Highlights April 27

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Winchester Unitarian Society
Highlights
April 27, 2017
Sunday, April 30th: Beyond Belief to the Mystery Beyond
With Deborah Morgan Bennett
Worship Associate: Ivan Correia

What do you believe? While our faith does not supply a creed – or a set of clear theological beliefs that all must ascribe to, as humans we no doubt maintain some form of theological belief. Where have your beliefs come from? How “sure” are you about what you believe? How comfortable are you to live in the mystery? Are you able to recognize others “inherent worth and dignity” even when their beliefs may be diametrically counter to your own? Examining our belief systems can be a transformative process on our way to creating a Beloved community. Let’s explore these questions and how we can live a life… beyond belief.

We share our offering this week with The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists. The ICUU is a network of member groups around the world which brings together leaders to learn, share resources, develop leaders and leadership, inspire and support each other in building spiritual community. ICUU programs connect people across the globe, creating coalitions to support growing communities and lend a hand in times of need. They nurture fledgling Unitarian * Universalist groups, encouraging the development of liberal religion and are dedicated to religious freedom in ways that are not common in most of the places they operate. They work for the freedom of individuals to believe as they believe and to choose their own religious community according to their beliefs.

Music News.

John Kramer in Concert 

A fun and lively Sunday afternoon concert features pianist and composer John Kramer who will be performing original compositions, and jazz bassist Mark Pucci who will join him in playing new jazz interpretations of music by Chopin, Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and others. Sunday, April 30 at 2:00 pm, at the Winchester Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Rd., 781-721-7136. Refreshments will be served and John’s recent cd will be available to purchase. Tickets are $10, available at the Jenks.

Musicians Needed for Summer Services. Anyone is welcome to join the choir which will sing a few times, or sing a solo or in a duet, trio, quartet. Those who play the piano, guitar, violin, any instrument are also wanted. Please see our Music Director John Kramer if you would like to participate sometime between June 18 and Sept. 3. He will have this organized by the end of May, so tell him soon what you would like to do and what dates you will be available.

The Hymn Sing continues throughout the year on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:15 p.m. in the Meyer Chapel. We come together simply to sing: new hymns, old hymns, hymns from the grey and teal hymnal, hymns people bring in. The possibilities are endless and it will be more fun with you there!

Children’s Chorale meets every Tuesday from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. in the Spirit Play room in the RE wing. This is a wonderfully spirited group of young singers (grades 2-6) who meets weekly to sing, play games, and learn about music. All are welcome and no previous singing experience is necessary. If you know of any young person interested in having a great time while making music, please be in touch with music director John Kramer atjohn.kramer@winchesteruu.org.
Religious Education

Family Worship: P is for Pluralist. We are Unitarian Universalists and we believe that there are many paths to understanding. Please join us in the chapel for this family centric, 20 minute interactive service.

This month, Transformation: In our Worship services we will be exploring the theme of transformation, how a world can be changed from barren and inhospitable to a verdant landscape full of joy.

Religious Education Morning: Where is the Mystery? Mystery hides in many places, in rocks and trees, in houses of worship and in our own human hearts. As the season turns, we’ll be heading outside for most of our Sunday morning (weather permitting). Please dress your children in outdoor appropriate clothing and if it’s cool but dry, a warm jacket or sweater.

Childcare for babies and tots is available in the playroom with Juanita Simms.

Afternoon Programs:

Our Whole Lives has ended for the program year, but wait! There’s more. Mark your calendars for May 7th: Our annual canoe outing is planned for that day. We’ll paddle down the Aberjona, picking up trash along the way and car pool back from Boston Harbor. Details on time, rain date and what to wear are in your email. Please let us know if your child can join the trip. It’s a great way to cap off our year together.
F8th in Action meets Sunday at 4:30. Vanessa Steck and Rebecca Kelley Morgan lead the group.

Mark your calendars

Next Religious Education Committee Meeting May 3rd, 9:00 AM Michelsen room.
And Don’t Forget: We have a Parents resource bookshelf in the Michelsen Room and a Little Library for children’s books outside of the Religious Education office. These are curated for you and your family. Please borrow and return, feel free to add anything you’d like to share with others and let us know what else might be of interest.

GROWTH AND LEARNING:

2017-2018 Programming: It’s never too soon to start thinking about next year.  We’re inviting input and feedback on possibilities for next year’s programming.  Is there something you’d like more of? Less of? Let any member of the Growth and Learning Committee know, or send along comments to Rebecca Kelley Morgan at Rebecca@winchesteruu.org

Next Growth and Learning Meeting May 10th, 7:00 PM Michelsen Room

Looking Ahead:  Winchester Unitarian Society will be hosting a Thoreau Bicentennial Celebration this fall, as part of the Walden Woods statewide Thoreau Read. We have many Thoreau readers among the congregation, and we’d love to hear from you about what might be accessible and thought provoking. Please be in touch with Rev. Heather or Rebecca Kelley Morgan.
WUSYG: Winchester Unitarian Society Youth Group

Upcoming Events:

4/30: WUSYG 4:30-6:30: F8th in WUSYG! Fun times with next year’s frosh aka the new WUSYG crew.

Please email the Director of Youth Ministries, Sam Wilson, for further information about WUSYG and Youth Ministry atWUS: sam.wilson@winchesteruu.org or WUSYouth@gmail.com

To subscribe to our newsletter and/or for more detailed information about contacting Sam and following him/WUSYG on social media, please Click Here.
Congregational News
White Supremacy
Teach In, May 7th, 
Noon in the Parlor
A controversy has emerged
within the UUA:
In response to selection of a white male ministerial candidate over a Latina female lay leader for a key position within the Association, a choice reinforcing a pattern privileging white people over people-of-color and ministers over lay leaders, UUs-of-color and white allies have called for change. This call led to UUA President Peter Morales writing a letter in response. While this letter sought to foster unity, it increased anger and distress. Rev. Morales then resigned the Presidency and UUA staff – COO, the Rev. Harlan Limpert and Director of Congregational Life, the Rev. Scott Tayler – also resigned. The minister chosen for the position then withdrew his interest. You may learn more through this article in UU World: http://tinyurl.com/ke6spxz
As part of this discussion within the UU faith family, a campaign has emerged for congregations to offer a White Supremacy Teach In on either April 30th or May 7th. As the May 7th service is slated to explore a relevant subject, the part of the WUS Vision Statement speaking to fostering capacity in professional leadership, the service will remain the same but the post-service discussion will be dedicated to the Teach In.
In preparation, we encourage you to explore some resources provided by Black Lives of UU: http://www.blacklivesuu.com/teach-in-resources/
The resources include a definition that may be helpful: “Why ‘white supremacy’ as the term here? It conjures up images of hoods and mobs. Here, we mean: ‘White supremacy as a set of institutional assumptions and practices, often operating unconsciously, that tend to benefit white people and exclude people of color.’ In 2017, actual ‘white supremacists’ are not required in order to uphold white supremacist culture. Building a faith full of people who understand that key distinction is essential as we work toward a more just society in difficult political times.”
This understanding of “white supremacy” as a spectrum of beliefs, practices and behaviors is illustrated in this graphic: http://tinyurl.com/ls6n4dg
Please save May 7th to participate in the Teach In!

-Rev. Heather, planning with Claire McNeill, Patty Shepard, Sam Wilson, Sarah Kelley and Rebecca Kelley Morgan
We Believe in Dog Resumes!
Saturday, May 6th, 10 a.m.

Want to enjoy the outdoors with your canine best friend and folks at WUS? Rev. Heather invites anyone who wants to go on a short hike to bring their (friendly and vaccinated) dog and join in the fun. (You don’t have to have a dog to participate!)
Our next walk will be Saturday, May 6th. We will meet at the second of three entrances to the Middlesex Fells on Hillcrest Parkway at 10:00 am and start walking around 10:05. If you intend to come, contact Rev. Heather (heather.janules@winchesteruu.org) with your cell number (if applicable) so she can call you if you are not there at walking time.
Hope to see you there…And wear your WUS t-shirt if you have one!
JOIN US FOR SOUP & CONVERSATION, WED., MAY 10, 12:30 p.m. WITH YOUR PCA AND ALLIANCE HOSTS

All are invited (and feel free to bring a friend who might like to learn more about WUS!) to our nextSoup & Conversation, hosted by the Pastoral Care Associates and The Alliance, on Wednesday, May 10, at 12:30 p.m. in the Parlor. Come spend time with old friends and meet new ones while enjoying conversation and bowls of delicious and healthful soups, freshly prepared by a team of WUSyouth and chef master Rebecca Kelley-Morgan. If you know in advance you will be able to attend, please RSVP to Sara Delano at 781-729-6800 orsdelano1@msn.com so we have an approximate head count. (Last-minute drop-ins are also very welcome.) Please let Sara know if you will need a ride.
Social Action and Outreach
Come to the May Day March – Mon May 1. Join together in solidarity with Workers, our friends in the immigrant community, and all those who call for justice in our communities: East Boston, Maverick Station 4:00 PM; Everett City Hall 4:00 PM; Chelsea City Hall 5:30 PM Facebook Eventpage

Women’s Lunch Place needs volunteers to sell Mother’s Day cards in Boston May 11-13. For info contact Megan atmeganf@womenslunchplace.org

Volunteers Needed for UUUM Job Readiness Program: mentor, teacher, career coach, career panel participant, childcare provider. Urban Ministry will launch this important program in September. To learn more, contact Associate Director, Rev. Susan Chorley: schorley@uuum.org or ask our delegates to UUUM.
Books and Breakfast Sunday, April 30, 2017 10:00am -12:00pm
Sponsored by Black Lives Matter, Cambridge www.blmcambridge.org
An inter-generational, multi-racial and black affirming space for love, political education and breaking bread together. Bring the whole family, develop community with one another. Books needed – see our list:https://www.blmcambridge.org/events/  We’re also taking black and/or political books, food and clothing donations: Please drop off at The Democracy Center 45 Mt. Auburn St. Cambridge, MA 02138

Suitcase Stories LIVE! Join the International Institute of New England and honor the contributions of refugees and immigrants through the timeless art of live storytelling at the Regent Theater in Arlington. Sunday, May 7th at 7:30 PM. This is a General Admission Event but Reserved Seats are available. If you need accessible seating, please contact Box Office at: 781-646-4849. General Seats: $25.00. Reserved Seating: $75.00. To order tickets:  http://www.regenttheatre.com/details/suitcase_stories_live
Please join us for conversation and community…..

WUS Mental Health Awareness & Support Initiative (MHASI)

WUS Mental Health Awareness & Support Initiative (MHASI)
Creating ways to support one another whether we are living with a mental illness, facing a mental health challenge, or are close to someone who is.

UPCOMING PEER SUPPORT GROUP
Peer to Peer Support Group, a drop-in group for those living with mental illness, facilitated by a NAMI facilitators and Rev. Heather.

Tuesday, May 9th 6:45-8:45 in the Parlor

All WUS support groups are co-facilitated by NAMI and provide a safe and confidential setting for mutual support and the sharing of resources.

Looking for other local support groups or resources? MHASI recommends contacting the Massachusetts chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), www.namimass.org/NAMI
If you have any questions, or would like to speak with someone about groups or our initiative, please contact:
Maria Shepherd mandmshepherd@comcast.net or
Maury Wood mowood60@gmail.com

Monday Night Candlelight Yoga

6:30 – 8:00 pm in the Chapel

April 3 – June 19 

Find ease and flow in your body in our Spring Session of gentle Kripalu-style yoga with teacher Jamie Sokolowski. Jamie gently guides us through a flow of deep breathing (pranayama) and body awareness, yoga postures (asanas) leading to a final shivasana, a deeply restful integration of the practice.  Postures gently stretch and strengthen, enhance balance and counter patterns of daily tension. Connecting breath and movement deepens self-awareness and enlivens our sense of being! If you have never done yoga before, or only just a bit, Jamie gives clear guidance through a slow flow of postures, offering support as we go.  If you have more experience, you are invited to take the postures to your own depth of challenge. Ten-class ($150), 5-class ($75) and drop-in ($15) options available. Questions? Email fritzie.nace@gmail.com.

From the Building’s Committee

Tree Trimming (Tomorrow) – Friday, April 28th, in recognition of Arbor Day, the arborists at Barrett Tree Service in Medford (www.barretttreeeast.com) have volunteered to do some tree-trimming for the church,GRATIS!! If you see their trucks around town, please take the time to thank them for this generous offer….or consider them if you need tree work on your own property.

Joys, Sorrows and Transitions

If you are facing a time of joy, sorrow or transition in your life, our ministers and the Pastoral Care Associates are available to offer a listening ear,compassionate presence and, if applicable, resources.

Our best wishes are with Donna Denio and her husband who recently moved to their dream home in Rockport.
You may reach the Rev. Heather Janules or Intern Minister Deborah Morgan Bennett through the office at 781.729.0949. They can also connect you with a Pastoral Care Associate or the Caring Network (providing short-term, practical support like rides and meals.) To learn more about the PCAs, pick up a brochure when you are in the church.

Community News

Please join us for our annual Womensphere Spring Event
Rise Up ~ Reflect ~ Connect ~ Act
Saturday April 29, 2017
9:30am – 3:30pm
Westminster Unitarian Church
119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich, RI

We may feel powerless in the face of the hostilities facing us today, but we are not. When we embrace a spiritual practice that brings tranquility to our hearts and minds, we are taking the first step toward bringing peace to ourselves and the world. As we bring these practices and actions to our families and friends, people we work with, and those in public life who serve us, we radiate peace out into the world. In this workshop spiritual women will share the practices that support and guide them through their daily life and difficult times. We will explore spiritual practices together in group activities and discussion.
Womensphere is a Sacred Circle Gathering for Women through the Ballou-Channing District and New England Region of
The Unitarian Universalist Association

Please go to www.uuwomensphere.com orwww.facebook.com/uuwomensphere for registration and directions

Chili Cook Off to Benefit Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON)

Saturday April 29, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

JFON is a faith-driven ministry providing immigration and legal services, education and advocacy.

Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church, 34 Dix Street, Winchester
For more information, visit crawfordumc.org
Meditation News

Meets almost every Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Meyer Chapel. Sitting from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Walking from 7:00 to 7:15 p.m. Discussion 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. Contact Ron Denhardt (rondenhardt@gmail.com) for info.
Woburn Food Pantry

For the month of April, the Woburn Food Pantry needs canned fruit. Every month the director of the pantry lets us know which items are in low supply so that our contributions can have the most impact. Please place your donations in the bin under the new-and-improved Social Action area in the Symmes Room. For additional information contact Mary Saudade atmsaudade@comcast.net.