Church Phone: (781) 878-0650 (Leave Message on Machine) Church E-Mail
Church Phone: (781) 878-0650 (leave message on machine) Church e-mail:
Minister: Rev. Ed Hardy
Religious Education Director: Becky PaulHome:(781) 293-2447e-mail:
Prudential Committee:
Kareen Arena: Co-ChairpersonHome:(781) 878-1988e-mail:
Cheryl Gardner: Co-ChairpersonHome: (781) 585-4556e-mail:
Margaret Holmes: ClerkHome: (781) 982-2893e-mail:
Aaren ArenaHome:(781) 878-1988e-mail:
Jason CarterHome:(781) 447-1147e-mail:
Susan CurranHome:(781) 767-4230e-mail:
Gary PaulHome:(781) 293-2447e-mail:
Katie TierneyHome:(781) 982-9576e-mail:
Treasurer: Phil BerryHome: (781) 585-4412e-mail:
Asst. Treasurer: Danny HowlandHome:(781) 871-0471e-mail:
Music and Worship: Marc TierneyHome:(781) 982-9576e-mail:
House & Grounds: Paul ArenaHome:(781) 878-1988e-mail:
Music Director: Lillian Cunningham-HallHome: (781) 878-3396
Flower Committee: Debby ArenaHome:(781) 878-4470
Church Secretary: Aaren ArenaHome:(781) 878-1988e-mail:
Visit our website:
From the Minister Rev. Ed Hardy
A COLLECTION OF ITEMS…
I feel I haven’t seen many members of the congregation in a long, long time. When did I see you last? Hmm….
If you don’t serve on a committee that I meet with regularly, then it has been a long time. Maybe it was Christmas Eve…Wasn’t that a wonderful service? Music was great! Snacks after worship fabulous!
Christmas, it has been a long time. I miss you. When we miss a Sunday, the one day of the week most of us are together, or two Sundays, then it might seem as if we have lost contact. Services that members learned and practiced music for got bumped. Sorry, John McClintock. John learned a new song—“Strangely Wrapped Gifts” for a service of the same name—snow bumped it once and we switched service to try and have “Strangely Wrapped Gifts” on another Sunday and snow bumped that service too. Well, I’ve wrapped that sermon up and put it in storage for next Christmas season. We’ll unwrap it in 2010.
2010? Have you gotten used to writing that yet? A whole decade—poof, just like that it is now gone. It seems like yesterday I was twenty. Where did all that go? Oh, well, Happy New Year!
Our BIG news:
Kelly and I have decided to move. Our one bedroom apartment was stretched to the seams when Khenpo Karten Rinpoche came to stay with us for a month last year. Kelly and I would get a little frayed at the edges. Then he came this year and stayed for three months! We decided that no matter how much we love Khenpo-la and no matter how much we dislike packing, moving, unpacking, learning a new neighborhood, maybe finding a new auto repair mechanic (we love Chuck at Mid-Way auto in Abington), no matter how anxious all that change might make us, we needed to move. We need a room for Khenpo-la. And thinking towards the future, when Kelly finishes her training next year she’ll need a room for her practice. So that’s a three bedroom apartment. Maybe an apartment that would allow a dog? I could really use a dog. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to the members of the congregation who have a dog and invite me to their house for some other reason—like a committee meeting or a party and I can get an all too seldom dose of dog. Maybe closer to the ocean? Or a place with more trees? We looked at an apartment within walking distance of WompatuckState Park. Oh, a Starbucks close by would be nice—I’ve grown very fond of a Venti Chai latte, with two Splenda and no foam—does anyone know how to spell addicted?
Kelly has several friends in Quincy and along Route 128 headed north. We would like to get Khenpo-la and us closer to the “Red” line so he could visit friends by himself and we could leave the car home when we go to concerts and museums. At first I was opposed, but as I would drive around the Wollaston and Merrymount areas of Quincy I began to change my mind. Okay, I’ll look in Quincy. The apartment hunt is wicked. Things come and go quickly. Pictures of rooms are adjusted to look larger. Green lawns seen on the internet turn to concrete when you drive down the street. Attractive apartments that rented months ago are left on the internet—it’s called “bait and switch.” Right about now my daughter, Julia, would say, “Is this going to be a sermon?”
We found a keeper. We love it. We like the landlord and we will miss our present landlord. Kelly and I will be moving in February to 62 Hudson St. in the Merrymount section of Quincy. We have four bedrooms on two floors—second and third, two full baths, plenty of storage and a laundry in the basement—There is a God!
Anyone got any cardboard boxes? Anyone got a full size bed? Khenpo-la’s room needs thebed,a small desk, abureau, a nightstand, a lamp—Our décor is Early Garage and Late Attic.
See you in church, Ed
Worship Services – February 2010
February 7 – To Be Announced
February 14 – What’s Love Got To Do With It? – Led by Rev. Ed Hardy
Ahem! It Is Valentine’s Day. What’s love got to do with it? Hurry, make sure you have the card, the flowers and the box of chocolate candies—crème filled are my preference. What’s love got to do with it?
February 21 – Lay led Service by Danette Carter
February 28 – Dr. Death and the Dough – Led by Rev. Ed Hardy
“Dr. Death” is a title Jack Kevorkian receive early in his career as a pathologist. He assisted in the suicide of over 130 patients during the 80’s and 90’s. In November of 1998 Dr. Kevorkian was brought to trial for the murder of Thomas Youk, 52, who suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was found guilty and served 8 years of a ten to twenty five year sentence. As we debate a National Health Care plan and it’s costs it seems an appropriate time to revisit the ethics and life of Jack Kevorikan.
RE Update and News:
Becky Paul, DRE
1/24 Classes - begin in church with Rev. Ed
1/31 Classes - begin upstairs
2/7 Classes - begin upstairs
2/14 Intersession Break
2/21 Session IV begins
2/28 Classes - begin in church with Rev. Ed
Session III
God Images & Stories about God
Teachers:
Paul Anderson – Chalice Children
Marc Tierney – Spirit Seekers
The third session of RE has gotten off to a late start with cancellations due to snow, but is now up and running. The Chalice Children have begun with a story called “Hide and Seek with God”. They are discovering and sharing their ideas about where to find God and what God looks like to them. (This idea of searching for God is supported by the UU Principle, which urges us to affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.)
The children also learned that God has many names, and no one name is better than any other. Stories are combined with activities, which help the children make connections between
images and concepts in the stories and their own experiences. The children are encouraged
to express their own ideas and beliefs about God through discussion, song and art projects. It’s our goal to help them develop a language with which they can speak about God. Parents are invited at any time to find out more about the curriculum and volunteer their time in the classroom or at special RE events.
The Spirit Seekers shared their ideas about the Image of God by drawing pictures and sharing them with the group. They plan to create a book of God Images. Their homework assignment is to find at least five different images of God from different religions using books, magazines, or the Internet and bring them to their next class. We are hoping to put together an intergen service at the end of the next session so the children can share their work and ideas with the congregation. Stay tuned!
Finally…Success!The Christmas Pageant that almost wasn’t…. was a big hit!!!
The performance took place on January 6th, (the twelfth day of Christmas) and the cast was outstanding! Unfortunately, my pictures came out horrible so if you were there and have any pictures, please forward them to me at . I’d love to post them on the website. These kids endured not one, but two cancellations due to snow! Their last rehearsal was weeks before the show, yet they all remembered their cues and lines! They really shined! Thanks to everyone who came to the play and to all those wonderful people who made it all possible. Danette Carter, director, Katie Tierney, costumes, Joe Herosy on guitar and our adult choir, Chris Ricciotti, John Burrows, Linda Tesauro, Donna Amado and Janine Anderson. Thanks also to Cheryl Gardner and Kareen Arena for helping out with costume changes, and to Mark Gardner, Jason Carter, Danny Howland, and Joe Herosy for the sound system. Oh…and everyone who brought snacks…thank you!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Youth Advisors: Danny Howland & Susan Kavka 781-878-8906
Last weekend, some of us attended the”CON” (Youth Conference) at the WestminsterChurch in Rhode Island. While it was a small group, we still had a great time and made great pizza & homemade German pretzels. Feather Football was awesome to watch and will probably become a yearly event.
Our new helpful advisors, Lara & Joe Herosy also attended the CON. It was refreshing to have new advisors participate in this event…and Joe keep us all on beat with his trash barrel drumming.
Back in December, 3 Youth & myself went to the Norwell UU Church for a RAVE dance. There were 50 or more teens at the dance. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and made some new connections with Youth from other churches in the area.
The Channing Church Youth Group is working on hosting an open house gathering for Youth on the SouthShore in the near future.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Jan 24 – NEXT Youth Group Meeting 5-7PM
March 27-28th – Duxbury Sr High CON – this year is a one day-night con
April 9-11th – Brewster CON (in April with April!)
May 8th – Duxbury Jr high CON Saturday
The Youth Group will be holding a Bake Sale to benefit the RELIEF FUND for those who need help in Haiti. Date will be announced next week. Any and all help is appreciated.
Please contact Susan Kavka 781-826-8906.
Just a friendly reminder that in the cold dark days of winter, we have an invite for you to join a friendly warm gathering of people for our Knitting Circle on Wednesday nights. The next few weeks will be focused on any new knitters who join our group. Our regular knitters are welcome (and encouraged) to attend to knit and offer your help with new folks. Date: Wednesdays Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: 393 Union Street - Rockland, MA
Bring your projects and a snack to share. We look forward to seeing you!
BLUE MOON COFFEEHOUSE
UPCOMING SHOW
All shows start at 7:30
The ChanningUnitarianUniversalistChurch, 45 Webster Street, Rockland
Admission: $6 at the door, Children under 12 Free
Save The Date: Feb. 6th February’s Coffeehouse promises to be a very good show.
The acoustic folk pop quartet, Tripping Lily, peforms at the Blue Moon Coffeehouse in Rockland on Saturday, February 6th at 7:30 p.m. This young, energetic band spent several weeks at number one on Boston folk radio station WUMB. Their ability to blend contemporary and traditional music makes them, in the words of The Boston Globe, “a genre unto themselves.” In between sets, they’ll be an open mike and a raffle. For more information on the band, you can visit their website at For more information on this and upcoming shows at the Blue Moon Coffeehouse, you can visit
Hope to see you there! Cheryl & Mark Gardner
Upcoming Shows
Feb 6th
Tripping Lily
March 13th
Patti DeRosa
April 17th
Three Cats
and a Dog
***Snow Cancellations***
The Snow is coming ... Prudential has worked out a procedure for canceling church due to heavy snow storms. So when the snow falls and you are unsure if there will still be a service or an event just call ChanningChurch. We will put the message that church has been cancelled on our answering service (we thought this would work better than one or two people trying to call everyone, & maybe miss notifying someone). Sunday service cancellations will be posted by 8:30am. If the answering service message does not say church has been cancelled we will still have church that Sunday. Cancellation notices will also be posted on our website. The decision to cancel will be made by Cheryl & Kareen, Prudential Co-Chairs, & will be made considering all factors involved such as; how bad the snow is, if anyone is available to shovel the church walks, if plows have cleared the streets & Ike’s Way leaving room to park cars, if the minister or lay led person is still able to make it to the church, to be in the pulpit for the service, if there is a power failure, etc. If you are not sure if a church event has been cancelled please call Channing 781-878-0650 or visit to check.
On Saturday, February 20 at 6 p.m. we will be having our Chinese New Year Dinner followed by a Chinese Auction!
We will need donations of items for the Chinese Auction (This is a great time to pass on those special Christmas gifts you got, that you just don’t know what to do with – share the joy with someone else!).
There will be a sign up sheet available on Sunday mornings so that we can order enough food, or contact the fundraising committee.
ChanningChurch Penny Race
Our Winter Penny Race is finished!
and the winners will be revealed on Sunday Jan 24th.
So be sure to be stay after the service for the rewards of Hot Chocolate and S’mores
To join our Spring Penny Race, starting Feb. 7th, please see Aaren Arena.
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CAN “U” HELP? We’re Moving
Phil & Donna Berry are moving from Kingston to a home in Plympton.
Some 4 ½ miles closer to ChanningChurch & just about ¼ mile from Cheryl & Mark Gardner.
DATE – JANUARY 30TH @ 8:AM - 8 LODGEPOLE LANE, KINGSTON MA. 02364
781-585-4412
MOVING TO: 4 CRANBERRY KNOLL
PLYMPTON MA.
781-585-4412 (same as Kingston)
We plan on having a 16 ft. Box Truck for easy packing!!
We have over 36+ boxes already moved to the new house!!
We have bureaus (drawers taken out) for easy moving, Clothing, in boxes, Hutch & Wall Unit (empty for easy moving), Small Freezer w/ Moving Dolly
Any and All who would like to help, we don’t think it will take that long, maybe 2+ hours.
Even if just a load of “shtuff” would be appreciated…
More the Merrier!!…
After the Move: Beer, Burgers & Sandwiches, Relaxin & Thank U’s
All and Any Help would be greatly appreciated…If “U” can help, just let us know… 781-585-4412
THANKS FOR ANYTHING “U” CAN DO….PHIL & DONNA
A birthday is just the first day of another 365 day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.
~Author Unknown
Birthday Wishes
Happy Birthday wishes to:
January 7 – Aaren Arena
8 – Mary Pietrusko
12 – Sydney Paul
14 – Sandra Williams
21 – Bill Norkus
25 – Pete Arena, Jr
25 – Stacey Leonard
26 – Maddy Willette
February 2 – Paul Norkus
3 – Allyson Willette
6 – Jarrin Kavka
13 – Harriet Winer
20 – Jeanette Chandler
22 – Julian Anderson
And Happy Anniversary to ...
Paul and Kareen Arena (January 12)
Do we have your family’s birthdays or anniversaries? If not, please take a minute to send them in. Mail us, email us or leave a note in the office next time you’re at church.
We want to make sure that we list the birthdays and anniversaries of everyone in our church family. Thank you!
Caring and Sharing
- Congratulations to Cory Patten for leading his first Sunday service on January 17th!
We’re looking forward to your next one!
- Happy Birthday to Jarrin Kavka who is turning 18 on February 6th
and to his cat Dusty, who will be turning 2 the same day!
- Congratulations to Sara Carter on receiving two Platinum
and two High Gold awards at her competition for Music Theatre!
- A BIG thanks to all who helped out with this years Christmas Pageant: Joe Herosy, Becky and Gary Paul, Katie and Marc Tierney, Janine Anderson, Donna Amado, Linda Tesauro, Chris Ricciotti, John Burrows, Kareen Arena, Cheryl and Mark Gardner and Jason Carter.
And especially all the kids! You were awesome!!
- DearChanningChurch, Thank You! in regard to our 20th Annual Coffeehouse to Benefit Rockland Emergency Food Pantry that we held in October at Channing. Thanks so much for letting us use your hall every year. It is really perfect for our event and everyone loves it and looks forward to it! Together we made $1576.25 for the Food Pantry! Thanks again for the part you’ve played in our success. Sincerely, Karen Haffner, Coffeehouse Organizer
ChanningChurch