Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 10:30 AM

"I Got A Name"
Rev Tim Kutzmark

[Our apologies - due to bronchitis, Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley will be unable to join us to co-lead the previously-scheduled service "The Gifts We Bring, the Gifts We Gain". She will also not offer the Leadership Development Workshop in the afternoon. ]

Sunday, February 10, 2008 – 10:30 AM

“We Need Not Believe Alike”
New Member Sunday
Rev. Tim Kutzmark and The Coming of Age Class

Contrary to popular belief, Unitarian Universalism isn’t a religion founded in the 1960’s by a few people who smoked a funny looking cigarette and thought it would be “cool” to start a new religion in which you could believe whatever you wanted.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Our faith is founded on a long and rich history, with roots that sink deep into the European Enlightenment.  Today, we’ll celebrate the lasting impact of the Edict of Torda, the world’s first document of religious freedom.  Crafted by a Unitarian King in 1568, it influenced Thomas Jefferson and the shapers of our Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, and even informs our current multi-faith presidential primary election.  How can the radical notion that “we need not believe alike to love alike” continue to shape our world?  Rev. Tim will lead our reflection, and the teens of our Coming of Age class will bring the Edict of Torda alive in a short dramatic presentation.  There will be a second offering for this February 10th service to benefit the Catalyst Foundation’s work with Vietnamese Orphans.  Checks should be made payable to “Catalyst Foundation.

NEWCOMERS TEA AND TOUR PLANNED FOR SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17

Join Rev. Tim after the service next Sunday, February 17th  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 adults and kids.  Nothing fancy.  Just friendly.  We hope to see you. (We'll meet at Tim's office after the service)

UUCR MEMBER JOINING PROCESS

Rev. Tim Kutzmark would like to meet with you.

UUCR would like for each prospective member to take THE NEW UU class.  We know that this is sometimes not possible due to scheduling conflicts, but the class does teach you about our Principles and Purposes, the history of Unitarian Universalism, and our church structure.  This class also gives you time to ask those questions that you have and allows you to meet other new people who are also interested in the church.

We would like for you to attend for a while so you can learn about Unitarian Universalism and get to know your church community.  Understand that a member supports the purpose of the church and also supports the church with contributions of time and skills.  A member also supports the church with financial contributions that support our annual operating expenses and shared ministry (depending on individual circumstances).  Finally, you need to sign the Membership Book.  The signing of the Membership Book is ideally completed during a New Member Sunday Service.  The New Member Services this church year are:  February 10, 2008 and June 1, 200

Dear Friends:

It is just about now that the cold and grey of the deep winter starts to eat away at my good humor.  And then, I notice how much longer the days are becoming.  A smile creeps across my cranky face.

What brings you hope when hope is hard to find? 

And how can you share that hint of hope with another who just might need to know what you’ve discovered?

I think that is one reason why we come to church.  We all discover particles of hope, of promise, of possibility.  And, somehow, by our being together, our little pieces take on a grander and more palpable presence.

As Pablo Neruda wrote: “You didn’t come into this house so I might tear off a piece of your life.  Perhaps when you leave you’ll take something of mine: chestnuts, roses or a surety of roots.”

See you on the path,
Tim

PS: One of our UUCR parents has offered to coordinate a group of Boy Scouts who want to work together on their “Religion in Life” Award.  As an Eagle Scout, I’m a big supporter of Scouting, even as I cringe at their ill-informed institutionalized oppression of gay teens.  If you have a Boy Scout who would like to earn the “Religion in Life” Award, please contact UUCR member Samantha Poland  (978-276-0212).   Samantha is coordinating the learning group.  I’ll be working closely with the boys as they work and learn together. 

WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR!

Let’s join in a joyous round of welcome for our newly hired Member Services Coordinator Laraine Turner.  Laraine brings a warm and caring heart to this exciting new position.    Her prior experience with volunteer training programs includes vital non-profiit work at hospices, and food banks.  This experience will be welcomed at the UUCR as Laraine will be responsible for working with church leadership to establish and support programs that will facilitate full participation by members, friends ,visitors and seekers in the life of the congregation.

Laraine will be a caring involved presence who will work with staff and volunteers to make sure that everyone from our newest visitor to our long-time members feels supported and integrated into the life of our church community.

Laraine wishes to share that she is a happy newlywed who makes her home right here in Reading!  She is very excited to be on board with our church community and is looking forward to every facet of this new position.

“EXPLORING THE GIFTS AMONG US:  A WORKSHOP FOR CHUCH MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND LEADERS”

Sunday, February 3rd  at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading 12:30-4:00 pm.    Register by calling Rosemary in the Church office at 781-944-0494 or send an email to the Church Office . There is no cost for UUCR members and friends as we are the host church.

We pride ourselves on our emphasis on the leadership of the laity— it is our congregations who define our mission and purpose. Yet we also struggle with finding and equipping lay leaders to help bring this mission into being. How can we encourage a congregational culture which continually attends to the development of its leaders, both personally and institutionally?  This workshop will help us develop the truly spiritual discipline of passing on our leadership.  This dynamic and important workshop will take place at the UUCR!

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE AND FAITH DEVELOPMENT OF UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST PARENTS

The Arts and Crafts of Congregational Leadership series. 
February 12, 2008 
7:00 to 9:00 pm in Arlington, MA

The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth M. Strong, Mass Bay RE Program Consultant. 
$5.00 registration.  
Please Register through the Mass Bay District Office (mbd@mbduua.org) 617-498-0396.

Parents want to know how to talk with their children about their beliefs, their faith development and their spiritual life as Unitarian Universalists.  This workshop will provide you with the opportunity to articulate your beliefs and share what you choose with other parents who are looking for the same help.  You will learn how to carry this experience back to your congregation to help more parents engage with their own journey faith and with that of their children.  Parents, DRE’s, ministers, and lay leaders are encouraged to attend .  Dessert and coffee will be served .

THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CREDENTIALING PROGRAM:  HOW IT CAN STRENGTHEN LIFESPAN FAITH DEVELOPMENT IN OUR UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATIONS

Led by the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth M. Strong, MBD Program Consultant and Gail Forsyth-Vail, Masters Credentialed Director of Religious Education at North Andover Unitarian Universalist Congregation and Chair or the UUA Credentialing Program. This workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 6, at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Newton, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

The professional development of religious educators in the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Liberal Religious Educators' Association (LREDA) Credentialing Program brings a greater depth to the expertise of our religious educators. Gail and Liz will explain the program and what its potential is for the strengthening of religious educators and the lifespan faith development programs within our congregations. Lay leaders, DREs, RE Committee members and ministers are encouraged to attend. The cost of the workshop is $7.00 and can be paid for at the event. A light dessert and coffee will be served.  Call the Mass Bay District office at 617-498-0396 if you require further information.

POTLUCK AND SING-ALONG FELLOWSHIP EVENING FOR ALL AGES

Saturday Feb. 23, 2008, (6-8:30 or so). 

Join us for an evening of good food and great fun!  Just bring a salad, a main dish, side dish or dessert that will serve 6-10 people. No need to sign for the meal, ...just come!  Fellowship will provide  plates, cups, napkins, silverware, coffee, tea, milk and juice.

If you play an instrument and know some familiar tunes, dust off that banjo, or guitar, fiddle or kazoo and bring it along.  We'd like to have an idea of how many musicians we need to make  room for, and we'd also like participating  musicians to give us a list of some tunes they'd like to play that evening so we can find and make copies of the words. Please e-mail what instrument you play  and  also suggest  some tunes you think would be fun for us to find the words of to have available that evening. Musicians R.S.V.P. Beth Brauer

GAME NIGHT FOR ALL AGES

Bingo, board games, and fun for all! Please join us on Sunday, February 10th from 4:00-6:00 in Community Hall for a game night and pizza party. We will be offering several activities and games for multi-age participation. Bingo with
prizes. Bring your favorite board game or try something new. Pizza will be provided. Please bring a beverage (non-alcoholic) and either a salad/side dish or dessert. In order to estimate pizzas to be ordered, please RSVP to Heather Ballou by e-mail if you plan to attend (or phone 781-942-2345). Last minute drop-ins are also welcome, so please don't hesitate to join us if you are not able to RSVP in advance. Enjoy the warmth of fellowship on a cold winter evening (and a break from cooking dinner).

SECOND OFFERING AT UUCR TO BENEFIT CATALYST FOUNDATION'S WORK WITH VIETNAMESE ORPHANS:  SUNDAY FEBRUARY 10

A Happy New Year in Kien Giang

The first day of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration, is Feb.7.  The celebration will be special this year for the 300 children, most of them orphans, and families in Kien Giang who were homeless and living in a garbage dump just one year ago.  The lives of these homeless people are being transformed by the work of Catalyst Foundation in their village.  A new school and library have been built and opened since last year.  The children and families have been enrolled in the Catalyst project and given food, clothing, temporary housing, and microloans for small businesses.  The children are going to school, many for the first time.

In March, a team of over 90 Catalyst volunteers will travel from the US to Kien Giang to provide medical care, continue work on the school, and build homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.  The UUCR played a valuable role in the work of Catalyst in this village by generously donating a Second Offering to them last year.  Catalyst and the homeless children of Kien Giang thank you for your interest and support in transforming young lives on the other side of the world and wish you all a Happy New Year.  Chuc Mung Nam Moi! -Christine Thomas, UUCR member and Catalyst Foundation volunteer.

On February 10, we will have the opportunity to help the Catalyst Foundation children again by donating to a Second Offering during the church service (the first of three Second Offerings for 2007-2008). If you'd like to donate by check, please make the check out to "Catalyst Foundation."  Catalyst Foundation is a non-profit, non-political organization working to improve the lives of orphaned, abandoned and homeless children in Vietnam through educational scholarship programs and direct relief efforts. For more information on CF, including a video filmed at the garbage dump, visit www.catalystfoundation.org.

 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER LOWELL CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT

Saturday,February 9, 7:00-11:00 p.m.
VFW Post 6539
67 West Prescott Street
Westford, MA

Join Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (HFHGL) for a charity poker tournament! $100 entrance fee buys 5,000 chips, with an option to purchase an additional 1,000 chips for $10. First prize is $3,500! Seating is limited and early registration is encouraged. All proceeds benefit HFHGL's 2008 affordable, energy-efficient housing initiatives in Bedford and Westford.   To register online, visit www.easternpokertour.com, and click on "Charity Poker." Players may also register at the door. For more information, contact the HFHGL office at (978) 454-1046, or info@lowellhabitat.org.

UUCR PROJECT TO FOUND A VILLAGE BANK:  "GIVE A LITTLE - CHANGE A LOT"

What country is this? If you lived in this Western Hemisphere country, chances are 4 in 5 that you'd live in abject poverty.  Most likely your food and livelihood would depend on small-scale subsistence farming. There's about a 50% chance that in your 52 years of life, you'd never learn to read. The mortality rate for babies in your country is 11 times higher than for babies in the U.S. Widespread corruption and frequent crime are major problems.

This country is Haiti, the least-developed country in our hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world. This is where our congregation, working jointly with the Melrose UU Church, has the chance to found a village bank through FINCA (the Foundation for International Community Assistance).

What's a village bank? It's a group of 20-30 people (usually women) who each have a business idea and an entrepreneurial spirit but no collateral to secure a loan and no hope that a conventional bank will lend to them-even micro-amounts to buy pots and pans for a food stall, a sewing machine, a cell phone to rent out in the neighborhood, a motorbike for getting to another town to buy bakery supplies at a lower price. What the women do have is "moral collateral"-the conviction that banding together, they can support each other's dreams and guarantee each other's loans. Someone donates $5,000 to FINCA to found the village bank. Then the women take out microloans to start or expand their small businesses, meet weekly to repay their loans (with interest), talk over plans and problems, and start saving. Even a $50, $100, $200 loan can get a hardworking businesswoman on her way. As each woman repays her loan, she can borrow again. These are self-employment loans, not gifts. The money is used over and over again. Families are fed, children can go to school, people are empowered.

We and the Melrose Church can be the "someone" who raises money to found a village bank in Haiti-through banding together and enjoying good fellowship of our own. Here's the schedule of UUCR events to benefit the Village Bank:

• Sunday, March 9, 12:00 noon: Hunger Banquet, an event for all ages! (more in next newsletter)
• Sunday, April 13: Sermon by Rev. Dorothy May Emerson, author of "The Microcredit Revolution" (UU World, March/April 2005); Second Offering for the Village Bank
• Early May: UUCR/Melrose Church folk music concert (tentative)

  GUEST AT YOUR TABLE BOX THANKS

Heartfelt thanks to all who donated to the UU Service Committee through the Guest at Your Table program this winter. Our congregation is sending $1660.54 to the UUSC for its work around the world in advancing economic justice, defending civil liberties and access to democratic processes, promoting environmental justice, and protecting rights in humanitarian crises.

ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF FIRE IN LAWRENCE AND ONGOING VIOLENCE IN KENYA

Financial donations to aid victims of the Jan. 21 fire in Lawrence can be made online via a credit card at: www.LazarusHouse.org   Checks may be mailed to: Lazarus House, P.O. Box 408, Lawrence, MA 01842. Please write "Lawrence Fire" in the memo/comment section or leave blank if your donation can be used for all others in need.

In the post-election unrest in Kenya, "an estimated 255,000 displaced people have crowded into insufficiently equipped sites, without adequate access to food, water, medicines, and other supplies. Another 250,000 people who have not been displaced are in need of food, water, and other services. Through [its] long-term and ongoing work in Kenya, [the UU Service Committee has] established relationships with grassroots organizations from a variety of social sectors. In collaboration with these groups, we have been monitoring the situation closely. An expert delegation led by UUSC President Charlie Clements and Programs Director Atema Eclai will be traveling to Kenya on January 19 to assess the growing humanitarian crisis by meeting with UUSC partners, community members and leaders, and humanitarian specialists." To help the UUSC respond to this crisis, you can donate online at www.uusc.org or by check to UUSC-UUA Kenya Crisis Fund, UUSC, POB 845259, Boston, MA 02284-5259 (check payable to "Kenya Crisis Fund").

Chocolate/Coffee Sale to Benefit UUCR “Partner Seminarians” in Transylvania

Who: Chocolate-lovers, coffee-lovers, and those who love chocolate- and coffee-lovers!
What: Partner Church Committee sale of Equal Exchange organic, fairly traded chocolate bars and coffee
When: February 10 (for your Valentine’s Day shopping) and 17, after church
Where: Fellowship Hall
Why: To raise the $300 stipend our congregation will send for the 2008-2009 school year to each of our “partner seminarians,” Marton Csecs and Julia Fülöp, studying for the Unitarian ministry in Transylvania. (See the latest news from Marton in the previous newsletter.)

Very dark chocolate bars…dark with almonds…dark with cocoa beans…espresso bean…milk chocolate with a hint of hazelnut—yum. $3.50 per bar or $6.50/2 bars

Breakfast blend coffee (caffeinated or decaf), Colombian (caffeinated). $8.00/12-oz. bag.

We can also order coffee for you in the future—these and many other flavors. Just come to the sales table and ask us about ordering!

Church School and Events

Saturday, Feb 2

• Grade 7 O.W.L. 9:45 to 12:00
  Please note this is a Saturday. 
  Students will meet at Loring House to drive to the Chinmaya Maruti Center, 1 Union St., Andover.   The visit will be from 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Sunday, Feb 3

• Begin in Sanctuary. Church School until 11:45. 
• Please note that Grade 7 OWL will be on Saturday this week (see above).
• SHYP off site for Super Bowl Party

Fri-Sat, Feb 8 - 9

• High school O.W.L. Overnight Loring House

Sunday, Feb 10

• Intergenerational Edict of Torda (January 1568)
• Youth Adult Committee Meeting 5:00 - 6:30
• Grade 7 O.W.L. 6:30 - 9:00 Loring House
• SHYP 6:30 - 8:30 Loring House

SENIOR HIGH YOUTH PROGRAM HOMELESS WEEKEND

SHYP is having their Homeless Weekend Friday Feb. 15 - Sunday Feb. 17. The youth and advisors will raise awareness and money for New Orleans by living outside all weekend (safety permitting). They will spend all hours trying to stay warm by the heat of a burn barrel, coming inside to eat and use the bathrooms and then sleeping outside in boxes. Please support the youth by donating money and or time to the success of this important weekend. Contact Hannah Hildreth and Chris Buckley, SHYP co-chairs.

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

SIXTH GRADE

Today (Jan. 27) in the 6th grade we had an introduction to the New Testament. The  kids performed a play introducing the 4 Gospels we will be focusing on this quarter. Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. We discussed that each Gospel tells stories about Jesus from a different perspective. We had just enough time to run through the play twice, so they had chance to switch parts. -Samantha Poland

FIRST GRADE

(For First Grade Jan. 27) Today's lesson's focus was on how "God is like Light". We brought up ideas of colors and how light can be altered in many ways using crystals and the 'telescopes' that we made. We also read a story about god making light and being at awe with its wonder.  Next week we will be teaching about how "God is like Darkness". We will talk about how beans need to grow in darkness until they are ready for the light. We will also be using flash lights in the dark. We will conclude class by drawing dreams on black paper. - Tim Conley and Emily Kaplan

PRE-KINDGERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN

(Pre-K and K Jan. 27)Today's topic was "I can dance!" from one of the curriculum books.   We talked briefly about how dance is a way to express our feelings, our happiness, joy of being alive, how we can dance alone or with other people. I read two books - "Dance" by dancer/choreographer Bill T. Jones, and "Barnyard Dance" - which most of the children knew well and read along with me!   We then did a lot of dancing, and every single child enthusiastically  participated. They were very creative. Then they drew pictures of themselves dancing. We tried making the ribbon sticks, which were to be used for dancing and expressing themselves, but as we were running out of time to assemble them, we quickly cut just a few ribbons for each child - letting them pick the colors - so they ended up not being too exciting, but the kids did enjoy dancing with them anyway. -Amy Wong

SEVENTH GRADE

Yesterday, Jan. 27th, we (the 7th Grade) watched a short video on Hinduism, and then Mr. Kumar Nochur from Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland, answered questions and gave the class further explanation of various aspects of the religion.  Saturday, February 2, 2008, approximately 9:45 am to 12:00 Students will meet at Loring House at 9:45 am to drive to the Chinmaya Maruti Center, 1 Union St., Andover.   The temple is located on the right side of Route 28 in Andover.  It is past Route 133, and just before Route 495 and the Lawrence line.  We will meet with Shashi Dwarakanath. The visit will be from 10:30 to 11:30 am.  - Alisa MacFail.

FOURTH GRADE

(Grade 4 week of Jan. 20) Last week we learned about the religious faith and celebrations of the Huichol Indians.  The Huichol live in the interior central region of what is today Mexico.  Their's is a long standing culture that avoided outside influences until about the middle of the 20th century. We read a Huichol story that describes their beliefs on the creation of the living earth.  The Huichol express their faith and traditions through colorful yarn paintings.  Each of the 4th graders at the class enjoyed making their own yarn painting that expressed their own connection to nature.  We enjoyed a traditional snack from that region of the world: tacos spread with honey or jam!  This week (Jan. 27)  we will celebrate Susan B Anthony's birthday, complete with birthday cake!  We'll discuss the obstacles faced by women and minorities in our country and the work that Susan B.Anthony did in her lifetime that ultimately led to the 19th amendment recognizing women's right to vote.  The discussion includes a story and a race (a real race!) that will illustrate the unfair obstacles placed in the path of so many in our society. - David Oakes

GAME NIGHT FOR ALL AGES

Bingo, board games, and fun for all! Please join us on Sunday, February 10th from 4:00-6:00 in Community Hall for a game night and pizza party. We will be offering several activities and games for multi-age participation. Bingo with
prizes. Bring your favorite board game or try something new. Pizza will be provided. Please bring a beverage (non-alcoholic) and either a salad/side dish or dessert. In order to estimate pizzas to be ordered, please RSVP to Heather Ballou by e-mail if you plan to attend (or phone 781-942-2345). Last minute drop-ins are also welcome, so please don't hesitate to join us if you are not able to RSVP in advance. Enjoy the warmth of fellowship on a cold winter evening (and a break from cooking dinner).