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This Week at First Church: February 20-26

APalm — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:17:22 +0000

Check out descriptions and all our programs at http://uubelmont.org/adult-programs/

Monday

Meditation - Rob Cosinuke, Mondays, 8-9 pm,Church Library

Tuesday

The Quilters’ Group and Knitting Circle – Gladys Unger and Eva Patalas, Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm, RE Class #3

Wednesday

Buddy Group – Wednesdays 9-11am, Library (bring your own favorite morning beverage)

The First Church Book Group will be reading and discussing Acts of Faith – The Story of an American Muslim, the struggle for the Soul of a Generation by Eboo Patel at its next meeting on Wednesday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Library. Acts of Faith is the UUA’s Common Read book for this year, which means other UU’s around the country will be reading and discussing it. It is a quick read. Please come join us! The book group warmly welcomes new members and returning members at any time. If you need a copy of Acts of Faith or have questions about the Book Group, please contact Anne Stuart at astuart@uubelmont.org.

Acts of Faith is a remarkable account of growing up Muslim in America and coming to believe in religious pluralism, from one of the most prominent faith leaders in the United States. Eboo Patel’s story is a hopeful and moving testament to the power and passion of young people—and of the world-changing potential of an interfaith youth movement.

Sunday

Bible Study: The Beattitudes, Sun. Feb. 27, 12:30-2:30 in the Library

Join Rev. David Bryce and Allison Palm for a year-long exploration of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Each month we’ll read a particular story, learn about the history of that story, and reflect on its meaning through discussion and group activities. This month we will be reading the Beattitudes (Luke 6:20-26, Matthew 5:1-12). Come once or come every month! Bagels provided.

Memoir Writing with Martha Spaulding begins Sunday afternoon Feb 12th @ 4:00PM in RE classroom 5 and continues for three more Sundays. Bring a notebook and comfortable writing implement.

Caring for Older Adults – Deborah Blumberg and Miriam Baker

Many people are juggling jobs, families and their parents’ or other family members’ increasing medical needs, frequent emergencies and ongoing need for care. How do we cope with the needs of our loved ones and find some balance in our own lives? What do we need to learn as we take on this task? How do we find information and community? If you find yourself in this position, you are welcome at this group for discussion and support.

4^th Sundays, 7pm, Library For more information or to register, please contact Deborah at dBlumberg@uubelmont.org
Coming Up!

New Women’s Group – First Meeting: Tuesday, February 28th, 7:30-9pm in the Parlor
A new women’s group is starting up this month! The group will meet on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month year-round. If you are interested in joining, please contact Allison Palm at apalm@uubelmont.org.

Save the Date!
*Square Dancing!: March 3, 8pm, Payson Park Church
*Chalice Circle: March 4, 12:30-2pm
*Men’s Dinner: March 30, 7pm
*Women’s Dinner: April 20, 7pm
*Women’s Retreat: June 1-3, 2012.

This Week at First Church: February 13-19

JHencke — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:31:01 +0000

Monday

Meditation - Rob Cosinuke, Mondays, 8-9 pm,Church Library
Tuesday

The Quilters’ Group and Knitting Circle - Gladys Unger and Eva Patalas, Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm, RE Class #3

Wednesday

Buddy Group - Wednesdays 9-11am, Library (bring your own favorite morning beverage)

Thursday

Science & Spirituality
Edwin Taylor & Ken Bernstein

We are a group engaged in exchanging thoughts on ideas in science and their influence on our spiritual lives. Each meeting is (usually) independent of previous meetings; therefore, one may join the group at any time without experiencing loss of continuity. The subject readings for each meeting will be agreed upon at the previous meeting and be posted in the Unitarian and sent by e-mail to all who request them.

Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the conference room of the Church.

For more information contact Edwin at etaylor@uubelmont.org, 781-646-7775.

To register contact Ken atklbernstein@uubelmont.org, 617-489-3118

Next Week

Acts of Faith is the UUA’s Common Read book for this year, which means other UU’s around the country will be reading and discussing it. It is a quick read. Please come join us! The book group warmly welcomes new members and returning members at any time. If you need a copy of Acts of Faith or have questions about the Book Group, please contact Anne Stuart at astuart@uubelmont.org.

Coming Up!

Bible Study: The Beattitudes, Sun. Feb. 27, 12:30-2:30 in the Library

New Women’s Group - First Meeting: Tuesday, February 28th, 7:30-9pm in the Parlor

A new women’s group is starting up this month! The group will meet on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month year-round. If you are interested in joining, please contact Allison Palm at apalm@uubelmont.org.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for this year’s Women’s Retreat: June 1-3, 2012. We’ll be traveling to the Senexet House in Connecticut again this year. Stay tuned for registration details in April! Feel free to email Allison Palm atapalm@uubelmont.org with any questions.

Don’t miss Square Dancing on Sat. March 3 @8:00 at Payson Park Church

Richard Curzi & Positive Energy with The Blood Mountain Brothers and The Linden Singers

RCurzi — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:34:50 +0000

The Second Friday Coffeehouse

Presents a Benefit Concert For

The Children’s Room

An organization providing caring support for grieving children, teens and families.

The Prison Book Program

An organization that sends free literature books to prisoners throughout the USA.

First Church’s own keyboardist and singer, Richard Curzi, returns to the Second Friday Coffeehouse for the eleventh time, performing both sets in a variety of musical configurations guaranteed to delight lovers of all music genres.

The Blood Mountain Brothers

The first set will be an “unplugged” acoustic set featuring Richard on solo piano; First Church’s own a cappella blue-grass gospel quartet, The Linden Singers (with Roger Read, Paul Judge, and John Howe), and The Blood Mountain Brothers (with Roger Brown, Jim Wooster, and Paul Judge) that have performed Americana roots music multiple times at the Berklee College Café 939.

The Linden Singers

The second set will be classic Positive Energy fare – an unconventionally eclectic mix of nostalgic pop, jazz, and folk styles, with lots of richly textured vocal harmonies and virtuosic instrumental improvisations. This year the group will draw from it’s Sounds of the Seventies repertoire performed recently at the Belmont High School fundraiser for Parents of Music Students (POMS)

Positive Energy

Positive Energy has audiences saying “We were in a frenzy of delight – I can’t remember smiling so much!” The band is a benefit concert favorite, that drew a sellout crowd and raised over $11,000 for Haiti, and over $8,000 for the Belmont Parents of Music Students (POMS). Featuring Roger Brown and Mark Kohler on drums and percussion, Rick Dimino on bass, Jerry Twomey & Jim Wooster on guitar, and vocalists Paul Judge, Bridget Curzi, Jon Svetkey, with Roger & Hannah Read, and John Howe.

Friday, June 8, 2012 at 7:30pm

(open microphone signup by 7 p.m.)

The First Church in Belmont – Unitarian Universalist
404 Concord Avenue, Belmont MA

(Across from the Belmont Post Office – From Harvard Square take Bus #74)

Admission $10 Students & Seniors $5 – Coffee, Refreshments

For More Information Call 617-484–1054

OneVoice – Presentation on the Middle East

EPatalas — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:25:30 +0000

The Middle East Education Group at First Parish Cambridge Unitarian Universalist (3 Church Street in Harvard Square) will host a presentation on Friday February 17 at 7 PM by members of OneVoice.

OneVoice promotes grassroots organizing by young Israelis and Palestinians who live with the conflict daily. Their objective is to holdtheir elected officials accountable for effective conflict resolution. Two young women in their 20″s, a Palestinian and an Israeli, will be featured. (see bio’s below.) The event is open to the public and is free of charge.

Co-sponsor is the Palestine-Israel Task force of First Church Cambridge Congregational

Speakers:

Ella Kraus, 26

Sapir College, Sderot

Ella joined OneVoice in 2011 and has since completed the leadership training program, was involved in launching the Two-State Solution Caucus in the Israeli Knesset, and has participated in OneVoice presentations inSderot and on her university campus.

Reem Ghunaim, 25

Tulkarem

Since joining OneVoice in 2010, Reem has contributed to the Imagine Palestine 2018 campaign, attended town hall meetings in her hometown of Tulkarem, participated in youth council meetings and completed the advanced training program. In the fall, she will begin a Rotary Foundation Peace Fellowship at the Duke-UNC Peace Center.

Jon Svetkey & Heather Quay with Jim Wooster & Paul Judge opening

RCurzi — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:22:55 +0000

The Second Friday Coffeehouse

Presents a Benefit Concert For

Grow Clinic at Boston Medical Center

an outpatient clinic that provides comprehensive specialty medical, nutritional, developmental and social services and dietary assistance to children from the Greater Boston area referred with Failure To Thrive (FTT).

Heather Quay & Jon Svetkey

Heather Quay and Jon Svetkey have been singing together for over a dozen years. Together, and separately, they have performed at venues including Club Passim, Johnny D’s, Cafe 939 at Berklee College, Columbia U and the now defunct Old Vienna Kaffehaus. They are both accomplished singer-songwriters, their repertoire of classic pop, folk and country songs showcases their love of two-part harmony and fun.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197640576947260

Paul Judge & Jim Wooster

Paul and Jim are regular performers at the First Church in Belmont as members of Positive Energy, and the Blood Mountain Brothers and occasionally as a duet. They have an uplifting style that features great vocals and mellow guitar accompaniment.

Friday, March 9, 2012 at 7:30pm

(open microphone signup by 7 p.m.)

The First Church in Belmont – Unitarian Universalist
404 Concord Avenue, Belmont MA

(Across from the Belmont Post Office – From Harvard Square take Bus #74)

Admission $10 Students & Seniors $5 – Coffee, Refreshments

For More Information Call 617-484–1054

Alternative Gifts – Valentine’s Day Appeal

JHencke — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:55:56 +0000

Alternative Gifts - Something Special for Valentines Honor someone special in your life by making a donation in their honor through our Alternative Gifts program. Just choose an organization that your special someone has an interest in or donate to one of the following: Heifer International, CARE, YouthBuild, Grow Clinic, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, Belmont Food Pantry. We will send your special someone a beautiful card and forward your donation to the organization of your choice. Such a meaningful way to honor your Valentine. Contact Laurie Noble, lnoble@uubelmont.org or 617.262.2662 on behalf of the Social Action Committee.

The Sources of American Conduct

EPatalas — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:52:40 +0000

Andrew Bacevich talk flyer

The Power of Caring 2012 Stewardship Campaign

bkozuma — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:29:43 +0000

Dear Members and Friends,

We are writing to seek your annual pledge of support to The First Church In Belmont, Unitarian Universalist. During this 2012 stewardship drive, which concludes on March 31st, we hope you will join together with the members and friends of our congregation to further strengthen and sustain the Power of Caring.

For more information about this year’s Stewardship Drive, please see the following links:

The Power of Caring letter
Stewardship Drive Brochure
First Church 2012 Giving Guide (aka Guide to Annual Stewardship Drive Giving)

How should I make my pledge?

1. Pick up a pledge card at church (or print this one) then bring it to church or drop it in the mail. Packets are being prepared.

2. Pledge by e-mail. Send an email to Susan Street. State the amount you wish to pledge, the frequency (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually), your complete name, and phone number.

3. Pledge online. Click here to complete the online form.

Sermons are now available in audio format on this website

CHill — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:54:51 +0000

To listen to a recent sermon, visit the Sermons page (which can be found under the Worship tab in the banner), or bookmark this page:

http://uubelmont.org/sermons/

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Charlie Hill, Lauren Crocker or Ed Yee, or send email to webmaster@uubelmont.org

This week at The First Church Jan 30-Feb 6

BGillette — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:30:37 +0000

This week at The First Church Jan 30-Feb 6, 2012

Spiritual Renewal through Poetry will meet Jan 29 and for a final Sunday afternoon on Feb 5 from 4:00-5:00 in the parlor with Peter Guthrie. Join us if you can.

The following Sunday, Feb 12, Memoir Writing with Martha Spaulding begins at 4:00 on RE classroom 5 and will continue in that time slot for 4 weeks. Sign up for this class would be much appreciated.

Profound Question: What is the meaning of life? Tuesday evening, Jan 31 beginning at 7:30PM in the Parish Hall. All are welcome to join David Bryce, Bev Gillette, and other curious souls in the congregation for contemplation of one of the great questions.

The following on-going weekly groups are always open to everyone:

Meditation

Rob Cosinuke

In meditation practice, we allow ourselves to dwell in the present moment. We tap into the inherent goodness within us & let our mind rest in its natural state, cultivating clarity, stability, & strength. Through meditation practice we can open up to our life situation more & discover that we need not be so driven by our constant barrage of thoughts. We find that by developing our awareness & compassion we can open ourselves, relax into situations, & enjoy our life!

Mondays, 8-9 pm, Church Library

No need to preregister; just show up. For more information, contact Rob at rcosinuke@uubelmont.org or 617-484-8552

_____________________

The Quilters’ Group & Knitting Circle

Gladys Unger & Eva Patalas

Come join us in making quilts and knitting for a variety of charity organizations including Renewal House and Caps for Kids. New members are always welcome!

Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm, RE Class #3

For more information, contact Gladys at gunger@uubelmont.org or 617-489-5957, or Eva at e.patalas@me.com

___________________

Buddy Group

Ed Yee

The jobseeker buddy group is a small support group for people looking for new or better jobs. We will meet on a weekly basis. A typical meeting will allocate 10-15 minutes to every member to discuss job search activities done during the previous week and what is planned for the following week. The group members provide encouragement, feedback, ideas and networking opportunities to each other. Occasionally we will have special topics for about 30 minutes.

Wednesdays 9-11am, Library (bring your own favorite morning beverage)

For more information, contact Ed at caly422@yahoo.com – 617-827-2400

____________________

Support Groups

There are several ongoing men’s and women’s support groups at First Church. If you are interested in one of the groups below, please call one of the contacts to find out if space is available.

Contact for Women’s Groups: Anne Stuart, annestuart@usa.net, 617-484-7533 or Miriam Baker, mabaker@tiac.net, 617-484-0175

Contact for Men’s Groups: Paul Santos, 617-489-2311 or psantos@uubelmont.org

Looking ahead:

A new women’s group will begin on Thursday, Feb 9 at 7:30PM in the parlor. Please email Allison Palm at apalm@uubelmont.org or adultprograms@uubelmont.org and let her know if you are interested in attending this initial meeting. Subsequent meeting dates and times will be discussed so if you can’t attend but are interested, please let your preferences be known.

The FCB Living with Serious Illness support group will also meet on Thursday, Feb 9th at 7:30 in the library. We apologize for any conflicts or overlaps this date might create for someone.

This year’s Women’s Retreat will be the weekend of June 1-3