Upcoming Sunday Worship Services
The Sunday Worship Services and Religious Education Program begin at 10:30 a.m.
April 6: Drumming Worship With Matt Meyer
Based in Massachusetts, Matt Meyer is a traveling UU musician with an interactive drumming music ministry. A recent graduate of Berklee College of Music, Matt has become known around the country for his unique and inspiring worship services. Come ready to sing and feel the spirit.
April 13: “On Being Good At Selling Hot Dogs” Tricia Tummino
What might being good at selling hot dogs have to do with church life? Today we will explore that question as well as others that have to do with how to run a healthy church. Today we are joined by Berklee faculty member and drummer Jon Hazilla and our own Dylan Wolff on bass for a special musical offering. The choir is singing the Samba choral piece that Jeannie Gagné and Rev. Jason Shelton (Nashville) wrote for the 2005 GA choir entitled "Dance With Me."
April 20: “Dayenu – It Would Have Been Enough” Tricia Tummino
The title of today’s sermon, “Dayenu,” comes from a Passover song that is one thousand years old. The holiday of Passover starts today and runs to Saturday. Today we will explore the theme of gratitude, which is central to the Passover observance.
April 27: “Bernard And Rumi: A Meeting By The River” Bruce Taylor
Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207-1273) was a poet and spiritual teacher in the Sufi tradition of Islam. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) was a French monk and founder of the Cistercian order. Both men used remarkably similar imagery to evoke the seeker's relationship to divinity: the lover's desire for the beloved. This sermon imagines a dialogue between Rumi and Bernard, who never met in this life. What common ground might they discover, and what essential differences? What might they teach us about the issue of religious pluralism today? The choir will be singing.
Large print hymnals, plus hearing assistance devices, are available. Nursery care is provided. Bring a friend!
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GREETERS
April 6: Pam Davis & Chris Korben
April 13: Ed Priest & Rick Benard
April 20: Kara Andrews & Michael Hall
April 27: Mary Corthell & Kelly Lownds
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TRICIA’S SABBATICAL WEEKS
March 31 – April 6
May 12 – 18
June 1 – 8
The
Minister’s Corner
A large bird sitting on an Oak Street rooftop looked, for an exciting moment, like a pelican - until it swallowed the fish. No oversized beak after all - it was a mere sea gull feasting on the bounty of our cresting streams. At this time of year, the gull is no surprise. This is a beautiful time of year. There is no prettier color than the cranberry of our springtime bogs. There is no sound more hopeful than the music of spring birds.
I am blessed because I am in a position to be nurtured by these signs of spring.
Just down the street a mile or so, this very week, a local mother was handcuffed and led out of her home, arrested for allowing her 7-year old son to be repeatedly beaten, bloodied and burned with cigarettes by her boyfriend. This young boy is not so blessed.
His tragedy has apparently been unfolding for a long time, essentially, right next door, here in our community. This little boy’s suffering, authorities admit, has gone on for much too long as the result of “a litany of mistakes.”
My heart weeps for this young boy who was tortured in his own home, right down the street – and who reached out for help that was long in coming. To be seven-years-old and having to go home from school each day to a home where he was beaten and burned. How injured he must be – body, mind and soul.
Chances are, right now, that, although this little boy can hear and see, he may unable to trust life, and blind and deaf to the beauty in any form.
One has to wonder, will he ever be able to grow from the wounded young soul that he must be into a grown man who can wake up unafraid and who can rejoice in something as simple as the colors of spring or delight in the sight of a gull swallowing a fish?
That certainly is my hope for him.
Arnold Toynbee said, “The first hope in our inventory – the hope that includes – and at the same time transcends all others – must be the hope that love is going to have the last word.”
In the case of this little boy who is our neighbor, let us hope and pray that love has the last word. In fact – why stop there - in the case of all of us – let us hope that love has the last word.
See you in church.
Tricia
NEXT YEAR'S PARISH COMMITTEE
Have you ever
considered being on the Parish Committee? We will soon be looking to fill
vacant positions for the next year. We meet once a month on Wednesday evening.
Please let me know if you have an interest or would like more
information. Janet
Walkden
NEWS FLASH FROM THE RECYCLING DEPARTMENT
FUUSM has pretty much eliminated the “yuck” factor in the recycling bins, and the collectors are grateful! However, Mother Earth still has some concerns. Too much recyclable material is ending up in the trash. We will work on the signs, but here is a quick review of what to put in the bins under the kitchen counter: all plastics, all glass bottles, all metal, all paper including magazines, newsprint, cups, packaging even if it is waxed or shiny. We can’t recycle foam and laminates; but if you are in doubt, put it in the recycle bin, and we will sort. Used paper napkins go into the compost bin. Big metal items can go into the marked bin in the furnace room.
Grownups, remember when you work with our youth, you are training future stewards of the Earth. Reinforce the recycling habit. Thanks.
Mike Schroeder, For The Green Sanctuary Committee
JOTTINGS FROM JANET
Spring is here, spring is here, spring is here! Spring is a special season because of its promise of rebirth and second chances. I tend to have renewed hope in the spring that is accompanied by a sense that anything is possible.
Here
at the church our fundraisers continue to be well attended, our music continues
to flow, and food is ever present. As we enter this season of pledging, let's
reflect on what the church means to us. Let our pledges and gifts of ourselves
be meaningful statements of the part the church plays in our life and in the
larger community.
Janet Walkden, President
The early Israelites worshipped the goddess Asherah alongside the god Yahweh. Asherah was represented as a sacred tree or pole next to the altar of Yahweh.
A
cult stand representing both deities, dated to the 10th century BCE, was
discovered at Tel Taanach in Israel. As shown in the illustration, the stand is
organized into four tiers. The first tier depicts a woman flanked by two lions.
The third tier shows two goats grazing on a date palm tree, also flanked by two
lions. These symbols are associated with the goddess, Asherah. The fourth tier
depicts a horse and the sun, both symbols associated with Yahweh.
The second tier is interesting: two cherubim flanking an empty space. This empty space has been taken to represent the transcendent God, who is beyond representation.
In our church sanctuary, the chancel space is empty. It is flanked by the pulpit and the lectern. The minister and the reader stand on either side of the empty space.
On Sunday morning, each of us brings into the sanctuary our own, private symbol of the highest good, and a unique relationship to that which we consider most holy.
Imagine that you place your symbol into that sacred chancel space. The congregation holds it in reverence, as we share our unique understandings of what is most holy, in our common quest for truth and meaning.
—Bruce Taylor, Ministerial Intern
The Social Action Committee
Bruce Taylor is working with Project Bread to coordinate, on behalf of the Social Action Committee, our church’s efforts and participation in their Walk For Hunger. (See article elsewhere in this Newsletter.) It is anticipated that the church school students will also be involved. Paul Sanford’s letter to Justice Kennedy on behalf of civil rights was mailed - with 75 signatures on it! Hats off to the church body! The Larry Carver annual mental health day is Thursday, May 15, 8:30 p.m., at the Middleboro Public Library. Michael Mack will do a one-act play based on his experiences with his mother, who had schizophrenia. There will be a question and answer session. Sue Sherman’s community brochure is in the first stages of revision and will be released shortly. The Heifer ark fundraiser is doing well – close to $3,000! Thanks to the parishioners for their support; but let’s keep it coming. We haven’t filled the ark yet!
All are welcomed to our next meeting on April 6 after church. Jim Noyes
REPORT
ON
P 2 P SERVICE AUCTION
Our annual service auction was again wildly successful! Held on Saturday, March 8, it was a singularly nasty night; but the potluck-ers came and the bidders as well. At 7:30 p.m. exactly, the gavel sounded the beginning of the business.
There were 32 people present and bidding on 61 total items. There were a few negotiated add-ons in the days following the event, but the grand total was $7,449 as of March 17! Wow is right!
It was a fun event and, yes, it was another record breaker. With a few openings for additional sales, it could go higher still. See me if you have any question about who bought what or what you can still get in on.
Thank you, Vi F., for stepping in to perform the secretary’s job because of the ailing Maria Pucillo-Dunphy. Thank you all, and I hope you enjoy your year ahead participating in the events purchased. Linda E. Thompson
We would like to send a “Thank You” out to the good folks at Jackson Plumbing for the “discount” they gave the church recently when we had a new Toto toilet installed in the handicapped side of the women’s room. In the same vein, we’d like to, once again, thank Cavicchi Oil Company for the substantial discounts they have given the church year after year.
I,
Tom Sypek, have committed myself to doing two shows to raise funds for
the church in the year 2009, if my health is good. What I plan to do is Readers
Theater, something like the "Love Letters" show recently. There would be no
memorization and a limited amount of time for rehearsals. Actors or actress
would read from the script. I have two shows in mind, but that might change.
What I would like from the church family is anyone who is interested in acting
and being in one of the shows to call me at 508-947-9968 or email me at
sypekmd@aol.com
. Thank you.
On Sunday, June 22, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., Jim Norris and Tom Sypek will be conducting a special morning service celebrating Gay and Lesbian Pride. If you are interested in speaking at this service, please notify Tom at sypekmd@aol.com or Jim at 508-947–2519. All speakers will be limited to five – eight minutes.
JOIN OUR WALKING TEAM FOR THE 40TH ANNUAL WALK FOR HUNGER
Sunday, May 4
Again this year, our church will provide a walking team for Project Bread's annual Walk for Hunger, which will take place on Sunday, May 4. For forty years now, the Walk for Hunger has continued to raise money and public awareness for a most important cause. In Massachusetts alone, over 450,000 people are affected by hunger, including our most vulnerable citizens: children, the elderly, the disabled, the unemployed and the working poor. Project Bread uses proceeds from the Walk for Hunger to support more than 400 soup kitchens, food pantries and feeding programs throughout the state.
And we can help them by taking a walk - specifically, a twenty-mile walk around Boston on the first Sunday in May, when all the flowering trees and gardens are coming into bloom. We will be accompanied by a river of 40,000 upbeat, caring people all headed in the same direction and for the same good purpose. We hope to include all ages and abilities on our walking team this year. You are free to complete as much or as little of the distance as you choose.
For information or to register, please contact Bruce Taylor, our ministerial intern, at the church, by email ( bruce.c.taylor@verizon.net ) or by phone (603-429-1104).
SUMMER SERVICE LAY LEADERS
The Worship Committee is now planning this year's summer lay-led services. If you are interested in presenting a service, please write a sentence or two about what you'd like to do and which dates you are (or are not) available. You can give it to a Worship Committee member or place it in our church mailbox.
Kimberly French, Worship Committee Chair
ADULT SQUARE DANCING
We
are close to finishing three years with the Cupid Squares in Bridgewater. There
are ten of us who have met twice a month when possible for eight months (October
– May) a year barring holidays. A few of us have joined their club, and we have
all danced with couples from southeastern Massachusetts.
It’s
always good fun and exercise and, on occasion, we talk again of bringing it back
to our church. Anyone interested in the fall? Speak to Jeff or Barb Stevens,
Pam or Roger Buck, Cal or Mary Maxim, Francine or Paul Provencer, Bud or Thalia
Soule. Bud Soule
NEWCOMER TEA
April 27 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
The Membership Committee will sponsor a Newcomer Tea on Sunday, April 27th, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Tricia Tummino, Laurie Bilyeu, and Janet Walkden will be on hand to talk about the church along with a handful of longer term church members. If you are new to the church, bring an appetite for muffins and other goodies and tea to be served out of teapots from many nations, courtesy of Tanya Trzeciak. If you need child care, please call the church office and leave a message. Larry Tummino
THE ELSIE GAUDETTE AWARD
The Elsie Gaudette Award can be given this spring (the third Sunday in June) to a person who exemplifies the service and dedication to this church that Elsie did for many years. The Elsie Gaudette Award Committee will be meeting to review the nominations. Ask any award winner (listed on the plaque) about it. If you know of a deserving person to nominate for this award, you must nominate her/him in writing, telling of this person’s contributions to the church over time and why this person deserves the honor. Send your signed letters to the Committee Chairperson, Linda E. Thompson.
WATER – JUSTICE – TRANSFORMATION
Saturday, April 5 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Duxbury First Parish Church
What does it mean to be thirsty? What does water represent to us physically, emotionally, politically, spiritually? Is water justice something far away or are we facing a threat increasingly locally? How Are We Called To Respond As Religious People?
Come explore these and other water justice issues through discussion, music, political action, worship, art, and food experiences. A totally unique day of spiritual reflection and opportunities for collaboration brought to you by BCD congregations and the UUSC. Information and registration forms can be found at the BCD website: www.bcduua.org.
Chris Korben
"MEN
WHO COOK, WOMEN WHO SING"
Saturday, April 5 7:00 p.m.
We will be serving hearty appetizers and wine at 7:00 p.m. Following the show, there will be a yummy dessert buffet and coffee.
We need people to contribute in all areas and to attend and support the fundraiser and all the talent and work that go into these productions. Let Andrea Priest know how you can help: 508-947-2459; shine.coa.mboro@verizon.net .
CRANBERRY CLUSTER
Our spring cluster will be held on Wednesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. at The First Parish Church UU in Bridgewater. (Cost - $6) The program for the evening will be on “Communities Without Borders” (www.communitieswithoutborders.org) with its founder, Dr. Richard Bail, and our speaker, Peter Smith. Our meal will be a taste of Zambian food.
To close out the summer, we will be at our annual gathering at the Cedar Hill Retreat Center in Duxbury at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 24. The Reverend Dan King of The First Congregational Parish UU in Kingston will be our service leader. Bud Soule
SPRING GATHERING
AGING WITH GRACE & SPIRIT
Saturday, April 19 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
First Universalist Society in Franklin
Womensphere organizes sacred circle gatherings for women of the Ballou Channing District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our spring gathering will be a day spent celebrating the wonderful journey that aging can be. Cost is $27, including lunch. A limited number of scholarships are available. To register or for more information, please contact Kate Gillis, 401 823-7929, ksgillis@netzero.net .
SPRING PLANT SALE: CALLING ALL GARDENERS
Saturday, May 10
Spring has been approaching with a burden of chores until I raked the crumbled leaves, dry twigs, and snow silt from the first small patch of my gardens. There they were, all those faithful green things waiting to release their charm and reinvigorate my spirit. May your spirit too be reinvigorated. And may you find the energy and enthusiasm to dig out and pot up all your extras to share, for the Plant Sale is around the corner, May 10.
Both Maria and I find ourselves overbooked this year and are calling for help! If you can help dig and pot plants to sell from my garden some time in April, please contact Mike Schroeder at 508 946-0141 or mwschroeder@verizon.net . Meanwhile do your own digging, bring us your extra used pots (leave at church and contact us), and watch for further notices on how to participate.
Mike Schroeder and Maria Pucillo-Dunphy
SAVE THE DATE!
You are cordially invited to The 173rd Annual Meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry on Thursday, May 15, 2008, 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., First Church in Roxbury, 10 Putnam Street, Roxbury. Chris Korben
From MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine (and THE GREEN SANCTUARY COMMITTEE)
TEST YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL IQ: TAKE OUR PLASTIC RECYCLING QUIZ
by Alison Rogers
Think you know a lot about plastics and how to recycle them? Take our quiz to find out.
1. How
many types of plastic are there?
a)
7 b) 8 c) 15 d) 50
2. Which types of plastic are
accepted at most recycling centers?
a)
#1 PET (or PETE) and #2 HDPE b)
Only #3 PVC c)
None of them are recyclable, which is why
they're piling up in landfills.
d) All non-PVC plastics can be recycled throughout most of the United States.
3.
Which type of plastic is not easy to recycle?
a) #1
PET and #2 HDPE b) #5 PP c) #3 PVC d) None of the above
4. How many years does it take for plastic to biodegrade in landfills?
a) 25
b) 50 c) 500 d) 1,000
Answers
1. a) 7
Plastics fall into seven general categories, which are divided by the type of
resin contained in the plastic. The resin type is identified by a number (from
one to seven) inside a triangle of arrows on the bottom of the product. Plastics
with a
· #1 indicate the presence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, or PETE) -- often found in plastic water bottles, food containers, polyester fabrics and carpet.
· #2 high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is found in plastic water bottles, grocery bags and bottles that contain cleaners.
· #3 polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl) is used in plumbing pipe, fencing and linoleum for flooring.
· #4 low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is what you'll find in toys, container lids and garbage bags.
· #5 polypropylene (PP) makes up bottle caps and some appliances.
· #6 polystyrene is found in packing peanuts, compact disc cases and building insulation; and finally.
· #7 (other) usually indicates that the product is made of a combination of resins, or one that does not fit into the other categories.
2. a) #1 PET and #2 HDPE
#1 and #2 plastics are most commonly accepted at recycling centers nationwide, with a few exceptions for items such as plastic bags. It's important to note that recycling plastic is often referred to as downcycling, which means it becomes a lower-quality material. Recycled plastic bottles don't become the same kind of plastic bottle, but rather a product such as plastic lumber. Read more about plastic recycling and safety from Co-op America at http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/realmoney/articles/plastics.cfm.
3. c) #3 PVC
All
plastics from #1 to #6 are thermoplastics, which can be melted down and remolded
into new products. However, few facilities accept PVC, as it is difficult to
recycle -- the chlorine molecule it contains keeps it from mixing properly with
other plastics when heated. Because the majority of plastic bottles in the
United States are made of #1 and #2 resins, separate processes and facilities
that recycle PVC are not considered cost-effective and are therefore unlikely to
develop in the near future. It's best to steer clear of #3.
4. d) The Earth Policy Institute (http://www.earth-policy.org)
estimates that buried plastic bottles can take up to 1,000 years to break down,
and therefore will continue to hog much-needed space in landfills. In contrast,
a banana peel and many other types of organic waste take only a few weeks.
Plastic is derived from crude oil -- according to the Earth Policy Institute
(http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/2006/Update51.htm),
it takes approximately 17 million barrels of oil just to make the amount of
bottles used by Americans annually for bottled water, which is enough to fuel
1,000,000 U.S. cars for a year. Conversely, each ton of plastic bottles recycled
saves about 3.8 barrels of oil, according to the American Chemistry Council
(http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/sec_content.asp?CID=1102&DID=5007).
Last November, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) proposed the Bottle Recycling
Climate Protection Act. The bill was designed to encourage nationwide plastic
recycling by establishing a 5-cent deposit on plastic beverage containers. While
11 states already have similar systems in place, Markey recognized the need to
increase the effort. The bill is currently awaiting action by the House
Committee on Energy and Commerce. Wondering what to do with your used plastic
bottles? Earth 911 (http://earth911.org)
has an online search function that will help you find facilities in your area
that are equipped to accept plastics; you can even search by resin number.
Remember, many different kinds of food and drink containers fall into the
category of the #1 and #2 plastic bottles or jars that are commonly accepted by
recycling centers, so don't trash your salad dressing bottles, peanut
butter jars, shampoo bottles, etc. without checking for those numbers first. You
can leave the labels on them, but be sure to remove the caps.
Excerpted from MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine. Read the full story at www.MotherEarthNews.com or call (800) 234-3368 to subscribe. Copyright 2008 Ogden Publications Inc.