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Making Connections
Fran Sharp's Monthly Column"The Strangers in Our Midst", Making Connections Column from Jan 18 09 Connector
Fri 23 Jan 2009 11:23am
Who are these strangers, and are they actually in our midst? Don’t we at First Parish of Sudbury do a good job of reaching out to help strangers—those in need in our communities and in the larger world? (I think we do a pretty good job of this.) And, aren’t we welcoming to people who come through our meetinghouse doors seeking a religious community? (I think we do a pretty good job of this, too.)
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“A stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet.” ~ Will Rogers
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Did you know that studies conducted in the past few years show that for every one member or friend active in a UU congregation, there are three people who identify as Unitarian Universalists who have not crossed the threshold? They claim to agree with our principles and believe in our mission, and many of them are open to being part of a congregation.
Some of these people may be true strangers, friends we haven't met yet. We are working to get the word out to people, through a variety of media, that First Parish is here and that we welcome them.
But, some of these 675,000(1) adults in the U.S. who identify broadly as UUs aren’t really strangers to us at all. They are our friends, family members, and acquaintances. They are the good folks with whom we roll up our sleeves to help those in need in our communities. They are people who are passionate about some of the same causes that many of us are—the environment, education, and civil rights, for example. And, many are seeking a religious community in which to learn and explore.
As your Community Life staffer, I urge you to invite your friends and family (of all ages) to come along with you to experience our community life. Invite them to a Sunday morning service, or to a workshop, or coffeehouse, or Tempo Time, or to build with us at the Habitat for Humanity house on March 14. Invite them to the Auction, or 4th of July grill. We look forward to meeting them!
Although sometimes it’s a stretch for us to verbally express why *We Love FPS*, it’s important for us to communicate this, one way or another, with the thousands of people who are looking for a spiritual home, who share many of our values and dreams, and who need to have us meet them—at least halfway.
Peace to you all, Fran
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(1) source: American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS), 2001
more here . . .
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
"Social Hour"
Thu 16 Oct 2008 6:34pm
Making Connections…
People…Mission…Community
by Fran Sharp, Community Life &
Communications Coordinator
This is an invitation to ALL to gather for Social Hour on Sundays at about 11:15 in the Parish Hall.
What might we do at Social Hour?
• Socialize
• Greet one another—long time friends and newcomers alike
• Ask others how they are doing…and listen to their answers
• Ask what your conversation partner thought about the day’s sermon and service
• Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know very well. Seek a common connection.
• Look around to see if there’s some way you can help someone else—help a young person pour a cup of juice, help a newcomer get a drink or find the Welcome Table
• Wait for the kids and guides to come to the Parish Hall at 11:30 to join us, so that they have us to socialize with
• Thank the Social Hour Hosts who provided drinks and food for us
• Enjoy being together
What might we save for a time other than Social Hour?
• Committee work and “business” (I know it’s tempting, because there everyone is—all in one place)
Looking forward to socializing with you on Sundays, Fran
more here . . .
Revision 4. Last edited Sun 19 Oct 2008 9:41am by TomYelton