Second Parish Unitarian Universalist

Hingham, Massachusetts

Glad Tidings

From the Minister –

On October 14th, we will be offering a Harvest Buffet to members of Second Parish, and to volunteers and guests of our Interfaith Food Pantry at Second Parish from 9:30 am-noon.  This is an opportunity to get to know our neighbors who work for and receive from the Food Pantry, and all are welcome.  If you are available to help or bring food, please let Sandi know by calling or emailing her at the office.  If you’d just like to drop in and know ahead of time, let her know that as well – but feel free to drop in regardless.

Our Food Pantry and our Community Garden are both parts of what we mean in our covenant when we commit to “the service of our neighbors.”  While these projects are very local, they also connect us to much larger issues about the most fundamental of human needs.  The UU Fellowship of Falmouth sponsored the Congregational Study/Action Issue which was passed last June at our UUA General Assembly last June in Ft. Lauderdale, “Ethical Eating:  Food and Environmental Justice.”  Here is part of the text:

Issue:  Religious organizations throughout the world have discussed the production, distribution, and use of food. Some people enjoy many food choices while others remain hungry. The food industry produces wealth, but small farmers and farm workers are often poor. Food production and transportation contribute to many environmental problems.

Background and Reasons for Study:  Congregations can develop effective strategies to address two of the world's biggest problems: social inequality and environmental destruction. Hunger is both a community problem and an international problem that can be approached in a variety of ways. There is a need for political advocacy in support of government programs that try to feed the hungry.

Significance to Unitarian Universalism:  Unitarian Universalists have a vision of environmental justice. One of our principles acknowledges "the interdependent web." Others affirm the importance of human rights.

Possible Study Topics:  Why is food so important in religion?  What moral guidelines, if any, should govern food production?  What guidelines, if any, govern the purchase and use of food and beverages in your congregation? Do you pause for a blessing when you serve food? 

Upcoming Services:  On October 5th, Rev. Robert Murphy from the UU Fellowship of Falmouth will be joining me in the service to talk about the Congregational Study/Action Issue discussed above.  I’m calling the service “Who Eats What?”  On the 12th, we will be celebrating Association Sunday, our opportunity to reflect on our participation in the Unitarian Universalist Association and the benefits (and challenges) it raises; my sermon title is “We Give at the Office.”  On the 19th, I will be preaching on “Whose World?” – reflections on the meaning of Jesus’ directive to “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  On the 26th, our Minister of Religious Education, Rev. Kim Preveza, will be preaching.

In Faith,

Paul

Notes from the Leadership Board

                                                                                                               

Financial Comments

Nothing is just financial – it just seems so sometimes.

 

Because so many of you stepped forward with your financial support earlier this year, and with the leadership of Rich and Len, we (you) have accomplished the top two action items in our church plan for this year.

 

First, the RE Committee identified and successfully recruited Kim Preveza to be our Minister of Religious Education. Please note also the really good newspaper articles and ads which Sandy Peavey developed and placed to get this word out to local communities.

 

Second, the vestibule, Cushing Hall, and the rest rooms have all been redecorated. We look so much better, an opinion which many of you have recently expressed, and we present ourselves so much better to visitors, guests, and potential members.

 

Thank you all.

-Submitted by Kim Shaw - Finance

 

Property

In the last month we have been placed on the Historical Commission agenda for our bathroom project. The meeting will be held on September 18th at Town Hall. We have also updated our emergency notification lists to the Hingham Fire Department. In the next few weeks we will undertake an effort to rekey the doors to Cushing Hall as over the years we have lost track of who has keys, especially among outside groups and workmen. Sandy will be compiling a list of those who should receive new keys.

 

As I am writing this, we have been informed that our new Sexton, Peter Waters, has had to resign due to back problems. A new search will start immediately.

 

Finally, we will start to solicit contractors to bid on the bathroom project. If anyone has recommendations based on a good experience with a contractor, please let me have the name and contact information and we will try to contact them for potential interest.

 

To clear up any puzzlement the following should have been submitted for the last newsletter rather than my 2007 report. I will be more diligent in my naming of files in the future.

 

It’s been a busy summer for the Property function on a variety of fronts.

 

Our Sexton, Casey Kirsch, resigned as he is off to college this fall. His replacement is Peter Waters who attended Second Parish some time ago with his family. We wish Peter the best as he assumes his new functions.

 

A hard-working group of volunteers completed repainting and reorganizing the RE classroom space on the second floor in preparation for the upcoming year. Also, our painting contractor completed the painting of Cushing Hall, the Nursery, stairways and the Vestibule. Thanks to Allison Crowe for her color selections on all areas.

 

In an effort to make our entrance more welcoming, we have removed the unused clock weight tower and repaired the floors boards. We also now have a functioning center door after approximately 130 years of being sealed. While the floor was open we also repaired the openings under the front stairs to eliminate drafts. Finally, the Vestibule floor was sanded and refinished. Our contractor also replaced the cover on the dry well on the north side of the church with a locking device.

 

Our efforts on “Building a Better Bathroom” moved ahead with input from a number of members and new plans from our architect, Bill Thayer. Currently, we plan to submit the plans to the Historical Commission and Building Department in mid-August for their approvals. A copy of the current plans will be posted in Cushing Hall. Assuming approval, we will move on to obtaining several contractor proposals for cost estimates.

-Submitted by Len O’Connor, Properties Chair

 

You can provide now for a future gift to Second Parish by including a bequest provision in your will or revocable trust.

Greetings from the Commission of Community

The first two weeks of our 2008 – 2009 season have been busy.  Hopefully you have noticed some of the updates to Cushing Hall and the Vestibule.  It is important to all of us on Leadership to make Second Parish in Hingham a warm and welcoming place to all our members, friends and guests.  As we move ahead in this Church year I am anxious to continue the momentum that has started. 

 

This month I am beginning my search for some volunteers.  There are so many things to do and as my mother always said, ‘many hands make light work.’  Not that the work is hard or involves any heavy lifting, it is more a process of sharing among ourselves to accomplish many wonderful things.

 

I am hoping I can have some interest expressed by our Church members to volunteer for the Caring Connection, a vital part of Second Parish where we reach out to those in our community who are in need.  The opportunities range from a few minutes to as much time as you are able to spare.

 

The Caring Connection is the group of Second Parish members who drive people to appointments or help with errands: make phone calls, write notes and send cards to those who may be dealing with a difficult life situation be it personal or family; loss, illness or financial challenge.  The Caring Connection is also the group of people who provide a meal to an individual or family who may be unable to do so for themselves for whatever reason.

 

You see, the opportunities are whatever you choose them to be.  If you would be willing be part of this vital group, please let me know.  What I could really use is an individual who would be willing to be the contact person who will take calls or emails notifying of these needs and finding the volunteer(s) to fill them.

 

For all those who have graciously helped out in the past, please accept the thanks of the entire Leadership Board.  If you are willing to continue, please let me know. 

 

I think this is a vital role that our Church provides and feel it is a large part of the heart and soul of what Second Parish is for all of us.  I thank you in advance for your support and remember we are only a phone call away.

In peace, Mariann O’Connor

Commissioner of Community

 

Community

 

Men’s Breakfast

The next Men's breakfast will be on Saturday, October 18th at 8:00 a.m. in Cushing Hall with the usual delicious menu. All men in the Parish are welcome and encouraged to join us for an hour of conversation. Come prepared to talk about whatever is on your mind. Please let Lou Belknap know if you will attend by phone at 781-749-5519 or by email at lsbelknap@verizon.net.

 

Harvest Buffet

Second Parish will host a harvest buffet for all of our neighbors at the food pantry to celebrate the community garden. Tuesday, October 14, 9:30-noon in Cushing Hall. Come share lasagna made with some of the produce from the garden as well as other goodies. If you would like to contribute a dish, please contact Sandi in the office. 

 

Book Group

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 21, at Phil and Karen Delano’s home. The book is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.  In November the meeting will be on the 18th at Elaine Cadogan’s home.  The book is The Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo.  Any questions, call Jennifer Love at 81-749-3243.

 

Music schedule for October:

10/5 Choir

10/12 Elizabeth Morrell, soprano

10/19 Choir

10/26 Elizabeth Morrell, soprano

 

 

2008 Fall New England Regional Conference

The New England districts' regional conference will be held at the DCUCenter, Worcester, Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, 2008. Registration fee will be on a sliding scale of $75 to $100 (suggested $85 per person fee.), $2 of the fee will go toward carbon offset.  Registration can be done by (1) sending in the registration form in the conference brochure (a printable registration form is also on the BCD website - www.bcduua.org, or (2) on-line through the conference website http://www.newenglanduus.org ($5 processing fee will be applied to on-line registrations). 
 
The conference program includes:
-Opportunity to meet and talk with each UUA President candidates in hospitality suites (Friday evening)
-Worship (Friday evening and Saturday morning)
-Keynote address by the UUA President candidates (Saturday)   This will be the only scheduled event for BCDers to hear the president candidates
-Workshops on Faith Development, Worship, Social Justice, Governance and Administration and Volunteers, with mini-keynote presentations and small group idea sharing organized by church size
-Discussion with the UUA Board about UUA mission and ends
 
In 2007 there were 275 participants.  This year the conference planners expect up to 500 UUs from congregations in the four New England Districts.

 

Organ Spectacular! – October 19 at 3PM

On Sunday October 19th at 3PM Dr. G. Frederick Guzasky and our own Mark Slawson will perform a varied program of organ works at Second Parish.  We are planning this event to coincide with the American Guild of Organists “Organ Spectacular” celebration, where organizations throughout the world will hold concerts, creating the world’s largest organ concert!

 

Dr. Guzasky is currently the interim organist-choirmaster at The Parish of St. John the Evangelist in Hingham and is a renowned composer, teacher, and author.  As a recitalist, he has performed in New England and the Midwest, as well as Russia , Latvia , and England , receiving the Boston University Outstanding Performance Award and the EMACT Award in conducting.  Other venues have included performances at St. Paul ’s Cathedral, Holy Trinity Church in New York , and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio.

 

The concert will feature works from the Baroque to modern by composers including J.S. Bach, Rheinberger, Bruhns, Salvatore, Trabachi, Utterbach, and P.D.Q. Bach.  Tickets will be $10 and proceeds will support the maintenance of our wonderful organ.  Please mark your calendar for this special event.

-Submitted by the Music Committee

Lay Service in December

Once again, we will have a lay service on the last Sunday in December. If you would like to participate, or if you have any ideas, please contact Stephanie Kelsch at 781-749-5374 or skskhing4@aol.com.  

-Submitted by Stephanie Kelsch

 

ORIGINS OF RELIGION CLASS AT LINDEN PONDS

Paul will be teaching a class at Linden Ponds this fall on the Origins of Religion that is open to people from Second Parish.  His classes have become immensely popular at Linden Ponds, and this class already has a waiting list.  However, some spaces in the class have been reserved for Second Parish.

 

The class will be held on eight Wednesdays, beginning October 1, 2008, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the Oakleaf Clubhouse at Linden Ponds.  It is based on the book “The Great Transformation” by Karen Armstrong, and will cover the development of religious thought from about 1600 to 200 BCE in four regions of the world:  China, India, the Middle East, and Greece.  Class members will need to purchase the book.  Paul is ordering the books from Amazon for $11.00 each. 

 

If you would like to take this class, call or email Sandy Peavey as soon as you can.  Her email address is speavey56@msn.com; her phone number is 781-749-6081.

 

Paul has also expressed interest in teaching a similar class on a weekday evening for Second Parish members who cannot get to a daytime class.  If you would be interested in taking such a class, please let Sandy Peavey know.

 

 

News from our Cooperative Religious Education Program

The church year is off to a great start.  I am so happy to be here.  I am enjoying getting to know the children and parents and working with the teachers.  The RE Spaces look so wonderful thanks to the help of many people.  It is even better now that the children and youth are in the rooms learning with their teachers and making their marks.  The Youth are helping to make their room their own with beanbags and some other choice design elements. The Primary class made their own creative paper chalice flames to “light” their chalice.  The Intermediate class made a beautiful poster with cutouts of their hands.  You have to come up and see the rooms, whether you have children in the program or not. 

 

Now that things are underway, we also realize we need some more help.  We need some volunteers for both the Primary and Youth classes.  Please contact me for more information. 

 

If you have not seen it already, please take a look at the RE Brochure on our church web site, http://www.secondparish.org/re09.pdf, the RE bulletin board, or in the foyer/vestibule. Please share the link or a copy of the brochure with any family or friends you think would be interested in our program. Thank you to everyone who helped to create it.

 

Keep the Halloween Candy Raffle in mind. The Intermediate class will hold the raffle on Sunday, October 26th to raise funds for UNICEF. They will also be trick or treating with UNICEF boxes. The class will host coffee hour as well.

I will be leading the worship service on October 26th.  I am leaning toward a Halloween theme but I am also interested in knowing what you would like to hear from me. Please let me know and maybe I can work it in or we can talk about it some other time.

 

Sincerely, Rev. Kim,

Minister for Religious Education (MRE)

 

Notes:

Calling all Adults:  Our Coming of Age program is looking for some mentors and an additional facilitator.  This program is a great way to get to know the youth of the congregation and help them through the process of transitioning from childhood to being a youth.  At the end of the course the youth will make a faith statement.  Topics covered include God, Death, Values -- all topics that are sure to get you thinking and exploring your own beliefs as well.  Mentors do not have to have all the answers but should value questioning and searching and supporting the youth through their journeys.  Facilitators will share the teaching throughout the church year.  Mentors will come for some but not all classes.  Please contact Rev. Kim Preveza, Minister of Religious Education, MRE@secondparish.com or 617-775-3424 or Richard Bowker, RE Chair and Coming of Age facilitator for more information or to convey your interest.  Thanks.

 

We are also in need for a Primary School Teacher to share classes for the fall -- September to November.  They are learning about Unitarian Universalist Super Heroes.  This is another great way for you to learn or brush up on your UU history.  Please contact Rev. Kim Preveza, Minister of Religious Education, MRE@secondparish.com or

617-775-3424 for more information. 

 

 

The RE Committee meets every second Sunday after church.

Agenda suggestions welcome and participation in open.