chaliceNashua UU News -

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

Services begin at 10:00 A.M.

March 7: What is a Biblical Value?

More to the point of the above question, does the term "Biblical value" have any kind of viable meaning at all? Spokespersons for both the Religious Right and the Religious Left (yes, there are both kinds) each claim to be upholding Biblical values while taking diametrically opposing positions on such topics as same-sex marriage, abortion, sex education, and other similar kinds of social values issues that tend to polarize much of the populace. My temptation, in the face of this paradox, is to steer clear of the whole notion of Biblical values. But given that the Bible is one of the foundational documents of Western Civilization is that really such a good idea? I address this further in my column for this month, and will take it up on this Sunday as well.

March 14: A Visit from Rev. Olympia Brown

Such a visit is pretty amazing, really, since Rev. Brown died in 1926! But she'll be resurrected, so to speak, on this Sunday in the person of Rev. Janet Bowering, a retired UU minister now living in Plaistow, New Hampshire. Olympia Brown was the first woman to be ordained to the ministry in the United States (1862), and have her ordination confirmed by a recognized national denominational body - The Universalist Church in America in this case. In portraying Rev. Brown and her times, Janet Bowering helps to tell the story of this amazing woman and some of the struggles she faced - particularly within her own denomination - as she attempted to respond to her call to the professional ministry. John Sanders, one of our former Church Presidents and Chairperson of the Board of the Universalist Heritage Foundation, will lead the service.

March 21: It's Still Rock and Roll To Me

Apologies to Billy Joel (if needed) in coming up with the title. This is the "Auction Sermon" for 2009-10-and I'm getting it in under the wire before the April 10 Auction for this year! Do you really need to guess that the winning bid for this sermon was put in by our own Billy?-Billy Parker in this case. I really don't know what I can add to Billy's encyclopedic knowledge of rock 'n roll in America, but I'll try. In the religious milieu in which I was raised I occasionally heard rock 'n roll referred to as "the Devil's music". Well now, could "God" be on the flip-side, so to speak, of the "Devil's music"? And remember when John Lennon created a big stir when he said the Beatles were more popular than Jesus? (Dating myself with that one aren't I?) Well, there is a certain religious or spiritual dimension to rock 'n roll that I'll give a spin to on this Sunday.

March 28: Who Was That Guy? (Jesus, I Mean)

This is the other "book-end" to the sermon I led off with this month. Just as appeals to Biblical values can be found all across the religious and political spectrum, the most conservative to the most liberal of Christians - and other religious liberals as wel l -like to claim the mantle and legacy of Jesus of Nazareth in staking out their positions on a wide range of issues. As I offer my Annual Palm Sunday Jesus Sermon, I'll offer yet another take on one of the most enigmatic figures in Western history.

Reflections and Ruminations

Thinking ahead to my March 7 sermon, a few days ago I did a web search on the phrase "Biblical values" and quickly had websites coming at me from all over the place - as in "all over the place" theologically, religiously, politically, you name it. Among the two websites I spent a little time with were the Americans for Biblical Values and Clergy for Fairness.

The Americans for Biblical Values people are out to rescue America from "The Plague of Liberalism". This is also the title of a book being promoted on their website in which it is claimed that "The only proved answer to the decline in social statistics in America that we have experienced in the last 50 years can be found in restoring Biblical values in our personal lives, families, and nation". The "decline" in social statistics has to do with increasing divorce rates, a greater acceptance of homosexuality and same-sex marriage, abortion, drug abuse, etc., all of which somehow gets thrown into the same stew, and served up as the "Plague of Liberalism". (I don't know what kind of proof is being referred to in the phrase "only proved answer", but there it is.)

The Clergy for Fairness people, on the other hand, had a letter up on their website titled "Biblical Values for American Families" which came out against the Federal Marriage Amendment (since defeated) that was once before Congress, to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. This letter claimed that the true Biblical values were "faith, hope and love," as stated in the New Testament Book of First Corinthians, which could and should be applied to a wide range of relationships that persons of faith should affirm and promote. Among the organizations cited as supporting the Clergy for Fairness organization was our own Unitarian Universalist Association.

Well now, what does one make of appeals to "Biblical values" coming from diametrically opposing ends of the social values spectrum? The easiest answer is that since the phrase Biblical values can be stretched so far in completely different directions, then it really has no operative value or meaning at all and should be discarded altogether. I'm often tempted to go that route.

But I don't quite go there. The fact remains that the Bible - with the Hebraic scripture it contains - remains one of the foundational documents of Western civilization. "Foundational document", however, does not mean infallibly true or accurate. It just means that its stories, its narratives, its images and metaphors, and its wide (and sometimes contradictory) range of moral teachings are a part of our collective cultural lexicon. Having some knowledge of these stories, narratives, images, and teachings is generally considered an indicator of one's level of cultural literacy. While the Bible is not to be unquestioningly or unthinkingly embraced, neither is it to be ignored.

As a religious liberal with a Protestant Christian background, the narratives, images, and moral teachings found in the Bible are one of my larger bank of resources to which I turn in the ongoing development and evolution of my own set of moral and ethical values as they apply to both my personal life and to my vision of a just society. If I am to speak the cultural language of the society in which I live - including, as well as going beyond my world of Unitarian Universalism - then I will, as the occasion warrants, speak in terms of the Biblical values which I have come to understand and embrace.

OK, that's enough for now. I'll pick up on this further on March 7.

Peace, Steve

Announcements

The UU-UNO is proud to invite you to attend our 2010 Annual Intergenerational Spring Seminar "A Climate of Change: Head, Heart and Hands Around the Planet" April 8-10, 2010

Please mark your calendars - April 8-10, 2010 (Youth program begins on April 7) - New York City

Every April, youth and adults from around the United States and Canada gather in New York City for our exciting and educational Intergenerational Spring Seminar. All participants gain a deep understanding on a topic of global concern and have a lot of fun in the wonderful intergenerational environment. Past seminars have focused on water, poverty, HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, and peacekeeping. This year's topic is *Climate Change*. During these four days approximately 75 youth and advisors stay at one of our Manhattan based UU congregations, learning, making friends, having fun, and mobilizing. Not only do youth attend the conference but many also take on important leadership roles in its planning and execution. Contact our office for more information on how to participate in the next spring seminar! Please visit our website at uu-uno.org/ to register!

Featured Speakers:

Dr. Tony Broccoli

Our keynote speaker is director of the Rutgers Center for Environmental Protection and an experienced UU-UNO Scientific Advisor who will present work of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).

Dr. Graciella Chichilnsky

A world renowned economist who developed the carbon market system used in the Kyoto Protocol, and created the sustainable development theory in economics

Dr. Alan Robock

A climatologist studying the effects of human impacts on climate and the risks of geoengineering

Rev. Fletcher Harper

Leader of GreenFaith, an interfaith coalition for the environment as well as speakers presenting UU Ministry for Earth Youth Leader Stories from the Copenhagen Climate Conference

For event flyer, click on

www.scribd.com/full/25875319?access_key=key-17on0qvvcnn1ac5nt88u

Email any questions to springseminar@uu-uno.org

Address postal inquiries to:

Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office
777 United Nations Plaza
Suite 7G
New York, NY 10017

March is "Togetherness" Month

You know that feeling you get when you are with a group of friends or fellow travelers and everything seems to be clicking? The terrific feeling of being part of a larger-than-you happening that makes you feel like you are part of something exciting or important? During this year's Stewardship Campaign (aka, Pledge Drive) we will be trying to create that feeling for as many of us as possible, as frequently as possible. This year's theme is "All Together Now". All together we are a fabulous group.

How are we going to do it? With sharing of stories, parties and celebrations, humor, and music -- lots of music! You won't want to miss any of the fun. The campaign begins on February 28th and runs through March 28th. We will enjoy the ride and have a chance to think about just how much this church means to all of us. Stay Tuned.

"All Together Now" in March

When a singer wants his or her audience to join in on the chorus of a well-known song, he or she might call out, "All Together Now!" when the chorus comes around.Don't you love how that works?Suddenly you are surrounded by voices, and everyone is a part of the song.

For this year's Pledge Drive, the Committee is calling out, "All Together Now!" to the whole church family as we celebrate how much the church means in our lives and consider our pledges for the next church year. Let's all join in!

To be together, we have to get together. Just look through this newsletter to see the many opportunities you have to get together with fellow UU's in March. You can be part of a pot luck and talent show, you can join a hike, and you can come to a games night. You can learn about The Transcendentalists or join a yoga class, book club, and groups for writers, parents of teens, and Buddhist Meditation. There are also committee meetings and choir practice. How about joining the UU Nashua Group or looking for UU friends on Facebook?

And don't forget to make an extra effort to get to Sunday Services for the Togetherness choir music (every single week in March!), special speakers, and occasional hijinks. We urge you to get together with your church family as much as you possibly can this month. You will be glad you did.

The Pledge Drive begins on February 28th, and it ends on March 28th. Please try to pick up your pledge packet at Sunday Service, or look for it in the mail.You won't miss it - the envelope is orange, as in our dining room chairs, ORANGE!Then please read it carefully. Please return your pledge card by Sunday, March 28th.If you do, you will be entered in a Raffle for a parking space in the Grove Street lot. If you win, it will be yours for Sunday mornings for a whole year. What might that mean to you?Maybe 15 minutes of extra sleep every Sunday for a year - priceless!

Any questions, contact the Church office or Ellen Fisher, Stewardship Committee Chair.

THE SEARCH HAS BEGUN! - Looking for Worship Leaders for Summer Services

We are beginning our search for leaders for Summer Sunday Services. If you have a topic to discuss, a view to express, a personal spiritual journey to share, consider doing it with us this summer. Our services in the summer are lay led and are comprised of an eclectic mix of topics and views. The services are held in our Chapel and are informal, providing a safe and comfortable venue for us to take part in some interesting and lively conversation. They also offer an opportunity for all of us to get to know some of our fellow congregants more deeply. Past topics/leaders have included:

If you have questions and/or are interested in being a presenter, please contact Anya Zakiewicz.

Upcoming Events

Food for Thought Series Continues in March / April

Mark your calendar now for the Food for Thought series in March and April. Bruce Taylor will lead a four part series titled The Transcendentalists: Mysticism, Idealism and the Spirit of Social Reform.

Come and learn about this spiritual and intellectual movement of the 19th century which shook up the New England establishment and has exerted a lasting influence on Unitarian Universalism, American culture and the larger human community. This class will meet on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30 P.M. on March 4, March 11, March 25 and April 1, 2010. For more information, see the flyer , or contact Bruce .

UU Hikers: Outdoor Recreation Events

Each month we plan to organize at least one activity outdoors for people to enjoy active and sociable recreation. Local events will be on Sunday afternoons, and occasionally we will offer a longer activity on Saturdays. If you would like to be included on the email contact list for these events, please contact Dick Widhu . We will then send you last-minute information on times and places to meet.

March 5-7 (Friday evening through Sunday noon) - Cardigan Weekend

You must register through the UU Church in early January to reserveyourspot for this overnight event. http://www.uunashua.org/cardigan/

March 21 (Sunday afternoon) -- Bald Mountain

We will hike Bald Mountain in nearby Hancock, NH. This is a great introduction to winter mountain hiking, following a loop trail to summit viewpoints,past woods and ponds. The round trip hike is 2-1/2 miles, going up 900 feet and takes about 3 hours. This is a moderate hike, suitable for older kids who are familiar with winter hiking. You may wish to wearankle-high hiking boots with gaiters (to keep snow off your feet) and carry a backpack with water, snack, hat, gloves, extra layers of warm clothing, snowshoes, and foot traction (MicroSpikes or Stabilicers). www.nhmountainhiking.com/hike/bald2/directions.html

Day of Meditation March 6

You are invited to attend a Day of Meditation on March 6 in our church auditorium from 9am to 4pm. Jim Colosi, one of the group's teachers, will lead. Newcomers to meditation are welcome. Instruction will be provided in sitting and walking meditation. This event is organized by our Buddhist Meditation Group that meets weekly. Suggested donation for the day of meditation is $20. For more information or to register, contact member Cynthia Schroer .

The next Day of Meditation will be May 9, Saturday, and will focus on a Buddhist view of Death and Dying.

Introduction to Unitarian Universalism to be offered March 14

Do you want to learn about our Unitarian Universalist history? Would you like to know the history of our church? Are you wondering what membership of our church would involve? The next offering of our class that answers these questions and more, UU 101, will be starting on Sunday, March 14. This three part series will run every Sunday through March 28. (The dates are: March 14, 21, 28). The class will start after our Sunday service from 11:30 to 1:00pm. This will be held in our Fellowship Room across from the Dining Room. A light lunch will be offered. Please put your name on the sign up sheet during coffee hour if you are interested in attending this class. Child care will be available to those who need it. There is no charge for this class. Please contact Steve Edington or Sherri Woolsey at the church (882-1091) if you have any questions.

New Moon Reiki Circle March 14, 2010- 6:30 - 8:30 PM in the Chapel

This group is for anyone interested, those who are familiar with Reiki, those who practice and/or teach, and those who are curious and would like to experience Reiki energy. The energy works on all levels of one's being. We intend to come together to send healing energy to each other and to the world. All are equal; there are no expectations. The energy circle will provide an equal balance of giving and receiving; the energy goes where it is needed.

We invite you to bring something special to you to put on the altar during these sessions - a picture, stone, jewelry, etc. These objects will be energized by their presence during the circle. We plan to gather once a month on a Sunday close to the new moon (day/time to be determined). Keep in mind that this is not a class. There will be time following the session for questions/impressions to be shared. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing. If you prefer to sit on the floor, bring a mat or blanket for your own comfort. Facilitated by Robin Panousis and Anya Zakiewicz.

Free Yoga Class Sunday March 21

Join Pat Ladew for a free yoga class in the Youth Room from 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 21. Please come a little early to help move furniture, wear something stretchy, bring a blanket and a yoga mat (if you have one).

Game Night March 22

Looking for a way to beat the Monday blahs? Please join us on Monday, March 22nd from 6:30 to 9:00pm for Game Night. Bring your favorite game, your favorite snack and your favorite friend! Apples to Apples, Bananagrams and Qwirkle are just some of the popular favorites that we will have that evening. For questions please contact Monica Staples

Full Moon Drum Circle March 28, 2010 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM in the Chapel

This drum circle will focus on the spiritual rather than musical. The structure will be casual. We will start the evening with a circle closing, share in a guided meditation, and then move into percussion starting with a steady beat. Once a rhythm is introduced, others follow and contribute their own accents to build the beat organically. This activity will continue until the rhythm loses momentum and stops. Listening, improvisation, and letting go are the key to the creation of the ever shifting layers of ryhthm we seek. If time allows, we will open for sharing of experience with each other.

Bring your drums, rattles, or other personal percussion instrument; wear comfortable clothes, and join us for a journey into spirit drum.

If you need information, please contact Anya Zakiewicz.

Facilitated by Robin Panousis and Anya Zakiewicz

UU Seder - Celebrate the traditional Jewish holiday of Passover April 2

Come join us on April 2, 2010 at 6:00 for a UU Seder in the Dining Room.This is a celebration of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which remembers the liberation of the ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and celebrates spring, when the earth around us is awakening.We will keep the Jewish tradition of Passover alive, but as Unitarians we will honor all people who have gained their freedom and remember those who are still struggling for their freedom.This event is appropriate for people of all ages (yes, it is kid appropriate in a sit-down dinner type way) and backgrounds.

Please join us and enjoy coming together as a community to remember history, celebrate freedom, and enjoy each other's company over dinner. Bring a dish to share.Traditional Jewish recipes are available, or feel free to bring your own favorite Passover dish.

To sign-up or for additional information contact Jan Schwartz or Judy Kennedy .

UNIVERSALIST CONVOCATION 2010 - May 14-16, 2010

First Universalist Society of Rochester, NY

Keynote: The Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, "Dragged Kicking and Screaming to Heaven"

For more information please go to www.nmuc.org/Convo

The Academy Awards show: - Saturday, April 10, 2010: Goods and Services Auction

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION. Be prepared to walk the Red Carpet. Yes, look like a movie star and bid like a movie mogul at our annual goods and services auction. Bid for items generously donated by church members and their friends.Whether you plan to be in front of the camera or behind it, mark April 10 on your calendar. Help us make the auction a success by donating goods (auction quality- a step above what you would find at a yard sale) or services.

To donate, do one of the following:

Go online www.uunashua.org/auction/ and fill out the Auction Donation form.

Send an email to Janie Andolsun . Include your name, phone number, donation title, donation description and estimated value.

Come to the Auction Table during coffee hour after church and fill out the Auction Donation form the old-fashioned way

Do you need an idea for a donation? Here's a list of previous donations which can help your thought process. How about a themed dinner or party, musical performance, overnight or weekend getaway, baked goods, gift basket, lesson, artwork, jewelry, home improvement such as wallpapering or painting, everyday chore such as yard work or baby sitting/pet sitting or a day trip such as a hike or boat ride? Contact: Director, Janie Andolsun with any questions.

Auction details:

Child care is available- reservation required - $5 per child includes dinner (We will know by March 15 whether or not child care will be offered).

Cojo will be presenting his "best dressed award". He decided to be nice to all UU's and not present a worst dressed award.

Prize for the winners of the trivia contest

Volunteers needed

If you would like to help out before or during the auction (you'll have time to eat and bid!), contact Janie.

Areas where we can always use volunteers include decorations, food, music, special events, silent auction, setup, cleanup, checkout, and childcare. The "Stars" in your church thank you in advance for supporting this very important fundraiser.

Ferry Beach Weekend will soon be here! June 11-13

Save the date, June 11-13, 2010 to attend our fabulous weekend on the Maine shore at Ferry Beach. This is a fantastic way to jump start your summer fun. We take over the facilities (3 dorm style buildings), tennis/basketball court, playgrounds, volleyball area and of course, the beach! You can find a quiet spot on a porch and read, have conversations with friends, get into a pickup card game or even join in a sing along. The food is provided in the cost ($95/adult, $85/children up to age 12-free for 3 and under). If you would prefer to camp, campsites are available for $15/night plus $40 per adult, $24 per child-up to age 12 for food for the weekend. Or if you would prefer to come up just for the day on Saturday, please indicate which meals you would like to join us for. The cost per meal is $10 per adult, $8 per child. Registration forms will be available in April online, in the April newsletter or at the Information Table in the Dining Room. If you have any questions, please speak with Sherri Woolsey or call the church office Monday through Thursday between 9:00am and 2:00pm. This is open to anyone who is interested in attending.

Committee News

Music Committee Update

The Adult Choir is looking for teens and adults who would like to sing with the choir occasionally. Our Music Director, Jed Holland, has proposed that every 1 or 2 months the choir will sing an anthem that requires less rehearsal time than those we usually sing. Teens and adults who like to sing, are invited to sing these anthems with the Adult Choir.

The next Greater Choir sing will be on March 28. We will be singing "Follow the River".

If your schedule allows, please join us in the sanctuary at 9:15am on March 28 to practice with the choir before the service starts.

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

UU PRINCIPLE of the MONTH: All persons should have a vote about the things that concern them

MARCH CALENDAR

7Children in Church first 15 Minutes
First & Second Grades Light Chalice
Youth Choir Sings
R.E. Committee Meeting 8:15 am
14Teacher Meeting, 8:45 am
Chapel: Preschool-First Grade
21Chapel: 2nd - 7th Grades
28Chapel: Preschool - First Grade

TEACHER MEETING MARCH 14

New teachers and experienced teachers gather together and learn from each other. The Religious Education Committee is hosting a Teacher Meeting before church on March 14th. We will speak about classroom management and philosophy, resources and curriculum. Childcare will be available. Join us at 8:45 for coffee, conversation, and new ideas.

PIZZA & GAMES NIGHT Review

On February 13TH, the RE Program honored our volunteers and their families with the annual Pizza & Games night! Families brought their favorite games, activities, and good appetites! A fun time was had by all!

Second Grade Class News

Our second grade class has been studying the "Web of Life" throughout the fall semester. One of the curriculum's themes was the origin of food and food chains, including our parts in those many interdependent networks. Our program culminated in the preparation of meals for the Nashua Soup Kitchen. The air was filled with excitement as large bowls were filled, ingredients mixed, and yummy aromas filled the air! We talked about the importance of the Soup Kitchen and how it filled a crucial role in one kind of food chain. The children were pleased to be making casseroles to share and many were hoping to sample their work.

Following coffee hour 10 (unbaked) casseroles were delivered to the Soup Kitchen, where they were warmly received. In fact, they were in the middle of serving another meal prepared by someone in our church family!

Submitted by Cindy & Dave Hudson

ADULT OPPORTUNITIES

THE TRANSENDENTALISTS: Mysticism, Idealism and the Spirit of Social Reform

(Save the dates! Thursdays, 7-8:30, March 4, 11, 25 and April 1)

As part of the Food for Thought Thursday program, Bruce Taylor will be presenting a series on the Transcendentalist movement in the chapel.

Soon after Unitarianism became established in New England, a new generation of visionaries raised a challenge against its "corpse-cold" rationality. Transcendentalism was the name given to this spiritual and intellectual movement that valued direct experience over dogma and poetry over theology.

In this course, we will consider the Transcendentalist movement as a significant thread in the history of Unitarian Universalism. We will explore its dual aspect as a school of mysticism and an incubator of social reform. We will reflect on Transcendentalism's continuing impact on liberal religion, American culture and the larger human community. Readings will be provided as handouts or available online.

For more information, see the flyer .

SIGN-UP SHEETS are located on the bulletin board outside of the RE Office or at the Information Table in the dining room. You can call or e-mail Sherri Woolsey at the church .

DISTRICT YOUTH NEWS

Recently, the Northern New England District (NNED) office discontinued their support of the District Youth Council (DYC), a group of adults and youth from the previous NH/VT District that organizes conferences for youth between the ages of 14 and 22. The District office put forth their reason for this move in a letter to NNED ministers, religious educators and lay presidents in January. My hope is that a process will be ongoing in which the DYC and the NNED can regain common ground. The DYC is in the process of redefining themselves and looking for a new name! In the meantime, the Milford UU Church did host a Con (Conference) in January and Kim Paquette, Milford's Director of Religious Education and member of the DYC wrote the following report about the conference:

"It is with great pleasure that I write this letter today. I want to take this opportunity to share with you the meaningful and encouraging experiences I have shared with our district youth over the past month.

I met with the District Youth Council, as an elected adult advisor, shortly after receiving the District's letter withdrawing their support of Youth CONs. It was hard to watch this group of youth wrestle with the news that they no longer had the support of their district, and harder still to hear them question whether or not they even deserved it. After building their confidence back up, and reassuring them that we had not turned our backs on them, this dedicated group got straight to work.

Three days later, the newsletter that was written, designed, and produced by youth members, was distributed to congregations, youth groups and individuals throughout the district. Updated safety and permission forms were included, and every page included a reminder to pre-register. Daily email blasts went out to implore people to send in their forms, with the clear message that those who did not would be turned away at the door. On the date of the deadline, 36 youth, 11 young adult mentors, and 8 adults had returned their registration forms to UUCM in Milford. Erik Fong, our youth registrar and CON coordinator, had access to this information at all times, yet the forms remained at the church. I am thrilled to share with you that we had 100% of our attendees, from NH, ME, VT, and MA, pre-register.

As the Director of Religious Education in Milford, I worked with our Minister and Council to ensure that this CON would be safe and meaningful, providing a model for other congregations interested in hosting future CONs and supporting youth. We were able to meet all of the stipulations set forth by our insurance carrier with ease.

The youth were so grateful for the support they received, and needed, to pull this off. It was evident in their respectful communication, as well as their countless expressions of thanks. Our young adult mentors attended an orientation and took their new role to heart, mentoring younger youth not as peers, but as seasoned veterans of CONS and adolescence itself. Reverend Barbara McKucisk-Liscord was invited to participate in a youth led worship service on Saturday evening. Her presence alone spoke volumes to the group, and many were in awe that minister would take that time to be with them.

On Sunday morning, the back of our sanctuary was full of youth members attending the service. Our announcements were read by the CON coordinator. A group of 5 youth presented the Story for All Ages and handed out pins to the children. Several others prepared and presented pieces of poetry during this "Poetry as Spiritual Practice" service.

I believe we were presented with an immediate opportunity to live our faith and support one of our principles:

Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.

We are imperfect beings (in our youth and adult years too). We will fall down, make mistakes, and need help more often than not. Still, we teach acceptance and strive to be a welcoming spiritual community. Our youth."

Kimberly Paquette

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 March 21.
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. 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