Nashua UU News - June 2009
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.
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Upcoming Services
June 7: Flower Sunday - Religious Education and Treble Choir Recognition
We close out another church year in our congregational life with our annual Flower Communion, along with our thanks to all who make our Religious Education program the wonderful experience it is for children, young people, and adults. We'll also thank our Treble Choir for their fine contributions to our worship services. And we'll hear once again the story of the origin of the Flower Communion. Steve Edington and Chris Parker will lead the service.
Summer Services
June 14: Universalism, a Faith for Our Times - Lee Page.
At this service, Lee will explore the ideas put forth in a recent article written by Paul Rasor. In it he reviews some of Universalism's significant historical milestones and proposes that its core principles, reinterpreted in a contemporary context, offer a relevant and important religious response for our time. Lee will explore these ideas at this service.
June 21: Honoring a Life - Shirley Rayburn.
Come join us to celebrate the Summer Solstice with song, poetry, and prose in the Earth tradition. Shirley will present a service honoring the goddess Gaia and the life of her dear departed friend Sister Willie.
June 28: Finding Religious Meaning in Life's Experiences - Gary and Andrea Lerude.
Andrea and Gary Lerude will share this service, exploring how their life experiences have deepened their spirituality and shaped their religious beliefs.
July 5: Choose the Mystery - Geoff Skelton.
It is somewhat uneasy being a know-it-all in the face of the unknowable. It's pretty tough to sort out all that we don't know. After all, there are known knowns, known unknowns, unknown knowns, and, most insidious of all, unknown unknowns. Come join us! Geoff is sure we can sort it all out in a half-hour or so....
July 12: A Light in the Forest - Peter Taudvin and Laurie Goodman.
Ten years ago, Peter and his son (a Maine Guide) were on a seven-day canoe trip on a remote Maine River in October. They saw no people for the six days they spent on the water. During that trip Peter and his son (were contacted by?) saw something they could not and have not been able to explain. They believe this was a paranormal event. Join us for this service offering where Peter will tell the story, share some of the comments he and his son have been offered for this phenomenon, and ask the congregation for their thoughts and input.
July 19: The Apparent Ease of a Certain Faith - Kathy Fletcher.
Aren't there times when it just seems like it might be easier to have complete faith in an omnipotent God, whose will (although mysterious) we could praise or blame for all the events in our lives? In this sermon, Kathy Fletcher will chat about this apparent "ease" but also why it might ultimately be more spiritually satisfying to "figure it out for ourselves" when life's ups and downs come upon us.
July 26: Smackdown in the Chapel: The First Amendment, Second Amendment, Guns, Gun Control, Free Speech and Responsibility: An Interactive Service - David Robbins.
Bubba NRA v. Clarence ACLU. Is there room for these UUs in the same pew? Dave Robbins joined the National Rifle Association and The American Civil Liberties Union on the same day. With help from his alter egos, Bubba and Clarence, Dave hopes to reconcile these seemingly contradictory actions. You are invited to assist in the process with thoughts, opinions and comments. Audience participation encouraged, but no chair throwing.
August 2: Creating Ourselves Midstream - Bruce Taylor.
Most of us do not live out our lives according to an already completed plan. We enter life midstream, and as we navigate its beauty and its hazards, we only gradually discover where it is that we are going. This week's service explores the process of discovering one's true calling, especially later in life, with an experimental attitude and willingness to start again. Bruce
Taylor is a member of our congregation, preparing to enter parish ministry.
August 9: Spirit of Life: Reflections on the Spring Workshop - Joyce Stewart.
Come join us for a spiritual moment, and perhaps a vacation from your vacation. We'll re-visit a bit of the "Spirit of Life" workshops we did in March and April. Many who participated in these workshops reported feeling refreshed and deepened in their faith. Come especially if you were not able to join us in the spring workshops. Or come especially if you were in the Spring workshops and want more.
August 16: Exploring Personality Theory - Kate Messner.
Everyone has a personality and everyone lives according to it. After reading the book The New Personality Self-Portrait - Why You Think, Work, Love, and Act the Way You Do written by John Oldham, MD and Lois Morris, Kate is coming to us to share what she has discovered about the traits and behaviors exhibited by ones self, children, parents, friends, lovers, spouses, bosses, co-workers... everyone! She will share ideas from the book on why someone you may know does 'that certain thing' all the time (whether or not you like that thing they do)! According to John M Oldham and Lois B. Morris, there are predictable, genetic bases for many of the traits we exhibit. Knowing the "why" behind them can give a deeper understanding which may enable us to be more effective in dealing with others as well as handling our own internal conflicts.
August 23: Positive Thinking - You Are What You Think! - Janie Andolson.
You can be as happy as you make up your mind to be! A lot has been written about the effects that our thinking has on our lives. In general, people know that their thinking affects their life in some way or another. In this service, Janie will explore the effects of thinking positively and how this can help one to take full responsibility for their life.
August 30: Myth and Unitarian Universalism? - Marty Storer.
"Myths are lies, though lies breathed through silver." C.S.Lewis
"No, they are not." J.R.R.Tolkien
Do myths have anything to teach in the 21st Century? In this service we will explore the 'universalism' of myth, how myth and religion are related, and myths that operate within our culture today.
September 6: No service.
September 13: First Service of the 2009-2010 Year.
Reflections and Ruminations...
Consider my column for the close of our 2008-09 church year a heart-felt thank you note to the congregation!
My first thank you is for the wonderful response you gave to this year's pledge drive. When we got the appeal underway we knew this was a difficult time, financially speaking, for many of our members and friends; and that many of you were facing troubling uncertainties about your financial future. And yet, you've come through! At our May Executive Board meeting we were already able to see that we'd increased our pledge base by $10,000 over last year!
Because of the decline in the overall value of our endowment - due to the workings of the market - the Board is still facing its share of challenges in creating a 2009-10 budget. But you have more that done your part and we are grateful. I hope you'll plan to attend our Annual Meeting on June 11 - and let all of our church leaders know how much you value what they do for all of us.
It's been a very gratifying year for me in many ways. We saw an uptick in new members, had yet another successful service auction - and that Honk! play/musical was just plain fantastic! I come to the end of this church year with a deep sense of appreciation for the congregation it has been my privilege to serve now for the past 21 years.
Our summer service line-up looks great as well. So please know that we are not closing our doors. I hope to see some of you over the summer even as look forward to another fine year in our life.
Peace
Steve
Announcements
Habitat for Humanity
Starting June 7th and continuing through September, Habitat for Humanity will be the recipient of our Outreach Collections. On Sunday, June 7th, Jerry Harrow, President of the Greater Nashua Chapter will visit our church to give a presentation in the Fellowship Room at 11:30 AM. Please stop by to find out what this active agency is doing to help end homelessness in our own back yard. Jerry will give a slide show describing ongoing projects and discuss Habitat's plans for providing housing to the indigent in the future. Find out if there is something you and your family could do to help. All are welcome.
Denominational Connections News
The UUA General Assembly will be held June 24th-June 28th, 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The current plan is to have it available for viewing via streaming live video. For the schedule of events, see the UUA website. Benette Sherman, Northern New England District (NNED) Program Consultant, in the Annual Report, called for readers to "...thank the adults on the two youth committees who have given much time and energy in mentoring youth..." Then she listed some names, including three from UUNashua: Mickey Saunders, Ginger Hedges, and Chuck Rehberg. UUNashua was mentioned elsewhere in the Annual Report as a Fair Share congregation. Such congregations have made a contribution to the UUA based on membership.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 11:30 AM: Lerudes to offer Laurel Hallman Presentation
As noted in the April Newsletter, a new President for our Unitarian Universalist Association will be elected at our annual General Assembly in June of this summer in Salt Lake City, Utah. The two candidates are Rev. Laurel Hallman, Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, Texas, and Rev. Peter Morales, Minister of the UU Church of Golden, Colorado. Two of Laurel's very ardent supporters are Gary and Lori Lerude, who were members of her Dallas congregation before they moved to Nashua. Following the service on May 31st Gary and Lori will offer a presentation on why they are supporting Rev. Hallman's candidacy, and explain how votes can be cast for UUA President whether we send a full slate of delegates to Salt Lake City or not. This program will begin at 11:30 AM in a room to be announced. Plan to attend!
Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 2:00 PM: Honk! The Musical
Mark your calendars to attend the encore performance of our award-winning production of Honk! on Sunday, June 7, at 2 PM in the sanctuary. Please bring a canned food item, non-perishable food item, diapers or personal hygiene product(s) for donation. This wonderful play is the retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson story of "The Ugly Duckling." We hope to see you that Sunday afternoon!
Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 PM: Annual Meeting
Please plan to attend the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 PM. This meeting is an important event on our church calendar, when members gather to bring one church year to a close and vote on important decisions for the upcoming church year. It is important to have a quorum to conduct our business at this meeting, including the acceptance of the 2009-2010 budget and nominees for the Executive Board and other positions. In addition, this year's committees will present brief reports highlighting their activities in terms of our church mission, vision, and strategic vision. We expect it to be a rich, meaningful experience for all who attend.
Church School News
June Calendar
| 7 | Intergen Flower Service Remember to bring a flower! We will honor the Youth Choirs, Graduating Seniors, and Church School Teachers. All church school students attending will receive a geranium! Social Responsibility Ice Cream Social during Coffee Hour |
|---|---|
| 12-14 | Ferry Beach Weekend |
Graduating Seniors
We will be honoring the youth who are graduating from high school at our Flower Service.
Congratulations to the following graduates:
Katie Brodeur
Elyse Brown
Tim Cleaveland
Ben Conrad
Ben Dubray
Jenny Grossman
Ryan Lange
Adrian McLeod
Leah Nodvin
Inga Dellea-Messner
Allison Nutting
Magdalene Pattantyus
Brandon Prestiagiacomo
Teaching Opportunities
We are still looking for school team teachers for next year. Check out our new curriculum on the RE table during coffee hour.
Preschool - Celebrating Me and My World
Kindergarten - Treasure Hunting
First Grade - Coming Home (1st Semester); Special Places, Sacred Spaces (2nd Semester)
Second Grade - Experiencing the Web of Life (1st Semester); Rainbow Children (2nd Semester)
Third - Fourth Grade - Heart Talk for Kids (1st Semester); Windows and Mirrors (2nd Semester)
Fifth Grade - Toolbox of Faith (1st Semester); Riddle and Mystery (2nd Semester)
Sixth Grade - Amazing Grace (1st Semester); Race to Justice (2nd Semester)
Contact Cindy Hudson, Chris Parker, or any of the R.E. Committee members if you are interested in joining one of our teams. The following article is for you!
Religious Education FAQ
Kim Steele put this together a few years ago. If you are interested in teaching, here are the answers to a few questions that you may have!
Do I need previous teaching experience?
NO! In fact, it's a great way to get to know some of the children, and to mentor to them using fun and interesting stories and activities! The wisdom of Chris Parker, the RE Committee, and former teachers are ever available to new teachers!
Do I have to have a child in the RE program?
NO! It's a good opportunity to meet the youth in the church and many of the parents!
What is the time commitment per week? Per semester?
Classes last a little over an hour, and prep typically takes about an hour. Since there are at least 2 teachers assigned to every class, you may alternate preparation/leading the class with the other teacher(s).
How do I know what to teach them?
The curriculum books contain detailed plans and materials lists that lay it all out for you. Portions of the lessons are even scripted somewhat so you always have something to say! And speaking of materials, between Chris Parker's and Barb Koumjian's offices is the supply closet. If you need something, it is probably there.
Do I have to be a church member?
No, but you have to attend this church for at least a year so we have an opportunity to get to know each other first.
What if I have to miss a week?
We know everyone has family commitments that can't be missed. Each class has a permanent substitute assigned - an individual who will step in if one of the teachers is absent. Each class also has a committee member serving as liaison. Your liaison will find a substitute (or be one) should the permanent sub be unavailable.
Do I have to teach my own child's class?
We will work with you to find an age level with which you are the most comfortable.
How many teachers do you need each semester?
We need at least two teachers per classroom for safety reasons. We typically run about 10 classes per semester. If you can't commit to leading a class, please consider putting your name on our substitute list.
What are some of the many benefits of teaching Sunday School?
The feeling of fulfillment, the opportunity to meet more members of the church community, the occasional personal epiphany, and the invitation to Pizza and Games Night.
How can I give up service and Steve's sermons?
That's the tough one! But, one of the great aspects of UU that attracts families to our church is the religious education program. You could play an integral part. Also, you could listen online! On our church web page, http://uunashua.org/ in the left-hand column under Publications, is a link for Recordings. This link gives you access to audio recordings of complete services. Each service is broken down into tracks, so you may listen to just the parts you want!
Have A Great Summer!
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.
Next Newsletter deadline is Sunday, June 21, 2009
Please send submissions via e-mail to the Newsletter Editor.
Prepare your submission in MS Word (or save it as a text file) and send it as an attachment to the e-mail.
Please send graphic files separately. If you do not use e-mail, leave a copy of your submission (preferably typed) in the red Newsletter folder outside the church office.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua
Stephen D. Edington, Minister
Laurie Goodman, President
Jed Holland, Music Director
Chris Parker, Religious Education Director
Sherri Woolsey, Office Administrator/Membership & Volunteer Coordinator
Sandra Martinage, Sexton
Church Office Information
Steve Edington's Hours
9:00 a.m. to Noon, Tuesday through Thursday, Afternoon and evenings by appointment.
Feel free to call Steve's home anything before 9:30 p.m. Emergencies: call anytime. 
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
