Holy Connections

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Holy Connections
Thu 16 Oct 2008 6:39pm

Connections…

People…Mission…Community

Well, here I am … beginning my third staff position at FPS. (Do you suppose that’s some kind of record?)

As much as I loved serving First Parish as a co-DRE for two years and Congregational Administrator for six years, my new position here is truly a calling for me. What makes it so?

I believe that helping people connect is holy work. Connect with whom, with what? Connect with other people who are companions on our paths and in our lives. Connect with guiding ideals, such as our UU principles. Connect with our mission, knowing that when we work together our efforts are greater than the sum of the parts. And, connect with spirit—the spirit of love and life, or Higher Power, or God, or …

I am here to help connections happen. I will be working hard along with the rest of you to “welcome the stranger” (see Katie Lee’s Making Meanings column) and help newcomers to First Parish and UUism connect with like-minded people and with activities and initiatives that help us get to know them better and them to know us better, so that soon there is no “them”. And, I will be helping enable everyone here—newcomers and long-timers alike—connect with our mission and ministry by engaging with our community in ways that feed the soul.

Just for starters, here are a few ways for you to connect with others in our community. If you would like to discuss these, or other opportunities further, please give me a call at 978/443-2043 or email at connect

fpsudbury.org.

~ Tuesday Lunches—brown-bag eat & chat with Katie Lee, Roberta, and me every Tuesday from 12:00-1:00 in The Commons.

~ Hearthside Chats—after many of our Sunday worship services to discuss the day’s topic and the issues raised. Watch the newsletter, Sunday News bulletins, and FPS online calendar (www.fpsudbury.org: news: calendar) to see on which Sundays Hearthside Chats will take place.

~ Chalice Circles—monthly groups in which to explore topics deeply.

~ Fran

Upcoming Events

    Sunday May 20
Discovering America, Once Again — Rev. Clyde Grubbs

10:00am-11:00am
AT: sanctuary
In the fifteenth century Christian Europe asserted the right to conquer and subjugate the non-Christian peoples of Africa and the Americas. Genocide and slavery left their scars on our nation's soul. Unitarian Universalists are preparing for Justice General Assembly in Phoenix, AZ. What can we do to rediscover our Land, and build a nation of peace and justice? Our guest minister today is the Reverend Clyde Grubbs who has served congregations in Indiana, Quebec, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida and California. He is presently serving as Minister at Large of the Tuckerman Creative Ministries for Justice and Healing. In addition, he has been a member of the Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUMM) for eleven years and is a DRUMM co-president. Clyde has served on the UUMA executive committee as its portfolio holder for Anti-racism, Anti-oppression and Multiculturalism. He presently serves our Association as an at-large member of the UUA Board of Trustees. Clyde honors his Native American heritage (Texas Cherokee) which informs his spiritual understanding and practice, and his anti-racist and anti-oppressive commitment. He has worked for peace, justice and equality since he was in the Unitarian Universalist youth movement, Liberal Religious Youth. Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. and childcare is available.

    Tuesday May 22
4th Tuesday Lunch – all welcome at Noon

12:00pm-1:00pm
May 22 is 4th Tuesday Lunch – all welcome at Noon
Our speaker will be Joan Sasiela who will talk about “Life on Kwajalein” (one of the Marshall Islands, in the Pacific). She and her husband – and family - lived on this remote island on and off for thirty years, while he was associated with Lincoln Lab as a technical adviser for the military’s radar base. Kwajalein’s role has changed over the years, being especially busy during the Cold War, and now supporting various forms of communication. Bring your lunch and enjoy!

    Thursday May 31
Getting More From First Parish

9:00am
AT: Commons
Come make new friends, share spiritual autobiographies, and deepen your understanding of Unitarian Universalist history. On Saturday, May 19th, newcomers and not-so-newcomers alike will get more than bagels and coffee when they register for this gathering designed to acquaint you with our programs, principles and polity. You will also get a better sense of what it means to be a member of our congregation. Bagels and coffee mixed with an opportunity to socialize will happen between 9:00 am and 9:30 am, and the learning and sharing will begin promptly at 9:30 am and last until Noon. Childcare will be provided. Please contact our Community Life Coordinator, Bev Baker, at bevbakerearthlink.net to reserve your spot! In order to plan accordingly, we would like to hear from you no later than Thursday, May 17. Looking forward to seeing you there!

    Saturday Jun 9
Pride Parade

Walk alongside the Welcoming Congregation Committee and Youth Group as we
march in the annual Pride Parade for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender justice and equality in Boston on June 9. Let Donna in the office know if you’re interested in marching and would like a First Parish Pride rainbow tees to identify you as part of the group.

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