Nashua UU News - May 2013
Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, New Hampshire
58 Lowell Street, Nashua NH 03064 603-882-1091
www.UUNashua.org Sunday Service: 10:00 a.m.
For best printing, and to see any photos and attachments, use the pdf file 
Also try the online calendar 
Minister's Musings
Rev. Olivia Holmes
Dear Friends,
"If we have any hope of transforming the world and changing ourselves, - we must be - bold enough to step into our discomfort, - brave enough to be clumsy there, - loving enough to forgive ourselves and others.
May we, as a people of faith, be granted the strength to be - so bold, - so brave, - and so loving."
These are the words of UU minister Joseph M. Cherry, which I found in the 2012 UU anthology of meditations, "Voices from the Margins." Rev. Cherry calls his words a "Prayer for Living in Tension."
Who among us hasn't been called upon, over and over again, to step into our discomfort? The possibility of conflict is the probability of discomfort for most of us, including me. Yet the truth is that conflict just is; it's neither good nor bad, it just is. It's the baggage that we bring to it that gives conflict its power over our ability to respond in helpful and thoughtful ways. We can do better.
So maybe we could add the idea of unpacking our bags to the bold, brave, and loving qualities Rev. Cherry is calling forth in us. I know that in my own life I'm just never quite here until I've unpacked my bags, sorted the mail, and given the cats a hug and a rub.
What about you? Is there baggage you need to unpack before you can give your full attention to now, to here, and to the possibility of the changes you might want to make in yourself, in the world?
Each one of us has some gift to give that is uniquely our own. May we be bold, brave, and loving together as we offer it up to a world in need.
In faith, - Olivia
Stewardship Update
Kate Messner, Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee would like to thank you all for your enthusiasm on Celebration Sunday. We suspect some folks were a little dubious about such a public display of zeal, but everyone arrived with an open mind and a willing heart. We don't think anyone there that morning will dispute that their trust was rewarded. With a little help from Nick Page, we put the joy in joyous and a BIG smile on every face in the room.
Indeed, you have all responded to this year's pledge drive with the same zeal and enthusiasm. We have already surpassed our numbers from last year and we still have a small chunk of folks who pledged last year but haven't gotten back to us yet. In total we've received about $220,000 in pledges and expect to receive another $15,000 to $20,000 in pledges over the next few weeks. After factoring those it means we're just $10,000 to $15,000 short of the $255,000 needed to fund our budget.
We are so close that we know we can make it - with a little bit extra from you. If we each increased our pledges by just $5-10/month we can reach our goal. We think that would be pretty awesome and truly worth celebrating!
If you are able, please send email the Treasurer 
or call the church office (603-882-1091) with the amount of your celebratory 'bonus' pledge. We know you'll be glad you did.
Board Business
Ellen Fisher, Church President
First of all, please check out the article from the Stewardship Committee. We are so close to making our goal! The Board will be finalizing our budget proposal to present at the Annual Meeting soon, and we would love to be able to fully fund the budget that was proposed before the Stewardship Campaign. That budget will allow us to fund our Search Committee's vital work, to meaningfully support leadership development, and to fairly adjust compensation for our staff in accordance with UUA standards (no increase is proposed for our interim minister's compensation). Those are solid, specific reasons to consider revising your pledge.
Church Priorities
At our April meeting the Board of Trustees received 2 reports from Board sub-committees, assessing our progress and recommending next-steps on our Improving Communications and Retaining Youth & Attracting Young Adults Priorities. The reports are too long to include in this newsletter, but the Board would like you to be able to see them and to give us input. The reports are attached to our April 9, 2013 meeting minutes, which are posted on the Dining Room bulletin board and on the church website, at www.uunashua.org/gov/bot.shtml
As you probably remember, in January 2012 the Board formulated three church priorities to run for 18 months. The priorities included the two listed above plus our All-Church Social Justice Project, "Ending Hunger and Homelessness." As we approach the end of that 18 month period, we are considering renewed priorities for the next 2 years. I can confidently say that the Board will recommend a continuation of each of our 3 priorities, with some revision, based on what we have learned and observed. Any input you would like to offer would be welcome. Please contact any one of us.
The 2012-13 Board of Trustees members are: Kathleen Griffis, David Hudson, Pat Ladew, Donna LaRue, Kate O'Shea, Lance Pratt, Harry Purkhiser, Mary Licking (Clerk), Mike Wilt (Treasurer), Jenn Morton (Vice President), and Ellen Fisher (President).
Upcoming Services
Services start at 10:00am.
May 5, "Bridging Our Barriers"
Rev. Olivia Holmes
Bring a friend to church today. Harry Purkhiser and Jim McCormick spent good money for a sermon on a subject of their choosing. The result will take a hard look at what the purposes of UU religion might be in the 21st century, in this particular church, among this particular people, and the bridges we might envision building to get there from here. Today we will also welcome new members into the congregation. Be sure to plan to take your friends on a self-guided cemetery tour, planned by our Trustees, after the service.
May 12, "From Pain through Passion to Power"
Rev. Olivia Holmes
It was my privilege to spend an entire afternoon in the oldest and most infamous red light district in Kolkata, India, while on sabbatical many years ago now. In the company of some 200 ladies of the night, I learned how little I knew of how hard life can be for others, and how they find courage and strength in one another as they struggle for a better life.
May 19, Children's Day Service
Chris Parker
In our year of transition, we are reviving the Children's Day Service. We will be incorporating youth into all aspects of our service, honoring our church school teachers, high school graduates, and youth choir members. This will be a fun service full of surprises!! Please join us.
May 26, "Of War and Peace"
Rev. Olivia Holmes
Everyone suffers in times of violence, in times of war. On this Memorial Day weekend Rev. Olivia will find a place of hope in the evolution of war to the possibility of war no more.
June 2, Flower Celebration Sunday
Rev. Olivia Holmes
At this final service of the "formal" church year, we are invited to bring flowers from our gardens to create a beautiful bouquet to share with one another as we look toward summer and a gentler pace of life. In this service we will lift up the meaning of church; the meaning of this church, and of this beloved community in our lives.
Search Committee News
Laurie Goodman
Have you heard the news? The Search is on!
The search committee has begun the process of calling our next settled minister! Though it will take over a year to complete the journey, we are on our way. Members of the Search Committee held an overnight retreat with our Ministerial Settlement Representative, Olav Nieuwejaar April 19 and 20 at a lodge in Temple, New Hampshire. When it was over, members had a clearer understanding of the road ahead and began to set the course. Gary Lerude and Kathy Grossman received unanimous support as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, respectively. The committee will meet weekly through the month of May, bi-weekly in June, and then assess the meeting schedule and make adjustments as needed.
Throughout the entire process the Search Committee will keep the congregation informed of our progress. We will also be calling on members of the congregation for help and support to complete our shared mission of calling a new settled minister.
Your first call to service from the Search Committee: Cottage Meetings.
Please plan to participate in one of a series of small group "cottage meetings" that will be held between May 5 - June 2 to help identify the qualities we are looking for in our next settled minister. Your input will form the basis of a profile that will be used to introduce prospective candidates to our congregation on the UUA.org website - our first point of contact with potential ministers. While these small group meetings will be similar in style to the ones the Transition Team held in January, the purpose and content will be significantly different.
Many of these cottage meetings will be hosted by members in their homes. If you would be interested in hosting and have space for 10 - 14 people, please contact Donna LaRue. Please indicate a time and day (between May 5, 2013 and June 2, 2013) that you could accommodate such a meeting. Once the dates and times are set, sign-up will take place at coffee hour. If you will not be attending services during the sign up period but would like to participate, please call the church office at 882-1091 or send an email to Donna LaRue to sign up for the session of your choice.
It is our hope that every member and friend of the church will see it as both an opportunity and a responsibility to their fellow congregants to share their vision of the minister that will lead us in our shared ministry.
Events and Announcements
May 5 - Nashua Cemetery Tour
Ellen McCormick
Visit the historic Nashua Cemetery. A self-guided tour of notable Nashuans' monuments will be provided. What a wonderful opportunity to learn more about those UUs who came before us. 11:15 to 12:30.
Cereal Sunday, May 5
Laurie Goodman
As part of our Ending Hunger and Homelessness initiative, let's ensure that families in Nashua start their day with a healthy breakfast! On Sunday, May 5th, please bring a box of nutritious and delicious cereal to church. We will ensure that your donation is promptly delivered to an area food pantry for distribution. Let's make this a monthly event on the first Sunday!
Simple Gifts Coffee House Presents Garnet Rogers - May 11, 7:30pm
Anya Zakiewicz
Garnet Rogers has established himself as "One of the major talents of our time". Hailed by the Boston Globe as a "charismatic performer and singer", Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence - close to six and a half feet tall - with a voice to match. With his "smooth, dark baritone" (Washington Post) his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. Cinematic in detail, his songs "give expression to the unspoken vocabulary of the heart" (Kitchener Waterloo Record). An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again.
"I have found strength and comfort in his songs. This is good and rich and big music. Welcome one and all. Come on in. Get down." - Greg Brown
For tickets and more information, see www.uunashua.org/simplegifts
The coffee house team is looking for volunteers - for the team and for upcoming shows. If interested contact Anya.
NHGMC Concert May 4, May 19
Wes Chadwick
Dig out your zoot suits and bobby socks and get ready to boogie! In May, the New Hampshire Gay Men's Chorus will present a musical program unlike any you've heard from our chorus. The concert features the all-American sound of swing with such standards as Sing Sing Sing, Moonlight Serenade, Puttin' on the Ritz and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Also included will be swing show tunes and patriotic medleys. It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. So let's swing into spring because...We Got That Swing.
The Concert will be presented at the Nashua Community College on May 4 at 7:30pm in the Judd Gregg Auditorium. On May 19 the concert will be performed at the Derryfield School in Manchester, NH at 4:00 pm.
UU Hikers: Outdoor Recreation Events
Dick Widhu
Each month we plan to organize at least one activity outdoors for people to enjoy active and sociable recreation. We try to schedule easy half-day local events for younger kids and challenging all-day major hikes for older ones, with kidless adults also welcome. For more information, contact Dick Widhu, or visit www.nhmountainhiking.com/uu/index.html.
Hike Mt. Willard and Arethusa Falls on Saturday, May 11
This is a moderate outing suitable for adults and older kids, combining two great hikes in famous Crawford Notch: Mount Willard (3 miles roundtrip with 900 feet of up) has one of the best "views per effort" in New Hampshire. Arethusa Falls (another 3 miles roundtrip and 900 feet up) drops a spectacular 200 feet, the tallest in New Hampshire.
Nashua Buddhist Meditation Group
Gillian Orlinsky
The Nashua Buddhist Meditation Group offers a regular space for UU Church and Nashua community members to join together to practice meditation and to study the dharma with longtime practitioners and students of Buddhism. Every Wednesday from 7:00 - 8:00pm, group sitting and walking meditation is practiced in the auditorium and is open to everyone. Meditation instruction is provided for newcomers. There is also an open book discussion every first and third Wednesday from 8:00 - 9:00pm, in the Youth Room, on an ongoing basis. We are currently reading "The Magic of Awareness" by Anam Thubten. It is not necessary to read the book to participate in the discussion.
On Wednesday May 22 a dharma talk on the Five Wisdom Energies will be presented by Emily Weidman starting with meditation at 7:00 followed by the talk. This will be held in the auditorium and is open to everyone.
We will be holding a Day of Meditation from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday, May 4 with a focus on loving kindness practice. All are welcome. Please register with Martha Roberts if you plan to attend.
For more information, contact the group coordinator Martha Roberts . More information can be found at www.uunashua.org/adultre/buddhist.shtml or the flyers in the church office and in the back of the church.
Gun Violence Dialogue
Jerry Ross
Gun violence is not a force of nature. It is not something we have no control over. For the last few months, since the tragic shootings in Newtown, several members of our congregation have been meeting regularly, exchanging emails, attending public events and contacting elected officials to support concrete steps toward reducing the potential for gun violence. We know such violence cannot be eliminated. But we believe there are reasonable measures that can be tried to reduce the probability of gun violence occurring. The political process around such measures at the state and national level has largely drawn to a close for this season, without concrete success. Change is going to take a bit longer. Those of us committed to continue working on this issue have been connecting with other concerned individuals in the community and around the state to identify useful ways of working together. Within our congregation, the Gun Violence Dialogue email list will continue to be a source of information for those wanting to keep abreast of developments (go to www.uunashua.org/elists.shtml to subscribe), and individuals interested in more direct efforts will be working through the Social Justice Committee.
Bike & Build
Tessa Mandra
This summer, Tessa Mandra will lead a bicycle trip from Portland, Maine to Santa Barbara, California with the organization Bike & Build. Bike & Build is a non-profit that raises money and awareness for the cause of Affordable Housing while focusing on the importance of involving young adults in community service. Affordable housing is a national issue that really is the building block of economic well-being in our communities. While the issue is not so obvious (as homelessness is), it is a silent and vicious cycle that disables families from leading healthy lives that every person should. Paying for expensive and overpriced housing doesn't allow for the purchase of other needs: utilities like electricity and running water, healthy food and lifestyle, and spending money to invest in the local communities. Donating their time, sweat, and money is how the riders provide the opportunity for affordable housing to those that need it.
Tessa is so enthused to be riding across the U.S. this summer with three other leaders and 28 other young adult riders. The experience will be unique, but hopefully not the last of its kind. This commitment is no walk in the park. Before they leave on June 15th, all of them will have raised $4,500 dollars, completed at least ten "sweat equity" hours at a local affordable housing organization, and as a leader, will have done an insane amount of planning and coordinating with gracious hosts, unruly roads, mind-jumbling cue sheets, and wonderfully committed riders. And by the time they reach Santa Barbara, California, they will have met hundreds of people, volunteered with numerous organizations, built their own community, and biked about 3,855 miles. This is why Tessa is enlisting the help of a community that appreciates civic engagement and sustainable initiatives to donate. A little bit goes a long way!
To learn more about Bike & Build, visit www.bikeandbuild.org
To donate, please visit www.bikeandbuild.org/rider/6704
Or, make out a check to Bike & Build (mention Tessa Mandra in the memo) and send to: - Bike & Build / 6153 Ridge Ave. / Philadelphia, PA 19128
Join Us for FERRY BEACH Weekend June 7-9, 2013
Victoria Agnew
What is Ferry Beach Weekend? It is an opportunity for our church family to spend a beach weekend together in Saco, Maine! We stay at the Ferry Beach UU Conference/Retreat Facility, located on a 7-mile stretch of sandy beach, less than a 2-hour drive from Nashua. The facility has a 32-acre campus with a private beach. There are basketball, tennis and sand volleyball courts, and two playgrounds for children. Biking and hiking trails are located nearby at Ferry Beach State Park. You are welcome to bring your canoe/kayak, bicycles, roller blades, books, beach umbrellas, and Frisbees. What you do at Ferry Beach is up to you!
Ferry Beach weekend is an opportunity to relax, with no schedule of events (other than a Sunday morning service) and no requirements (other than enjoying yourself!). Some of us like to walk or sit on the beach, or maybe play in the sand. The water may be chilly, but there are always those willing to brave the cold and enjoy the water! Others enjoy the view, conversation, or a good book (and maybe a glass of wine!) in a rocking chair on the porch. Some folks get together to play music, and others to play card or board games and share snacks. Sometimes a Talent Show is organized, or maybe a trip to visit a local point of interest. Many sit and talk with old friends, or people they see on Sundays but haven't really met yet. You are welcome to bring friends and family who aren't part of our church. What you do is up to you!
Lodgings are in dormitory-style buildings or at the campground area. Bedding is not provided, so bring sheets and blankets or sleeping bags, as well as towels and toiletries. We eat together in a newly renovated (and ecologically responsible!) dining hall. The food includes vegetarian and vegan options. There is also a small ice cream shop on the grounds if you want a treat.
The cost for the Ferry Beach weekend is $105 for adults, and $95 for children aged 5-12, and includes four meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and Sunday brunch. If you prefer to camp, camping spaces are available for $16/night plus the cost of food: $47/adult, $30/kids ages 5-12 for the weekend.
If you have any questions, please contact Anne Ryder or Victoria Agnew. Registration Forms are at www.uunashua.org/usercontent/ferrybeach2013.pdf, as well as at the Information Table in the Dining Room. Please join us!
ENDING HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS PROJECT
Newsletter 4: April, 2013
2013 Homelessness Count Gives Very Encouraging News!
The annual homelessness count was held in January in our community and throughout the state. The count has been held every year at this time of year for over 10 years now. The count is, in fact, held throughout the United States. It is our single best indicator, both in our community and throughout our country, of how we are doing in our quest to end the tragedy of homelessness in our rich and powerful nation. The homeless count, referred to as the Point in Time (PIT) Count, attempts to count every child, woman, and man who is living on the street, in cars, or in places uninhabitable for human beings. Counted also are those living in shelters or transitional housing. Who is not counted are homeless who are doubling up or "couch surfing". It should be noted that there are many within the ending homelessness advocacy community who believe these should be counted as homeless as they have no control or rights in regard to their housing.
Results
The overall count of the homeless people in our community dropped from 336 in 2012 to 306 this year, a decrease of nearly 10%. Ten years ago, this count was in the mid-800's. Chronic homelessness is defined by the federal government as a person or family that has been homeless for a year or more or has had 4 or more episodes of being homeless in the past 3 years and has some kind of disabling condition. Those who are assessed as chronically homeless are included in 306 total homeless count noted above. The chronic homeless count for individuals dropped dramatically from 55 in 2012 to 24 this year, a decrease of over 43%!
The drop in numbers for families who are chronically homeless was even more dramatic, going from 30 in 2012 to just 1 in 2013! We were able to track the reason for 21 out of 28 families no longer being chronically homeless, and it is because they became housed in permanent housing. The creation of more permanent and affordable housing for those who are homeless in our community is the singularly most important reason for the reduction of homelessness. Hence, this is the reason that our Ending Hunger and Homelessness Project is focusing its highest attention to developing an Ending Homelessness Housing Fund so that money can be raised to create more housing for our homeless neighbors.
Consider one other number, referring to the Veterans' First Program, of Harbor Homes. Vanessa Talasazan, Vice President of Development for Harbor Homes, was quoted in the Telegraph (4/12/13), "Since the program started, we dropped the number of homeless veterans in Greater Nashua from over 100 to 1." In the same article, Harbor Homes' efforts to expand its program to the veterans of Manchester is detailed with a soon to be opened $5.2 million housing center there.
Update - Ending Homelessness Housing Fund
We raised a total of $4,000 from the Christmas Eve Services and the month of February Outreach collection for Harbor Homes. This money will be deposited into the Fund when it is established. Thanks for your generous support.
The Ending Hunger and Homelessness Project (EHHP) has sent a proposal about creating an Ending Homelessness Housing Fund and other related actions to ending homelessness and hunger to the Board of Trustees for its review and endorsement. The proposal is a framework for the purpose of the Fund, its use, and goals, including a $100,000 funding goal over the next five years within our congregation and a major campaign to engage other faith groups, civic organizations, and individuals in raising funds from the community-at-large for the fund. The next step is to bring the proposal to the whole congregation for its approval, for, although the Fund can be created now under the authority of the Ending Hunger and Homelessness Project, having the formal support of the congregation as a whole would be the best option.
In summary, in the simplest terms, what the homeless need the most is permanent, affordable housing, and what the Fund would create is a mechanism to donate monies to secure housing and to keep them housed. Or, as Miles Pendry, a Management Information Systems specialist for Harbor Homes said, "Homelessness bad, housing good". If you have any questions, please ask members of the EHHP: Ellen Barr, Bob Keating, Hilary Keating, Jerry Ross, Elaine Thomas, or Sarah Widhu.
Update - Bronstein Apartments
The Nashua Housing Authority (NHA) has decided to put on hold for at least six months any plans to demolish/redevelop Bronstein Apartments. This is because of anticipated federal reductions in allocations to its agency. It means that the 48 families will not be moving. The Commissioners of the NHA have vowed to communicate on at least a monthly basis issues affecting the Bronstein families. Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP), of which our church is a founding member, supported this decision given the uncertainty of funding which could directly affect current programs, including the number of housing vouchers and maintenance costs. GSOP, however, is very much aware that this may well be difficult for the families who have waited a year since the first announcement that they would be moving. GSOP will continue to play an active role in the fate of the Bronstein families.
Next meeting of the Ending Hunger and Homeless Project will be held on 5/7 at 7:30 at the Church. All are invited.
LIFESPAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
MAY CALENDAR
| 1 | Buddhist Meditation 7pm Auditorium |
|---|---|
| 5 | RE Committee Meeting 8:30 Rm. 7 - Reiki Drum Circle 5:45pm Auditorium - Parent of Teens 6pm Fellowship Room |
| 8 | Buddhist Meditation 7pm Auditorium |
| 12 | Mother's Day - Last Day of Church School Classes |
| 15 | Buddhist Meditation 7pm Auditorium |
| 19 | CHILDREN'S DAY MULTIGEN SERVICE |
| 22 | Buddhist Meditation 7pm Auditorium |
| 26 | NO CHURCH SCHOOL - Memorial Day - B/T in Rm. 1, Childcare Rm. 9 |
| 29 | Buddhist Meditation 7pm Auditorium |
CHILDREN'S DAY - APPRECIATION SUNDAY
In our year of transition, we are reviving the Children's Day Service. We will be incorporating youth into all aspects of our service, honoring our church school teachers, high school graduates, and youth choir members. This will be a fun service full of surprises!! Please join us.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Jerry Ross, Chair, Spiritual Development Committee
April has been a busy month for Spiritual Development activities. The New and Not-so-New UU course came to a close with very positive feedback from those who attended. Sixteen people participated, and session presenters were drawn from several areas of the congregation. The workshop seemed to meet the goal of broadening participants' understanding of and engagement with Unitarian Universalism and our congregation, regardless of length of tenure as UU's, as well as providing an opportunity for newer and longer term members to get to know each other.
The sad events at the Boston Marathon led to postponement of the trip to UUA headquarters and the Sanctuary Boston Worship service, an idea which had originally come out of the New and Not-so-new UU course. The trip is being rescheduled for May or June. Also coming out of the course was the decision to offer a time-limited Small Group Ministry (Covenant Group) for new and potential members of the congregation. The group will run from May through September, meeting twice a month. Jerry Ross will facilitate the group. People who have joined the Nashua congregation within the last couple years have been invited to participate. If you didn't get an invitation and would like to become involved, please contact Jerry Ross.
POPCORN THEOLOGY April's Popcorn Theology showing of "Invictus" was moved to coincide with the Pot Luck dinner on April 19th organized by the Social Activities Committee. Combining a pot luck with a Popcorn Theology movie was something we had wanted to do for some time, and this presented an opportune moment. The idea for showing "Invictus", the inspiring story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team to help unite their country, came out of one of Rev. Olivia's sermons. We won't be showing a Popcorn Theology movie in May, but our scheduled event for June will be offered at Ferry Beach. We will be showing "Snowmen" a funny, heart-warming and truly inspiring family movie. You're gonna love this movie!
Diane Lyons joined the Spiritual Development Committee this month, but unfortunately Gary Lerude announced he will need to step down due to the demands of his participation on the ministerial search committee. Spiritual Development is a GREAT committee to be a part of. Seriously! Come join us.
CLASSROOM VISITS FROM MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Donna LaRue visited church school classes to ask the children what they would like to see in a new minister. Church members will also be invited to join in small groups for similar conversations. Be sure to sign up for one of the gatherings!
SPRING PARTY FUN!
We had lots of fun at the Spring Party. The children created flower fairies, tissue paper flowers, butterflies, paper plate games, and bracelets. Children decorated spring cards for women held at the Goffstown Prison. Sr. High youth managed energetic youngsters who were too excited for crafting! Fun for all!
WANTED: YOUTH BASKETBALL PLAYERS FOR UU TEAM
We're looking into forming a UU basketball team to play in the Nashua YMCA Church League next winter. Our church had a team in this league for many years from the 1960s through the 1980s and it would be great to get a team back in the league! We would like to get 12-15 players, here are the eligibility rules:
Both boys & girls are allowed to play in the league
The age range is from 13-18 (players must be at least 13 by October 1st) and the kids must be in Middle School or High School
Varsity players from any of the schools are NOT allowed to play
We can have a maximum of 3 non-church members on the team to balance out the roster. These are usually friends of players.
Since the age range is so wide, the league sets aside the second quarter of games for the younger and/or less experienced players to get a chance to play.
Mike Super and Andy Straussberg, both former UU players, will be the coaches. Please contact Chris Parker and let her know the name(s) and age(s) of anyone in your family who is interested. Players must have parents who are Church members, but don't need to be regular church attendees themselves. Questions about the league can be sent to Mike Super.
Our Mission and Covenant
Embracing the Purposes and Principles of Unitarian Universalism and the Vision we have chosen, as members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, New Hampshire, we will:
Support and respect one another in our searches for meaning, value, and personal/spiritual growth;
Join with one another in providing, nurturing, and celebrating a free religious community through common worship, shared activities, and programs for all ages;
Promote a sense of family within the congregation through mutual support and friendship, and by attending to each other's needs;
Be a positive presence for, and work to create, a more just, humane and caring society through outreach to our local community and to the wider human family.
Our Vision
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, New Hampshire will be a beacon of liberal religious thought and action whose members are committed to the search for truth and meaning, the acceptance of diversity, and the promotion of social justice within a supportive and caring community.
The next Newsletter deadline is Sunday, May 19, 2013.
Please send your content to the editor .
Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua
Rev. Olivia Holmes, Interim Minister
Ellen Fisher, President
Jed Holland, Music Director
Chris Parker, Religious Education Director
Sherri Woolsey, Office Administrator/Membership & Volunteer Coordinator
Sandra Martinage, Sexton
Church Office Information
Rev. HolmesÂ’ Hours
Available as needed, Rev. Holmes will be in the church office regularly 3 days a week, generally Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
However, her schedule changes a bit depending on night meetings in any given week.
Do call for an appointment to be sure she's in and available when you come.
Check with Sherri, or email Rev. Holmes at
minister@uunashua.org
or call her cell phone.
Church Staff Hours
Chris Parker, Religious Education Director: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Sherri Woolsey, Church Administrator/Membership and Volunteer Coordinator: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the church year
Contact the Church:
phone 603 882-1091 |
Send a message |
www.uunashua.org
