Winchester Unitarian Society Highlights November 1, 2018

Upcoming Worship

Sunday, November 4th 10:00 am Family Worship, Meyer Chapel "The Thinning Veil" 10:30 am All Ages Worship, Sanctuary Testimony: A Service of Remembrance The Rev. Heather Janules Worship Associate: Peter McEntee

When someone we love dies, their presence among us is sustained through sharing stories of their life. This service will reflect on the practice of storytelling about our beloved dead and the power of hearing their words once again. All are invited to bring photos and small mementos of those we remember to place in the sanctuary chancel.

This Sunday, we share our gifts with the Hospice and Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts, connecting individuals with organizations providing compassionate end-of-life resources and care for patients and their families.

Please Note

This fall, we have been experimenting with the order of the liturgy for the 10:30 worship service.

We have also added a brief time of Community Greeting at the beginning of the service so there is a time of fellowship before the children leave the sanctuary. This also allows their adult caregivers to greet those around them as they are picking up their children at the end of the service.

This Sunday, worship will begin with Gathering Music, not Ringing of the Bell. Keep your ears peeled for John Kramer's beautiful opening.

We will soon create a formal opportunity or the community to provide feedback on the various "experiments." In the meantime, feel free to send feedback to ​Rev. Heather at [email protected]

Music

There are so many great opportunities for singing at the Winchester Unitarian Society.

Hymn Sing: First Tuesday of the month at 7:15 p.m. in the Meyer Chapel.

Adult Choir rehearses 8:45 am on Sunday mornings.

Children's Chorale every Tuesday @ 6:15 pm in the Sunshine (Spirit Play) Room. All children grades 2-6 are most welcome.

Our new Youth Choir every Tuesday @ 6:15 pm in the Meyer Chapel. All singers in grades 7-12 are most welcome.

​The more the merrier, so don't be shy about getting involved. Questions? Contact John Kramer at [email protected] Religious Education

Mark Your Calendars! Our Next Potluck Theology happens on November 18th. We look forward to seeing you there for an early evening meal, fun and learning!

THIS SUNDAY Morning Groups World of Wonder: Our Friends, the Trees. We are planning on getting to know a couple of trees very well, with all our senses and bark rubbings. Sunday promises to be warm and dry enough for meeting the trees on the grounds of Winchester Unitarian Society, so please come dressed for a morning outside. Teachers Beatrice and Caroline lead the group.

Moral Tales: Gratitude: We are learning about being thankful/expressing gratitude. We will hear a story about gratitude, and create a gratitude tree on which to hang our grateful leaves. Teachers Charlotte and Elizabeth lead the group.

Neighboring Faiths: We debrief last weeks’ visit to King’s Chapel before turning our attention to Buddhism. Buddha comes from the Sanskrit root word, 'budh', 'to wake’ or ‘to know. What does wakefulness mean to contemporary Buddhists? Many Unitarian Universalists also practice Buddhism, and we explore a practice of mindfulness accessible to both UU’s and Buddhists. Teachers Rebecca and Christian lead the group. Afternoon Groups: Our Whole Lives: Our Whole Lives meets 4:30-6:00 PM in the Wallace Room. This week we explore body image and cultural norms – and discern our own values. Liz Scott and Sarah Milt lead the group. Middle schoolers are also welcome to join us as we explore in Neighboring Faiths, or participate in worship at 10:30.

Family Worship at Winchester Unitarian Society 10:00 a.m. Sundays Family Worship happens in the chapel at 478 Main Street from 10:00-10:20, all Sundays this fall excepting 11/18 and 12/16.

S-30 and Counting, Rebecca’s Sabbatical Approaches As many of you know, I am entering my tenth year of service at Winchester Unitarian Society and after many transitions and challenges I am taking five months of my accrued Sabbatical leave from Dec 1st – April 30th, returning to the congregation on May 1st. By stepping away and exploring what engaging and compelling faith development looks like in the current day, as well as taking an extended break from the day to day demands of congregational work – I hope to bring new energy and insights to Winchester Unitarian Society as we work to minister most effectively together to those currently affiliated and those we might welcome in the future. I believe this will be the least disruptive timing for the congregation, well after the program year has gotten underway and this year’s congregational life has settled. December’s worship cycle is predictable, Jan Fest organizing is in place from year to year and curriculum and calendar for the second half of the program year will be in place by the time of my departure. I will return in time to plan and prepare for the year ahead. Coverage for most aspects of my job will be taken up by other staff members and volunteers from within the community. In addition we are working out the details for a short-term Sunday morning “lead” during my time away.

​I’ll write more about Sabbatical coverage in each of the next three Highlights, as well as future details about my plans for time away and how I hope to share them with all of you.

Wanted: Religious Education Lead Teacher

We need your assistance in finding our next Lead Teacher. WUS seeks an enthusiastic Sunday morning program leader for the 2018-2019 church year in our Religious Education classrooms. We welcome graduate students, non-traditional educators, and early career teachers, as well as experienced teachers. We compensate at a competitive rate. For more information, please go to https://www.winchesteruu.org/wanted-religious-education-lead-teacher/ Spread the word! WUSYG Winchester Unitarian Society Youth Group

WUSYG Presents FALL FEST 2018

This Sunday, November 4th, WUSYG will be hosting their 5th Annual Fall Fest fundraiser in Metcalf after the Service. All ages are invited to this fun event that will include lots of Fall-themed games, crafts, activities and food! The event is free but food/games/crafts will have suggested donations. We will open with a tribute to Diwali, and also have live musicians, pumpkin painting, a 50/50, bake sale, and plant sale (see below!) All funds raised will help off-set costs for WUSYG's upcoming service trip in April. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

To check out more about what is happening in WUSYG, please click here to see the WUSYG Newsletter.

Other dates and info about following us on social media (please join our Facebook group and follow us on Instagram!) can be found on our recently-updated website: https://www.winchesteruu.org/youth

At Fall Fest, you may also purchase a spider plant from Rev. Heather's Spider Plant Farm. Spider plants help clean the air and are easy to grow and propagate.

All plants are of comparable age and quality; price difference is due to the quality of the pot; $3 for a fiber pot, $5 for a terra cotta pot, $10 for a ceramic pot. There are other plants in ceramic pots ranging from $5 (chip in the back) to $20 (large, productive plant in a large pot.)

All funds raised at Fall Fest will help offset costs for WUSYG's upcoming service trip in April. We look forward to seeing everyone there! Congregational News

Partner Church News

We’ve been in partnership with the Unitarian Church in Marsosvasarhely, Transylvania for almost a quarter century. During that time, one of the most gratifying aspects of that partnership has been the opportunity to provide scholarship support to young people who, without that support, would be unable to pursue their studies beyond high school. WUS has helped nine: Seven have graduated from university, one from technical school, and one from a program leading to a teaching certificate. All are participating members of our partner church. The last of them graduated in 2016. Now, we have an opportunity to support a tenth student:

Anna Kiss is studying at the Art and Design University in Kolozsvar where she is enrolled in a three-year program learning ceramic, glass, and metal work. Her father, a Unitarian minister, died at age 35. Her mother, who earns a small salary as secretary at the Second Unitarian Church in Marosvasarhely, is the sole support for Anna and her fourteen-year-old brother.

In the past, we have assembled groups of six WUS families each willing to provide $150 per year. The $900 annual total still goes a long way in Transylvania. We expect our scholarship recipients to let their supporters know how they’re progressing at least twice a year. If you’re interested in being part of Anna’s group, please get in touch with Maggie or John Russell (781-729-8128).

Where in the World is the Intern Minister on Sunday Mornings?

For the next three Sundays, the Intern Minister, Marianne DiBlasi, will be learning about WUS’s Religious Education curriculum for different age groups, so she will not be participating in Sunday morning worship in the Sanctuary. On the three upcoming Sunday mornings, Marianne can be found participating in Family Worship in the Meyer Chapel at 10 am, then attending the RE classes for each age group.

On October 28, Marianne will be visiting the PreK-1 World of Wonder class. On November 4, the Moral Tales class for 2-4th Grades. And, on November 11, she will be with the Neighboring Faith class for 5th Grade and beyond. Marianne looks forward to engaging with congregants of all ages at the many other events and activities that are happening at WUS.

Interested in Unitarian Universalism? In life @ WUS? You’re invited! to our Fall Membership classes Beginning, Becoming and Belonging

Beginning II: Sunday, November 11, 12:00 - 2:30 pm Brunch/Lunch will be provided. If you would like childcare provided, please let us know when you RSVP. Please RSVP in advance to: [email protected]. For more information, please click HERE.

Save the Date! UU History Walking Tour of Saturday, November 10th Gather @ WUS at 8:30 am; Return around 2pm, ​$10 + money for lunch Explore the rich history of Unitarianism and Universalism in the center of the "UU Holy Land," Boston - our neighborhood! Most sites are outdoor and fully accessible. The day includes a guided tour of King's Chapel. Scholarships available. Contact Rev. Heather at [email protected] or 781.729.0949 if you wish to participate or have questions.

Photo: The statue of William Ellery Channing, the "Father of American Unitarianism," across from

From the Music Committee Our concert series kicks off tomorrow with a vocal concert featuring our very talented WUS soloists. Opera, art song, musical theater and jazz will all be on the program along with a centennial celebration of Leonard Bernstein. We promise you a wonderful evening of song where you will see our beloved soloists in their element! Please join us in the sanctuary tomorrow, Nov 2nd at 8:00 pm. Read more.

We Believe in Dog ​​November 17th Last Walk of the Season!

WBID is a gathering of WUS members and friends – and their dogs – who walk together in the Fells. You don’t need to have a dog to participate! But all dogs who do come must be friendly and vaccinated. We next gather Saturday, November 17th. We will meet at the second of three entrances to the Middlesex Fells on Hillcrest Parkway at 10:00 am and start walking around 10:05. If you intend to come, contact Rev. Heather ([email protected]) with your cell number (if applicable) so she can call you if you are not there at walking time. Hope to see you there!

Joys, Sorrows & Transitions

Healing wishes are with Cindy Crothers as she recovers from abdominal surgery. Cards, sent to her house, are welcome.

If you are facing a time of joy, sorrow or transition in your life, our ministers and the Pastoral Care Associates are available to offer a listening ear, ​compassionate presence and, if applicable, resources. Contact the office, 781-729-0949 or [email protected]. Social & Environmental Action

Upcoming Justice Programs

Social Action and Outreach is now taking orders for Fair Trade organic COFFEE and CHOCOLATE. We support small farmers coops in Latin America. Order forms are available at the Social Action table, or by email from Claire McNeill. The deadline is NOVEMBER 18.

Buy your UU Service Committee Christmas and Holiday cards at WUS. Social Action and Outreach will sell cards on Sundays: $10 for 10 cards. Five styles. You may pay cash (or write a check to the UUSC ) and give to a SAOC member.

Thanks for the books! More Than Words picked up 10 boxes of your donations on October 22. This non-profit trains young people for their second-hand book stores is Waltham and Boston. Learn about their fine work at https://www.mtwyouth.org/

Readings from “The Slave Narrative of Willie Mae” Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Royall House, 15 George St, Medford. On November 3, Ifé Franklin will read from her book written in the voice of her great- grandmother, who was born in Virginia on the threshold of emancipation. The narrative brings to life Willie Mae’s journey from enslavement to freedom. Following Q&A copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

Restorative Justice for Lynching: a daughter’s story and community healing. How could the United States work to repair damage done by our own racial history? Discussion with Josephine Bolling McCall, whose father was lynched in Lowndes County Alabama in 1947, and Rose Zoltek-Jick, Associate Director of the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project. November 4, 2018 from 1:30 -3:30 pm at Church of Our Saviour, 21 Marathon Street, Arlington.

Decolonizing the Mind Through Conversation We Were Never Meant to Have with Debby Irving ​and Claudia Fox Tree This Sunday, ​​November 4, 2018 2:00–4:00 pm

Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Rd., Winchester Program is FREE and open to all. Sponsored by Winchester Multicultural Network.

For more information: www.wmcn.org, [email protected], 781-729-7100 https://www.winchesteruu.org/decolonizing-the-mind-11-4-18/

Volunteer Opportunities at UU Urban Ministry in Roxbury, MA

Throughout October and November, the UUUM Development Office is seeking volunteers to help with holiday mailing (envelope writing and envelope stuffing.) The office is flexible on dates and times and would provide lunch. If interested, contact Greta Hagen ([email protected]).

For Believe in Success: Practice interview with a BIS student. You will be given a list of questions to use. 1. Tuesday November 13 from 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm (Phone Interviews, don’t need to be present on site) 2. Thursday November 15 from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm (In Person, on site) 3. Thursday November 29 – 10 am – 11:45 am (In Person on site) If interested, contact Marvin Venay at [email protected]

Upcoming Events at UU Urban Ministry November 3, 3:00 pm at the UUUM: Handel + Haydn Society graces the with their moving Every Voice concert, this year highlighting the voices of Spanish and Latinx people, members of the LGBTQIA community, and our nation's veterans. Tickets are free, but reservations should be made ahead of time at: https://cart.handelandhaydn.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=575

Thanksgiving Baskets

It’s that time of year again to sign up for Thanksgiving food baskets to be collected for the Council of Social Concern in Woburn. Last year we provided 37 baskets, which were distributed to families in need in our community, and we are hoping to match that generosity this year. Last week people signed up to provide 17 baskets so we are nearly halfway to the goal!

Members of the Social Action and Outreach Committee will be signing up people during the social hour after the services on Nov 4th and Nov 11th. Basket drop-off will be in Metcalf Hall on Sunday Nov 18th from 9:00 - 10:30 am. We will also need lifters and drivers to help with delivery of the baskets on the morning of Tuesday, November 20th. Please email Alison Kirchgasser ([email protected]) or call/text her at 617- 290-4323 for more information or if you'd like to help out.

Feel free to team up and share a basket. Or, if you can’t commit to an entire basket (cost can range from $60-$100) please consider donating items from the Thanksgiving basket donation list posted in the Symmes Room. The council will use these food items to put together additional baskets for Thanksgiving and to distribute to their clients during the Christmas season. Please click here for the list of food items needed for this effort. Thank you so much for your generosity!

Bedford Sanctuary Training

If you were moved by our October 14th Sanctuary Stories worship service or discouraged about the news effecting undocumented immigrants, here’s your chance to get involved. The First Parish of Bedford is also looking for more volunteers to cover the various shifts. If you want to help, you need to be CORI checked and trained. Upcoming dates for training are: Wednesday November 7th from 1 - 3 PM at the First Parish, Room 202 or Thursday, November 15th from 7 - 9 PM at the First Parish, Room 202 Please email Marilyn at [email protected] if you would like to attend.

Woburn Food Pantry

​Next time you go shopping, please consider buying extra canned soup and cake & bread mixes for the Council of Social Concern’s Food Pantry. These are the items they need this month to stock their shelves. Thank you for your generosity. Sunday Volunteers & Flower Dedications

Sign Up for Coffee Hour Flower Dedications Refreshments Dates are available for flower Help make Sunday mornings more dedications. You may dedicate flowers in welcoming and joyful by bringing celebration of, in memory of, or in honor refreshments for coffee hour! If you are of someone and it will appear in the willing to be contacted when sign-ups Order of Service. are needed, please email [email protected] to put ​The cost is $45.00 (or you can bring your yourself on the contact list. own flowers, but let the office know). Please click to sign up or use the sign up Usually two people sign up to bring sheets in the foyer. finger foods for one Sunday. We truly appreciate your willingness to be asked to help out in this simple way ​– thank you!

Sunday Secretaries

Sign up to be a Sunday Secretary for Sundays. Please contact the office at 781-729-0949 or [email protected] if you're willing to consider it! Ongoing

Yoga, Meditation, Qi Gong, Caregiver Support Group ​​and Grief, Loss and Transitions Group See Ongoing Activities at: https://www.winchesteruu.org/news/ongoing-activities-groups/ Deadlines

Sunday Morning Announcements Guidelines: Click here For Highlights submissions: Wednesdays, 9:00 am For submissions to the OOS: Thursdays, 9:00 am Email to [email protected]. No more than 250 words, please. Staying Connected

Visit the WUS website! Read the latest Highlights and Mystic Messenger in the news section. Want to know if a room is free, or when your meeting is? View the calendar page. Need the latest directory, or a list of committee chairs? Go to the members' section (contact the office for the password). Want to set up electronic giving? Go to the How to Give page.

Winchester Unitarian Society | 478 Main St. Winchester MA 01890 (781) 729-0949 | [email protected] | www.winchesteruu.org