chaliceNashua UU News - February 2012

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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Also try the online calendar

Upcoming Services

Steve Edington

Services start at 10:00AM.

February 5: Guest Speaker and Topic To Be Announced

We are providing our pulpit for a sermon by a guest Unitarian Universalist minister. Kathy Fletcher, a member of our Worship Associates Team will assist in leading the service.

February 12: Pledge Drive Kick-Off

On this Sunday we will kick-off our pledge drive for the 2012-13 Church Year. Our pledge drive Chairs are David Hudson and Kate Messner. While every pledge drive is important, this one is especially so as our congregation moves into a time of ministerial transition.

See "Reflections and Ruminations...." for more on this.

February 19: Fake It 'Till You Make It

"Fake it 'till you make it" is not about being phony or pretending to be someone you're not. As I'm treating it here, it's about working through your times of self-doubt, or times of fear over your supposed inadequacies, and discovering strengths and abilities you may not have known you had. It's mostly about living by faith - liberal religious style.

February 26: Playing the Hand You're Dealt

This sermon includes a poem by the late Ric Masten that he wrote after getting a prostate cancer diagnosis; the "Serenity Prayer" that is recited at AA meetings; and a song by the Statler Brothers called The Class of '57 Had Its Dreams. In some ways this sermon follows on the one from the previous Sunday. It is really about how we live in the breach or the push/pull between the things that life just hands us and about which we have little choice, and the choices and directions we are indeed able to choose for ourselves.

Reflections and Ruminations...

Last month I used my column to urge you to attend and participate in two congregational events. One was the Sunday Service on January 8 with the Rev. Keith Kron, Director of the UUA's Transitions Office. Keith spoke about some of the challenges and opportunities a congregation faces when a minister leaves, and the process for calling a new one gets underway. We had a very good turnout on that Sunday, Keith was very informative and well received. Thank you for being there!

My other appeal was to attend the Congregational Transitions Dinner and Conversations that was sponsored by the Special Committee on Ministry and the Board of Trustees. On a cold and rather snowy night, nearly150 of you came out for what was a really productive, and fun, evening. Thanks again for all the input you provided the Board of Trustees as they prepare for the next 2-3 years in your congregational life.

And now I've got one more appeal for this upcoming month - if you can handle yet another one from me! On February 12 we kick off our Pledge Drive for the 2012-13 church year. I know it's an exercise in redundancy to say, "This pledge drive is really important." Yes, they are all important. We need a good one every single year. What gives this one an extra layer of significance, as my first two paragraphs here point to, is that we need to demonstrate a good measure of financial health and stability as you move through this time of ministerial transition.

You've demonstrated that health and stability exceedingly well in our last 3-4 pledge drives, as you've helped raise our pledge base by over $40,000 in that stretch of time - a time marked by a tough economic climate in our country and with many of you facing uncertainty with your employment. I am very proud of how this congregation has responded to its fiscal challenges in recent years.

So do all you can to keep us moving in this very good direction. Of course, prospective ministers look at much more than just financial matters in deciding if they want to be considered as a church's ministerial candidate. But they also know that a healthy financial climate is often a good indicator of the overall health and well-being of a congregation. So, do your best to send a good message as you prepare for a new stage in your congregational life.

You have made me proud to be your minister in many ways over the past two decades and more, and I look forward to serving you still in the months ahead.

Peace, - Steve

Upcoming Events

UU Men's Group - February 2 and 16

Dick Widhu

We meet every other Thursday at 7pm in the Fellowship Room or the Youth Room to talk about personal issues in a non-threatening confidential environment, often stimulated by a topic from the book New Men - Deeper Hungers by Tom Owen-Towle. Any men are welcome to join us if only to see what our group is about. If you have questions, contact Dick Widhu.

Social Activities

Jenn Morton

Movie Night, Monday, January 30

An off-campus gathering to see "Joyful Noise" at Cinemagic in Merrimack, NH. Meet at the theater for the 7pm show. $9.50/person. Join us for a fun way to chase away the winter blues on a Monday night. Hope to see you there! Need a ride? Contact Jenn Morton.

Third Thursday Game Nights, February 16

Thursday, February 16, 6:30-8pm - Another installment of the 3rd Thursday Game Night series! If you haven't joined us yet, you really should. Bring a favorite game of yours, or just bring yourself. We'll have plenty of games to share.

Leap Day Dinner! Wednesday, February 29, 6-8:30pm

This day only happens once every 4 years. Make it memorable by spending it with some of your favorite people... UUs! We'll provide hot homemade soup, fresh baked bread, and cheery company. Bring your own beverage and plan to have a great time.

Popcorn Theology - February 10

The Social Activities Committee and Popcorn Theology invites you to join us for "Bullied", a documentary of a gay man's struggle to find justice after being bullied and harassed as a gay student. This is an incredibly powerful film about civil rights. The movie will be in the Dining Room at 7:00pm with discussion afterward.

Calligraphy Workshop February 4 Dick Widhu

Saturday, February 4, from 2-4 PM in the auditorium - (February 12 from 2-4 PM If the weather is inclement)

Dick Widhu will introduce you to Chancery Cursive (often just called italic), the most popular and versatile style of calligraphy. With practice, you will be able to personalize envelopes, greeting cards, or favorite quotations for yourself or as gifts for friends.

We will use two sizes of calligraphy markers to practice the individual letters of the alphabet, then practice some words to learn letter and word spacing.

The cost of this workshop is $25, payable as a check to the UU Church of Nashua. In addition there will be a small materials fee of about $5.00. To register, please send your phone number and/or email address to Dick Widhu, so he can send you a reminder just before the workshop.

All proceeds will go to the Calvin Libby Art Scholarship.

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. If you would like more information, please contact Dick Widhu, or join the Hiking With Kids NH FaceBook group to get last-minute details, including times and places to meet.

Sledding at Benedictine Park - Sunday, February 5 from 2:00 until 5:00 PM - Wallace Road, Bedford, NH

Sledding on a huge hill at Benedictine Park. We'll keep our fingers crossed for snow. For directions, see nhmountainhiking.com/hike/vanloan/directions.html. For more info contact Gwen Mikailov

Play on Plum Island - Wednesday, February 29 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM - Massachusetts coast

This is a fun visit to explore the ocean coast in winter, where we can walk the beach and Wildlife Refuge paths as far as we want. You may wish to wear ankle-length boots (to keep out sand and snow) and bring a backpack with water, lunch and extra warm clothing.

We will meet at Parking Lot #2 (about half a mile past the entrance gatehouse) at 10:00 AM. There is a $5/car fee.

There will be a carpool leaving at 9:00 AM from the Route 93 Exit 3 (Windham) Park-and-Ride lot: www.nh.gov/dot/programs/rideshare/lots/windham.htm

Directions nhmountainhiking.com/hike/plumisland/directions.html

Hike Mount Sunapee - Wednesday, February 29 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM - Near Sunapee Lake NH

This is a moderately challenging hike to the top of one of NH's famous ski areas, complete with summit lodge (where you can bring your own bag lunch or buy cafeteria food). The hike is suitable for older kids (walking 5 miles roundtrip, going up 1500 feet, taking 6 hours).

We will meet at the far end of the ski area parking lot to start our hike up the Summit Trail at 9:00AM. A carpool will be leaving Route 3, Exit 11 (Hooksett) Park-and-Ride lot at 7:30AM, and one at Nashua Exit 7 Park-and-Ride at 7:00PM.

Here's what to bring: nhmountainhiking.com/hike/lists/hwk.html - Directions nhmountainhiking.com/hike/sunapee/directions.html

Simple Gifts Coffee House Hosts 7th Annual Local Performer Showcase

Laurie Goodman

Simple Gifts Coffee House presents our 7th Annual Local Performer Showcase on Saturday, February 11, at 7:00pm. Sign up for performers is complete, and there is a terrific line-up for your listening pleasure. On stage you'll see some new faces along with musicians who have joined in the past, and even some of our Nashua UU friends!

We're excited to welcome back past performer and rising star, Sarah Blacker as our host and featured performer for the evening. Sarah is a frequent co-host on MIT's WMBR 88.1 FM Radio with Joe G on his show, "Droppin' Knowledge" which airs on Thursdays from 4-5:30pm. You may also have seen her recently on TV in the "Ooh, ooh it's love" Subaru ads for Subaru of New England. She won the Radio 92.9 Contest judged by thousands of voters, and chosen by Ernie Boch Jr.

Sarah is a multi-instrumentalist with a truly unique voice that sets her apart from other female artists. She effortlessly blends jazz, folk, rock and blues into her catchy, poetic pop-sensible pieces of art which make up her more than 400 original songs.

Tickets will be available at the door only. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to CASA of NH who recruits, trains and supervises volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children in the New Hampshire court system. The suggested donation at the door for audience members is $10, and $5 for performers.

Please join us to show your support for the coffee house and local music!

The Auction! Mardi Gras in Nashua, March 31 - Next Planning Meeting February 12

Amy Savoie

The 2012 Goods and Services Auction is coming to a UU church near you! The small, but mighty, band of auction committee volunteers is in the early stages of planning this year's Mardi Gras auction for March 31.

There are several very exciting ways you can be involved in making this auction even better than last year's Wizard of Oz event. You could make a donation of a good or service to be auctioned off. You could donate a bottle of wine or 6-pack of beer to the Wall of Wine and Beer. You could sign up to be one of the 4 paid child care providers during the auction.

You could also decide that you would like to be a part of making this a fantastic event and join us in planning for the auction. Our next meeting will be at 11:30 on February 12. Questions can be sent to Amy Savoie.

Hunt at Home February 19

Sherri Woolsey

Please plan to join us after the service on Sunday, February 19, for a presentation from Judy Franseen about "Hunt At Home". Sponsored by the Hunt Community, Hunt At Home is a continuing care program for people aged 62 and older and living in the Nashua area in their current homes. Anyone with an interest in learning more about this program, either for themselves or a loved one, is encouraged to attend. 11:30 in the Fellowship Room.

Rehberg Joy and Shower March 10

Michele Rehberg

A joy and a "save the date" - Catherine Rehberg & Seth Robinson anticipate becoming parents this summer, in Hawaii. Catherine will be visiting NH in March; a baby shower is being planned for 3/10 from 2-5pm at the Church.

UU Manchester Youth Group's Coffeehouse March 10

Monica Staples

The UU Church of Manchester's Youth Group invites you to join them for their annual Coffeehouse Fundraiser on Saturday March 10th, 2012. Dinner will be served at 6pm and the performances will start at 7pm. This year's theme is Geeks and Nerds (Individual Interpretation): What some people think of as geekdom, others call passion. What are you passionate about? Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door for adults (12 and up), $8 for performers and $5 for kids 6-11. Children 5 and under are free. If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Hoskins.

Big Day of Serving May 19

Sherri Woolsey

Save the date: May 19, 2012. Why? This is the date set for the "Big Day of Serving". What is the "Big Day of Serving"? The "Big Day of Serving" is a faith based youth community service organization that is working with the Nashua Habitat for Humanity and local Home Depot stores, along with other local businesses, churches and service organizations to transform and revitalize the entire French Hill neighborhood in one day. (Imagine Home Makeover: Neighborhood Edition.) Over 500+ youth from across the northeast and possibly the US will join other youth and adults from the Nashua area to clean up, repair, paint and rejuvenate the entire French Hill neighborhood. Our church is part of the neighborhood and all members and friends are encouraged to participate. Look for more details to follow but please mark May 19 on your calendar.

Announcements

Circle Suppers

Eileen Herring

If you enjoy having great discussions over a fabulous meal, please consider joining us for a Circle Supper. What is a Circle Supper? It's simply a potluck dinner held in a church member or friend's home that several people attend. Each month we try to have 3-6 home hosts (home host is someone who is willing to host the dinner at their house). The host picks a date and time that works for them to host the supper. The host lets me know, and then I inform the others who have signed up on the Circle Supper list.

If you are interested, please sign up at the Information Table or e-mail Eileen Herring. All I need is your name, the number of adults you would like to host, and your contact information.

Soup Kitchen News

Elaine Thomas

Thanks to all who responded to the emergency request for non perishable food items. It was quite amazing especially on short notice. We filled TWO baskets! The Kitchen staff, as usual, was most grateful and reiterated their thanks to "Those wonderful UU people."

Let's see if we can keep it up through February as the need doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon! The need is for warm clothes (hats, mittens, scarves), toiletries, and non perishable food items. There is a basket in the hallway headed to the dining room for donations.

January 21 Dinner Caterer

Ellen Fisher

A number of people asked for contact information for the very competent caterer who managed our all-church dinner. It was The Perfect Platter, LLC, 16 Embassy Ave, Hooksett, NH 03106, perfectplatter@comcast.net, 765-7350. Thanks again to Heidi Miller and her family for the well-coordinated meal.

Our Church Looks Ahead - Transition Supper and Discussion Last Saturday

Bob Sampson

We came (150 of us), we listened, we talked, and we learned. And we had dinner.

That Steve is retiring is no longer news, but how we will handle the transition to a new minister is, as the large turnout on a snowy evening demonstrated. Meeting in the Sanctuary, President Ellen Fisher outlined the process and time line we will be following, Bob Sampson spoke of previous transitions, and John Sanders talked about why a two year interim ministry and what to expect from it.

Then dinner, with an overflow crowd filling both the Parish House Dining Room and Auditorium.

Breaking into small groups meeting in every available corner of our three buildings (including the Sanctuary balcony), each group discussed the following subjects:

The following questions are on the application that the Board will file with the UUA. How would you answer them?

As you would expect, every group had some common thoughts, but also a wide variety of perspectives on the questions posed. (And some groups barely got to the last questions!) A summary of each group's discussion will be posted on our website for the benefit of both those who missed the meeting and for those in groups other than their own. Read, be informed, and I think impressed by the range of thought in our Church.

Pan Mass Challenge Bike-a-Thon

Julia Rehberg

On the first weekend in August, I will join 5,500 cyclists in the PMC ride, an annual 192 mile bike-a-thon that raises money for research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I have been working at Dana-Farber for the past three and a half years, and I have seen the impact that Dana-Farber has had on the lives of our patients. The motivation for my ride in the PMC goes deeper than my work at DFCI. My mom lost her father to cancer at a young age, and I am participating in this incredible event in the hope of preventing more families from losing their loved ones.

Every penny matters and 100 percent of your donation goes to DFCI. I hope you can help me achieve this significant goal. Please donate to my PMC ride at the following link: http://www.pmc.org/profile/JR0320 - If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC and mail it to me directly at: Julia Rehberg - 2022 Massachusetts Avenue Apt. 5 - Cambridge, MA 02140

Thank you so much for your support!

Two Gentle Reminders from the Executive Team

Sandy Martinage

The first gentle reminder is to all who use our UU Church buildings. The presentation of our beautiful facility is an important representation for all who enter our doors. It shows how much we all value our church facility. So it is also important to leave each room in a user-ready condition for any group who may use the room when you're finished by:

It has always been church policy that everyone picks-up after themselves. Cleaning up anything that is left not only ensures a room is ready for the next group, it also ensures that no one else has to be responsible for any unexpected clean-up.

The second gentle reminder is for those that may use any White Wing classrooms. The White Wing staff has experienced a number of missing and broken items this school year. It is unfortunate that the White Wing teachers feel they have to go to great lengths each Friday afternoon to protect their classrooms to ensure everything is there when they return. This includes items in the White Wing storage room as well as items in their refrigerator and freezer. It is important that children are supervised at all times when using the White Wing classrooms. It is also important that children from other groups are not allowed to wander downstairs as it is not always practical to keep the White Wing locked.

As always we appreciate all the efforts of those who make sure a room is as they left it. And we thank you all in advance for any extra effort made to keep the facility in a user-ready condition.

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

UU PRINCIPLE of the MONTH: Each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

5Youth Choir Sings
12Classes as Usual
18R.E. VOLUNTEER PIZZA & GAMES -  NIGHT (Saturday) 5-7pm
19Classes as Usual
26NO CHURCH SCHOOL (Feb.Vacation) - Childcare Rm 9, Baby/Toddler Care Rm 15 - Youth Choir Sings

WELCOME SPRING SEMESTER

We are half way through the church school year! The first day of our spring semester is this Sunday, February 5. Continuing in the preschool are Dawn and Madison Cutler and Devon George. Jamie Hinkle, Dorothy Komarek and Myles Salazar will begin the semester exploring UU themes through picture books with our kindergarten-first grade class. Second and third grade students will be introduced to Heart Talk for Kids with Jenn Morton and Victoria Agnew. This is an exploration in nonviolent communication. Steve Griffis, Mary Ellen Wessels and Jamie Reifsnyder will lead our fourth graders in a Spirit of Adventure. Michele Morrison and Kate O'Shea will explore fascinating ethical questions with our fifth-sixth grade class with Amazing Grace. Wayne Fletcher and Nona Storer will be introducing a new curriculum, Who Are Our Partners Around the World? This was put together by the UU Partner Church Council to explore the Unitarian presence in other countries such as India, Transylvania, Britain, Canada and the Philippines. Michele Edington, Lance Pratt and Jim Thorp will continue leading our ninth-tenth graders through their Rite of Passage Experience with the help of Ginger Hedges (mentors) and Frank Grossman (overnights). And our senior high youth are skillfully advised by Mickey Shepherd, Chuck Rehberg, Monica Staples and Steve Hedges.

We are indeed fortunate to have such a talented and enthusiastic group of dedicated adults (and youth) to lead our children. Thank You!!!

R.E. VOLUNTEER PIZZA & GAMESNIGHT5-7pm

Our teacher appreciation PIZZA & GAMES NIGHT is Saturday night February 18th. This is a fun evening for families of teachers from both semesters to gather and have a good time. Bring your appetite and a favorite game to share!

ADULT R.E. UPDATE

By Jerry Ross

The Adult RE Committee has been working on monthly religious development offerings and on expanding its committee membership. Kim Steele and Monica Staples will be joining Frona Avery, Jerry Ross and Michelle Rehburg on the committee. We have been meeting once a month. We are offering monthly movies followed by a discussion focusing on issues that are relevant to being a UU in today's society. We are calling these events Popcorn Theology. In January we worked with Rev. Steve on his showing of the movie Magic Trip. On Friday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m., the Social Activities Committee will be showing the movie, Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case That Made History. We are working with them to make this a Popcorn Theology night with a discussion following the movie. Bullied is a documentary film that chronicles one student's ordeal at the hands of anti-gay bullies and offers a message of hope to those fighting intolerance. In March, we will show Young at Heart, the inspiring story of a senior citizen's choir from Northampton, MA who overcome health challenges to perform unexpected songs (e.g., by James Brown and Sonic Youth). This will be shown after service at noon on March 11th in the Fellowship Room. There'll be popcorn and something to drink, but if you'd like more bring a bag lunch. In March, Rev. Steve will also be offering his "Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography" workshop. It will run on four Thursday evenings from March 15 until April 5. Please join us as we strive to build our understanding and practice of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist.

TEACHING ME TO GROW AS A UU

By Jamie Hinkle

I am one of the teachers teaching first grade for the 2011 - 2012 school year. I want to share a bit about my experience as a newbie teacher here at our church.

When I agreed to the role of 1st grade teacher back in August, I admittedly had very little expectations of what teaching a UU Classroom was going to be like. My Sunday school experience was being drawn from only what I could remember as a practicing Methodist in my youth. Since that was about 170 years ago, my recollections were limited. What I never expected to happen was to be a student while conducting the class.

The first grade curriculum is great. It is called Picture Book. The point of the curriculum is to identify a particular UU principle (or a group of them) and present them in a form that is designed to capture the attention of a kindergartener or first grader, in a story book. Once the story is complete, the class then engages in an activity that reinforces the principle displayed in the story. (For any parents who have children who are pre-K, I believe you can really look forward to your child enjoying these lessons).

Now, in the grand scheme of things, I am a new UU. When Gillian and I first joined the church, we were invited to take the UU 101 class with Steve Edington. Great class. I loved learning about the history of the religion and the history of our particular church. Further, we had a chance to have some brief discussions with the folks that were in attendance about our individual beliefs and share some spiritual experiences. Even though that class was very informative and gave a great baseline for my time to come, it didn't take too deep a dive into the seven principles (obviously not the correct forum for such broad topics).

Since that class, I have attended a couple years of services and, without necessarily being literal and specific, I have been learning about these principals through Steve's beautifully crafted sermons. The interesting thing is that I would never (allow myself to) take a look at a specific sermon as a lesson about a particular principle and tie them together. I would often take the sermon at face value without exploring any metaphoric/poetic connections. Throughout this time, I must admit, I have been feeling as though my personal exploration of the baseline beliefs of Unitarian Universalists could be greatly enhanced by a stronger connection to these principles.

Guess what. I started teaching 1st grade in September. Along with (hopefully) teaching the children, I am being taught myself. What a beautifully unexpected ancillary benefit of teaching this class here at church. I believe this class is exactly what I needed to help me become a student of Unitarian Universalism, and I didn't even know it. I am getting a well constructed curriculum that breaks our most basic beliefs into very manageable, and understandable chunks. I get the added benefit of teaching with Dorothy and Miles who have both far more UU experience then I do. Finally, I receive the benefit from the fresh perspective of the children (most of whom have been UUs longer then I as well).

I do appreciate the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with the 1st graders on a weekly basis. It has been a wonderful experience. Not only my opportunity to share some knowledge and wisdom with the children, but to also grow as a spiritually.

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, February 19, 2012, at 6:00pm.
Please send your content to the editor Message to the Newsletter Editor.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua

Stephen D. Edington, 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

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 anytime before 9:30 p.m. Emergencies: call anytime. Message to Steve Edington

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 Message to the Church Office | www.uunashua.org