Reflections from Our Interim Minister, Rev. Clyde Grubbs
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TheMeetinghouseNews1
Reflections from Our Interim Minister, Rev. Clyde Grubbs
TheMeetinghouseNews1
TheMeetinghouseNews1
Earth Day — going deeper and deeper.
I remember the first Earth Day, it was a cool spring day, and there were tents and canopies along the Charles River esplanade. There were speakers, but I don’t remember what they said. We knew that celebrations were taking place across the country, ten thousand campuses when one added all the universities, colleges, and public schools. Later in the day it was announced that 20 million people had participated across the country, and that the day was also observed in 192 countries.
Memories are not always the best guide. But what I remember about the speakers and proposals put forward that day was mostly about cleaning up, stopping the pollution and loss of habitat. Make sure that your communities recycle. And of course we needed to protect endangered species.
These were all important issues, but they were issues that many social justice and peace activists considered secondary in 1970. After all, the Indo-China war was escalating and the death toll was climbing. The year before had seen the rise of the Black Panther Party, the Chicano Liberation Movement, and American Indian Movement. We did not understand in 1970 how a belligerent US foreign policy, domestic racism and our relation to the earth were all linked and related. As separate issues they could and did compete for our attention and energy.
As we approach the anniversary of the first Earth Day, the movement for ecological justice is much bigger than it was in 1970. With massive organizing campaigns in urban communities against industrial pollution and pipelines, eco-justice is no longer a white middle class issue. There have been massive mobilizations among American Indian communities to stop corporate encroachments on land and water and these movements are now joining with the urban based eco-justice movements deepening and strengthening both. Most environmentalists understand that runaway militarism and sustainability stand in contradiction; a right relationship with the earth will also require a non-violent and cooperative relationship between peoples.
Much has happened since 1970. I wonder now whether Unitarian Universalists have caught up with the expansion and deepening of the eco-justice movement. Do we fully understand how this work is a vital aspect of the fight for economic justice and the fight against racism? Do we see restoring right relationship to the earth as key to our work to realize a more democratic society?
For me, we need to begin to make every day Earth Day.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CORNER
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I am so proud of the work our young people do for justice. They have enormous hearts, and they have the support of their parents and guardians at home to be so motivated! They are always eager to jump in on projects their RE teachers suggest.
This month our 2-3rd graders did a lesson on hunger from Teaching Tolerance as preparation for their Justice Partner work with Tuesday Meals. First they discussed hunger and how it might make them feel or affect their schoolwork.Then they learned about food insecurity in Massachusetts, where children are at greater risk of hunger than adults, and even more so in homes headed by single parents, blacks or Latin@s. They were excited to think about what they could do to help make a difference for the guests at our soup kitchen, Tuesieday Meals.
The children talked about some possibilities and decided to brighten the guests' experience! Tuesday Meals strives to give their guests an experience with dignity, and are always seeking ways to enhance the dining atmosphere with their limited resources. This past week, the children made spring centerpieces for the Easter season and sent them to the Meal. Here they are hard at work:
Tuesday Meals' Chef Pam was so happy to receive them!
They will brighten the evening for about 120 hungry guests.
We also look forward to a special justice project this month. On April 23rd the RE classes will be taking a trip to Walden Pond in celebration of Earth Day. We will enjoy an afternoon of exploration and advocacy as we learn about Henry David Thoreau. The children will be making signs ahead of time in support of solar energy in Massachusetts, and we will use this opportunity to kick off our own First Parish RE grassroots letter writing campaign for state environmental bill HD3418/SD841, Solar Power in Environmental Justice and Urban Communities. In honor of Earth Day, as well as the busy parking situation at Walden, we would like to plan carpooling for as many families as possible. If you have seats available in your car, or if you are in need of a seat (or two or three) please contact Corinne Foster (). We will put carpoolers in touch with each other so that you can plan the details.
I hope you join me in celebrating our 2-3rd graders’ work and looking forward to more justice efforts from our children this month!
In faith,
Mandy
Meet Our Ministerial Candidate, April 29-May 7! Vote May 7.
This is an exciting time for the future of our congregational life, as we consider who will be our newsettled minister!
The Ministerial Search Committee is completing nearly a year of work, with deep participation from thecongregation, and has decided on our priority candidate(s). Candidates have also chosen their prioritycongregations, and this week we will find out whether we “match” with our final candidate. If all goeswell, the negotiating committee will finalize the contract with them, we will take care of other finaldetails, and we should be ready to announce the candidate later in April.
Everyone will then have a chance to meet the proposed minister during candidating week from April 29-May 7. They will also preach on April 30th and May 7th . There will be many larger and smaller gatheringswith congregants, staff and committees during the week so that everyone has a chance to spend timewith the candidate. Please put the following main events in your calendars and try to come to at leastone.
Saturday, April 29 5:00 pm -7:00 pm All-congregation potluck in the Barn Room
Sunday, April 30 Candidate preaches. Special social hour after the service.
4:30 pm -6:00pm Social justice discussion with candidate. Hosted by Social Justice
Council;Beyond Borders/Sin Fronteras; GBIO Task Force; Environmental Justice Task Force; Middle East Education Group.
Tuesday, May 2 8:00 pm -9:00 pm Young adults (age 18-35),
Hosted by the Young Adult Group in the Barn Room
Thursday, May 4 12:00 pm -1:00 pm Luncheon in Downtown Boston at One Federal St.
(Health Care For All office).
Saturday, May 6 12:00 pm -2:00 pm Lunch and open meeting.
Special invitation to parents and children.
Sunday, May 7 Candidate preaches.
Noon: Vote at special congregational business meeting.
Please remember that you must be a member of First Parish in order to vote. We welcome you tobecome a member as soon as possible -- there will be a membership class on April 9.
We are really looking forward to introducing you to the candidate!!
Your Ministerial Search Committee: Joanna Fink, Cushing Giesey, Marcia Hams, Gloria Korsman, KarinLin, Rashid Shaikh and Alex Taylor.
We Are Aiming High
Our annual fund drive kicked off in March. Many in our congregation submitted pledges conveying the donations they plan to make during the church year beginning in July. We thank all of you!
Next year, welcoming our new minister certainly will be the primary goal. But we also want to continue our mission-focused programs—doing justice work, worshiping together, fostering spiritual development, and building our community. Two weeks ago we committed to join the Harvard Square congregations who have stepped up to offer sanctuary for immigrant or refugee neighbors living in fear of deportation.
To achieve the goals we have, we need everyone to participate in our pledge drive! If you haven’t already done so, please take time to think about how you can financially support the goals of First Parish in 2017 and beyond. There are pledge cards in the pews. Fill one out and put it in the offering basket. Or there’s an online form here:
There is a pledging FAQ here: pledging-at-first-parish/
If you have unanswered questions, email
Be Sure to Check Your Member Voting Status
As we prepare to welcome our candidate for settled minister at the end of this month, please note that only members in good standing will be allowed to vote at the meeting on May 7. To be in good standing a member must have made a contribution of record within the past 12 months. This means you must have made a financial payment online, by check or in cash(in a marked envelope with your name) between May 2016 and May 2017. Auction payments, retreat payments and cash put in the plate do not count as financial contributions toward membership. Also, new members who have pledged but haven’t made a payment on that pledge are not considered voting members. If you’re unclear on your membership voting status contact Congregational Administrator, Carol Lewis at or 617-876-7772.
April Shared Offering
What would a Unitarian Universalism that centers the cultures and experiences of People of Color look like? What music, academic discourse, poetry, art, food, and worship resources would result in an intentional effort to co-create a new expression of Unitarian Universalism that is for and by People of Color?
Our shared offering recipient for April is the UU Global Majorities Collective, an exciting new project of Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) that will come together annually to develop and execute collaborative projects with the goal of building this new expression of Unitarian Universalism. Please consider making a generous donation to “The Collective.” With your assistance, we can co-create a truly diverse, truly revolutionary, UU multicultural ministry!
First Saturday Sing-Alongs
Please join us thisSaturday, April 1 at 10:00 amfor our next monthly sing-along at Sancta Maria!We’ll meet at 799 Concord Ave in Cambridge in the 5thfloor activity room -- but feel free to come late or leave early if you have a tight schedule. We'll work our way down through the 4th and 3rd floors, and finish bynoon. We’ll also gather on May 6,June 3.
About First Saturday Sing-alongs
Every month, a group of us get together at Sancta Maria nursing home to sing songs with the residents. It's been so nice getting to know them and seeing them light up when singing an old favorite. No rehearsal or musical talent needed ... this is not about "performing for" but rather "singing with". The songs are easy and familiar (think "When the Saints Go Marching", "Take Me Out to the Ballgame", "This Land is Your Land") and we'll have plenty of large print song sheets for everyone. Children, newcomers and non-First Parish folks are all welcome. No need to make a regular commitment, or even to RSVP ahead of time - just show up. If you've never been here, don't be shy!! For more information, to offer or request a ride, or to be added to the email list for future events, please speak with Elke Jahns-Harms or .
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UU Morality – Spiritual Power for Social Justice
Join the conversation: we will explore the foundations of Unitarian Universalism and how the tradition guides us toward social justice work, and sustains our moral fiber. We will share stories, watch a couple short videos, and discuss our connections to UUism and our work to "set right the world" for our fellow humans. Grey Lee will lead this program on Sunday, April 9 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Chapel as part of our Spiritual Pathways program.
We look forward to seeing you there! Please RSVP at
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Pastoral Care
Sometimes life can become stressful and hard. You may be facing a job loss, the end of a relationship, a serious illness, a difficult conversation that you’re worried about.
Pastoral Care is available for you. If you would like a pastoral care phone call or visit please let me know. Cushing Giesey and I are available to support you.
Please contact me directly by phone or email at
Rev. Danielle
FIVE WISHES
Do you know how you would like to be cared for if you become seriously ill and cannot speak for yourself? Do you know what kind of medical treatment you want (or do not want) if you are close to death, in a coma, have permanent severe brain damage?
Do you know who you want to make decisions for you? Do they know who they are? Do they know your wishes? Does your physician know your wishes? How about your minister?
Please join me on Sunday, April 23rd after church (12:15ish) to discuss these topics and to get your wishes into a document that is legal, easy to use and helpful to all who love you.
Rev. Danielle
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It’s the Annual Easter Egg Hunt!
Please join us for our traditional children’s Easter Egg Hunt in the Old Burying Ground. The hunt is hosted by our Coming of Age group, immediately following the worship service onApril 16.They and the Easter Bunny need your help:Please donate candyin the marked binsonApril 9 and 16so the youth can stuff and hide eggs! Small, peanut-free candy, wrapped if possible, is preferred. Thanks for your generosity!
Following the service onApril 16,children should bring baskets and gather in the Library for directions. Children of different ages will have separate areas to hunt for eggs, and the youngest children will have their chance first. Parents and guardians, please help your child(ren) pay attention to their location and timing. During the hunt, children are asked to be mindful of our Covenant and our orange promise to each other to “Be kind in all you do”. Children agreed to do their best to have fun and help the other children have fun! This means being mindful of how many of us are participating and taking only your fair share.
If your child has food sensitivities or allergies, please see Director of Religious Education Mandy Neff to trade in your candy for allergen-free treats at the end of the Egg Hunt.
Thanks and Hoppy Hunting!
Parenting Discussion Group
First Parish friends and members raising children are invited to attend an open monthly discussiongroupled by Carrie Fisher. Each month we will have a discussion topic based loosely on a chapter from the bookTending the Flame: the Art of Unitarian UniversalistParenting, by Michelle Richards.The reading is not mandatory-- please come to talk, laugh, think, commiserate, celebrate, and be together in fellowship on the journey ofparenting.This month's topic will be about Parenting in our Congregation's Community.
Logistics: Families will have lunch on their own. Childcare will be provided in the Baldwin room once lunch is over.April's group will meet onSunday, April 23,from12:30 pm to 2:00 pmin the Chapel.Please f you have any questions.
News from the Middle East Education Group
The Middle East Education Group will host and co-sponsor a fund-raising event with the
Cambridge Bethlehem People to People Project on Saturday, April 15 from 3:00 pm -5:00 pm in the Parlor. It willfeature Jimmy Tingle: “Trumping injustice with humor and love”. This will be a benefit for 1for3, a water project in Bethlehem. Nidal Al-Azraq, Executive Director of 1for3, has recently returned fromBethlehem and will share some updates. Suggested donation -$20- $50. Seats are limited. Make yourreservation by email through .
Looking ahead to May, the Group will host and co-sponsor a fund-raiser for the Palestinian House
of Friendship on Wednesday evening, May 24 at 6:30 pm in the Parlor. The other sponsor is
American Friends of the Palestinian House of Friendship. The program’s founder and Executive
Director, Muhammed Sawalha will be the main presenter. There will be music and refreshments. Freeand open to the public.
The next meeting of the Group is Sunday, April 9 after church in the Fuller Room.
General Assembly Delegates Sought
Dear Friends,
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) gathers annually for a national conference. This year, General Assembly (GA) will be in New Orleans, LA fromJune 21-25, 2017. First Parish will be allowed to send four delegates to GA. To learn more about GA visit:
If you are interested in being a delegate for First Parish, please submit an email request s soon as possible but no later thanApril 17, 2017. Your request should include (1) a short summary of your activities/leadership at First Parish and (2) why you want to be delegate for First Parish and (3) how you will share what you learn at GA with the congregation. Please limit to one page.