning will begin at 9:00 AM with a bagel and fruit breakfast, and the program will start at 10:00 AM.  I’m coordinating the program, which will feature celebrated jazz singers Lynne Jackson and Mike Palter, a recreation of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, and short reflections on Dr. King, including one offered by Emma Conry, a student in our church school.

I’m delighted that my partner, Jim Vetter, will be offering a three-part workshop; Race: Exploring a Powerful Illusion, beginning on Wednesday, January 30th.  UUCR doesn’t seem to engage too strongly in the issue and challenge of race, so I hope you’ll consider becoming part of this interactive workshop that will show that, according to the latest science, much of what we know about race may be wrong. (registration requested: 781-944-0494 or email the Church Office ) 

Lastly, it is not too early to sign up for the workshop I’ll be offering on Saturday, February 2, from 8:45 AM to noon. “Talking to Kids about Loss and Learning to Tell the Truth” will help parents learn to deal directly with loss in age appropriate ways, and use our Unitarian Universalist faith as a resource.  Childcare and snacks will be provided.  Please register at 781-944-0494 or email the Church Office .

See you on the path
Tim

Fellowship Game Night

The Fellowship Committee will be running another Cribbage Tournament and Scrabble Challenge on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at Loring House from 7:30-9:30p.m.  In addition, other games will be offered..such as the favorite of none other than Demi Moore, Mexican Train Dominoes or Phase 10.  Bring along any other favorite games you have.  Arrive a bit early if you need a refresher on rules. We ask you to also bring a munchie to share.  Fellowship will provide hot and cold beverages. Will you be the next UUCR Cribbage Champ or Scrabble Smartie? (In case you are wondering the reigning champions are  Don Dauphinee and Susan Lederer).

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 .

WHAT DO I WANT TO DO WITH THE SECOND HALF OF MY LIFE

Are you at a point in your life where you're stepping back - taking stock of where you've been and thinking about what lies ahead? Are there interests that you yearn to pursue? Are there changes - big or small - that you want to make? Is the life you're living in alignment with your passions and principles? Join with others for a morning of personal exploration. Using exercises involving private reflection and group conversation, we will clarify values, articulate dreams and make commitments aimed toward creating lives of passion and purpose. 

Facilitator: Ann Fisher Saturday, January 12, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon. 

Registration is requested.  You may sign up during coffee hour.  Sign up sheet available in atrium.  Or call the office at 781-944-0494 or email the Church Office .

NINA SIMONE:  VOICE OF JUSTICE AND JAZZ:  SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2008 12:15 PM

Join us on Martin Luther King Sunday (January 20, 2008) for a showing of rare concert and interview footage from acclaimed jazz and social justice prophetess Nina Simone. The film includes Nina Simone talking and singing about racial justice, and her musings on spirituality and religion.  This film will provide a deeper exploration of Rev. Tim’s sermon and worship service for the day, which will be entitled “Nina Simone: Voice of Justice, Voice of Jazz”. A light lunch will be provided prior to the film.

RACE:  EXPLORING A POWERFUL ILLUSION

Wednesday, January 30, February 6, 13 2008, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. 
Facilitator: Jim Vetter
Registration is requested. 

What is race and what impact does it have? According to the latest science, much of what we know about race may be wrong, with racial dividing lines being anything but clear. At the same time, our racial identity has real, powerful, and concrete effects in our lives. Drawing on the engaging and provocative PBS documentary, Race: The Power of an Illusion, this interactive, 3-session course will use video segments, activities, discussion, and reflection to explore and expand our understanding about race and its implications for our own lives and our faith community.  You may sign up during coffee hour.  Sign up sheet is available in the atrium or call the office at 781-944-0494.

THE GOLDFISH WENT ON VACATION:  TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT LOSS AND LEARNING TO TELL THE TRUTH

Facilitator: Rev. Tim Kutzmark
Saturday, February 2, 8:45 a.m. – 12 noon 
Registration is requested.

All children live with loss, whether the loss of a pet, a loved one, or the natural losses that come with growth and change. But how do we help our kids understand and deal with the losses of life? Join Rev. Tim for this workshop that will help parents learn how to directly talk about loss in age appropriate ways, understand healthy ways to support our children’s grieving, and learn to use our Unitarian Universalist faith as a resource. We will explore how we ourselves react to loss and grief, as our example is the strongest teaching we offer. This 3-hour session is appropriate for parents of children of any age. Please note: Nursery, childcare and snacks will be provided.     You may sign up during coffee hour.  Sign up sheet is available in the atrium.  Or call the office at 781-944-0494 or email the Church Office .

COACHING YOUR TEEN TO SUCCESS – 7 SIMPLE STEPS TO TRANSFORM RELATIONSHIPS AND ENRICH LIVES

This series of workshops will teach parents how to use coaching techniques to improve their relationship with their teens.  The program will focus on assisting parents to develop more confidence in their ability to support their teens progress in becoming respectful, accountable and contributing adults.  This workshop series will take place on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm in Loring House - Room 103.  This workshop will be presented on January 22nd & 29th and February 5th, 12th & 26th.  Materials fee is $15.00 for the cost of the book, which participants will use for the duration of the series.  Sign up during coffee hour or by emailing Marsha Finkelstein .

The workshop series is facilitated by Marsha Finkelstein, a new member of the UUCR.  Marsha is co-active life coach and has many years experience working with teens and parents.

REGISTER FOR CHALICE CIRCLE!

The Chalice Circle program is designed to foster connections and caring, provide an avenue for personal growth and spiritual development and ultimately strengthen the foundation of our community.  Contact Nora Buckley or call 781-944-7591.

PLEASE RETURN GUEST AT YOUR TABLE BOXES ON SUNDAY JANUARY 6TH OR SUNDAY JANUARY 13TH

It’s time to say goodbye to our UU Service Committee guests and return our Guest at Your Table boxes. Please bring your box to the Jan. 6 or Jan. 13 service or drop it at the church office during office hours.

UUSC can advance human rights in the U.S. and throughout the world because of the support of members. Your Guest gifts can earn membership for each member of your family. UUSC membership rates are $40 for a single regular membership, $75 for a dual regular membership, $10 for a youth/student membership, $20 for a senior citizen membership (65 and over).

And your Guest gift can do even more good in the world! All individual and family unrestricted contributions of $100 are eligible to be matched dollar for dollar by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset, N.Y.   If you are donating by check, please make your check out to UU Service Committee.

Before returning your box, please fill out the coupon on the side of the box, making sure to mark your membership type.

SUGGESTIONS FOR SECOND OFFERING RECIPIENTS?

Four times a year, our congregation has the chance to support a designated social action program, agency, or cause, by donating to it during the Second Offering taken at the Sunday service. Through this program, we have the opportunity to

• provide financial help to specific programs consistent with UU principles
• inform ourselves about the designated program—either through materials provided by the program, or through the personal experience of a member of the congregation
• encourage ourselves to become more actively involved with the program or cause
• provide a mechanism to respond quickly to crises (e.g., Hurricane Katrina)
• raise our overall level of social consciousness as a congregation

We invite members of the congregation to suggest programs, agencies, or causes to support with the June 1, 2008, Second Offering and beyond. The Social Action Committee will discuss all suggestions and looks forward to talking with people about the suggestions they make.  If you’d like to be part of this process, we’d love to have you join us on the committee. (Please mention or e-mail your suggestion to one of the Social Action Committee members—currently Ann Fisher, Denise Giangregorio, Anne Mark, Jen McAneny, Margaret Soli, and Christine Thomas—or put a note in the committee mailbox across from the church office.)

UUCR SOCIAL ACTION/SOCIAL JUSTICE E-MAIL LIST

The Social Action Committee receives more e-mailed event announcements, advocacy alerts, and social action newsletters (e.g., from the UUA Office for Congregational Advocacy and Witness) than would ever fit in the UUCR newsletter! If you’d like to have us forward these items to you, please let Ann Mark know.

Church School and Events

Saturday Jan. 5

• 3rd Quarter teacher ingathering 9 – 11 a.m.

Sunday, Jan. 6

• Pre-k Through Grade 6 begin in Sanctuary, Church School follows.
  Playschool with Jenn in Sawyer House.
• Resolution Stars in Fellowship Hall during Coffee hour.
• Senior High Youth Program 6:30 – 8:30 in Loring House.

Sunday, Jan. 13

• Pre-k through Grade 6 begin in Sanctuary. Church School follows.
• Playschool with Jenn in Sawyer House
• Youth Adult Committee 5 – 6:30 Loring House 
• Senior High Youth Program 6:30 – 8:30 Loring House 
• End of Second Quarter

MANY THANKS FOR THE FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Thank you to the Youth Adult Committee, the Senior High Youth Program and Al Murray for leading a beautiful Solstice Service on Saturday December 22. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated. The after service celebration was intimate and great fun with delicious food and drinks, gentle decorations, warm conversation and an intergenerational circle game at the end!

MANY THANKS FOR THE FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

The family Christmas Eve service was interactive, sacred and special! Thank you to the adults and children who worked so hard on Sunday, December 23 to decorate the fabulous figures that made our Christmas Eve Stable and manger so perfect. Many thanks to Joe Ryan and Curtis and Dana Johnson who shared their time and skills to the fine scenery of the evening. The Stable and manger were lovingly designed and made by Joe. Curtis and Dana helped with the selection and creation of the figures that surrounded the stable.  A robust thank you to all of the people who contributed money and clothing for our brothers and sisters of Pine Ridge Reservation. They appreciate it all and need it very much.

7TH GRADE OUR WHOLE LIVES PROGRAM STARTING

O.W.L. coordinator Andy Furst is at it again and this time with the 7th grade class! Iris Hardin and Steve Rose are facilitating the 7th grade O.W.L. class beginning this weekend with the start up sleepover Friday night, January 4. The group has class Friday night, then a fun bond building sleepover with volunteer chaperones, and then up early Saturday morning for more empowering education with this UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) and UCC (United Church of Christ) comprehensive sexuality program.

GETTING TO KNOW OUR COMING OF AGE YOUTH

Keep your eyes and ears open during January at coffee hour to meet our Coming of Age Youth! Our COA youth will be sharing themselves with us for two consecutive Sundays in Fellowship Hall in an effort to get to know the adults of the community better and to afford the adults an opportunity to know them better! At this time in the Coming of Age program, the youth will be working hard to find mentors for themselves. A mentor serves to support the youth in their Coming of Age experience. Mentors will attend programs and classes, go on field trips, support learning of UUCR and UU history, possibly coming along on the social action summer trip, asking deep questions and sharing personal spiritual stories and UU commitments, and listening to the youth as they write, sing, paint and express their beliefs for their Celebration Service in April of 2009.

SENIOR HIGH YOUTH PROGRAM AND NEW ORLEANS

Hopefully soon interested church folks will be able to follow along with SHYP as it works hard to create, prepare and adventure to New Orleans in April 2008. We are working on linking the church website to a SHYP New Orleans blog which will be updated bimonthly. At this time the SHYP New Orleans planning committee has met and listed tasks for the success of the trip. The committee also created a parent letter that SHYP co-leader Hannah Hildreth is sending out to parents of SHYP youth. The planning committee will hold a parent meeting in February. SHYP also plans to have a Homeless Weekend in February to raise funds for this important trip to learn about, document, and get active in the arduous and extremely difficult task of rebuilding New Orleans.  If you have friends or family members in New Orleans SHYP would appreciate knowing about them. They plan to make many personal connections in New Orleans and excitedly offer their skills and hard work for your friends and family in New Orleans. We will have vans so transportation to help out at friend’s and families’ homes, schools, community centers or churches is not an issue. SHYP looks forward to church community input, ideas and support!

MASS BAY DISTRICT SOCIAL ACTION YOUTH CONERENCE JANUARY 18-20 AT UUCR

The Mass Bay District Youth Steering Committee will be holding a Social Action Conference for youth at the church campus on the weekend on Jan. 18. They will be having nightly worship, morning and afternoon workshops on Saturday and other activities focused on building community and social action. The conference is for Unitarian Universalist Youth ages 14 – 18, grades 9 – 12.

THIRD QUARTER TEACHER INGATHERING!

Coordinators and third quarter teachers please join us on Saturday, January 5 at 9 a.m. for the Third Quarter Teacher Ingathering. Prior to the beginning of each teaching quarter coordinators and teachers are strongly encouraged to attend this get together to meet one another, review Religious Education policies and procedures, to support new teachers, share information and learned knowledge, laugh, create solutions to concerns and issues, collaborate, eat donuts and so much more! We look forward to getting together with you, getting to know you and working together throughout the quarter and church year.