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'T
he Universalist' Newsletter |
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Note: Please refer to the Church Directory for all member contact information. *The next Universalist deadline is Sunday, April 20, 2008.
For more information regarding our Worship Services, please click here.
FROM THE MINISTER
The shadow lengthen on the
grass, ~ Theodore Roethke I got up early one recent morning and headed for my study. It’s a tiny study – a room where all walls are bookcases. I arrived at the study door, and there, blocking the entrance, was a very large chaotic pile of books. During the night a couple of the shelves in the bookcase to the left of the doorway had let go, emptying their entire and considerable contents onto the floor. I never heard it happen, but there it was. I wondered. Is this a message? Is life trying to get my attention and tell me something? I remembered the poem of Rumi that begins: “Today, like every other day, we wake up empty Was the pile obstructing the doorway gently suggesting enough with the books? Yes, books are good, wonderful even, but there are other dimensions of living. Don’t get me wrong, I know these are cheap bookcases that had simply reached their load limit and given way. But why now? A lot of life lands in our lives blocking the way. We didn’t see it coming. No advance signs and warnings. You get up one morning and there it is. It has arrived in your life. In whatever way, small or large, it “blocks the doorway” to life as usual. Rumi, and Buddha too, probably, would see this kind of event, large or small, as an opportunity. Inconvenient maybe, scary maybe, but still an unchosen opportunity to wake up and get more deeply in touch with ourselves, and with life. “Enough with the books,” that doorway pile was telling me! Here we are, surrounded with the miracle of spring--this amazing period of flowering trees and new growth. Catch it if you can! The green plants near my mailbox grew six inches in seven days! Spring doesn’t stay still, waiting for you. “We cannot stay the lovely miracle of May.” Earlier this week I was taking my walk around Woodlawn Cemetery and heard a rattling above. I looked up, and high above in a tall tree was a very large blue heron. S/he was stepping along the branch on long skinny legs in that seemingly considered and fastidious way. It took my breath away. I’d never seen a bird that big in the trees down there. S/he would lean down and shake a thin branch, trying to break it off. Again and again she tried. I watched, transfixed. Eventually a good size piece broke off and away s/he flew carrying it in her beak, circling the cemetery and disappearing toward the wetlands. It was an astonishing sight – this huge bird, this delicate branch in her beak. I felt privileged to have witnessed this amazing moment. In a poem in her new book, “The Red Bird,” Mary Oliver writes: Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. These words are so simple and so comprehensive. Such good words for waking up. Sandra
MOTHER’S DAY CALL I will be doing a sermon on May 11, which I would like to frame around the theme of: The Most Important Things I Learned from My Mother(s). In this service I would like to include reflections of those whose mothers may have “taught” by not necessarily setting a good example as well as those whose mothers were wonderful models. I would like to include those who were “mothered” by persons other than their biological or adoptive mothers. The focus is on what you learned, whoever “mothered” you. I welcome contributions from everyone--from our youth on up. You will not be named specifically (unless you wish to be) in the remarks on May 11. If you would like to share some thoughts you can mail or email them (sandra.fitzhenry@verizon.net), subject line: Mother’s Day, or leave a message (508 222-0505) and we can talk by phone. Or, come by the office. I look forward to hearing from you.
From the “Spring is when life's alive in everything.” ~ Christina Rossetti
I am feeling a touch of spring fever. Spring has burst forth in all its glory. The forsythias, rhododendrons, tulips, and daffodils are all displaying their bright, showy colors. Most of the trees are just beginning to unfurl their leaves with the promise of full “leafiness” less than a month away.
I am thrilled to have a new computer in my office! In the past, several generous folks had donated their used computers. As I’m sure you know, technology speeds along and computers that worked well just a few years ago cannot work with the demands of newer software programs. Thank you to the Deacons and Deaconesses for allocating the funds for the new computer.
The church year is winding down. Our Whole Lives (OWL) has concluded. This year, eleven teens started the course in the fall and all eleven completed the course. All of the OWL students had excellent attendance and participated fully in the course. I had never intended to teach OWL. However, a series of unplanned events made it necessary for me to co-teach this year. There was a silver lining to my having taught OWL. I learned how fortunate Murray Church is to have Joe Beauvais teaching OWL. He is a wonderful teacher and a great role model for our young teens. Joe just wrapped up his fourth class. The first group of Murray teens he taught is in college (and we trust they are all continuing to make responsible choices). I always knew that we had a wonderful RE Committee of dedicated volunteers. However, this year, while I was busy teaching OWL on Sunday mornings, the committee went above and beyond—leading Youth Worship most Sundays, substitute teaching, and ensuring that are children were safe during the Sunday school period.
Be sure to join us for our annual Youth Sunday on May 18th. Our children and teens will participate in all aspects of the service. Each class will give a brief presentation about what they have learned during the church year. Children and teens will also serve as greeters and ushers.
Postsession is our RE program that takes place during the final four weeks of the church year. This year, back by popular demand, we will have a pet show and animal blessing on Sunday morning, June 1st. Children are invited to bring along a pet, a stuffed animal, or a drawing or picture of a pet or animal. Live pets should be brought in suitable crates or containers. Friendly dogs are also welcome. All dogs must be leashed. We will have our staff of “trained animal experts” supervising the animals in Fellowship Hall beginning at 9:50. We will be taking a nature hike at Oak Knoll Audubon Sanctuary on Sunday morning, May 25th. The hike is for all children in kindergarten or above. Younger children may attend if they are accompanied by their parents or guardians. Parents should plan to drive any children needing car seats or booster seats (or make arrangements prior to the event).
This year’s Murray Talent Show showcased the performances of a number of children. An enthusiastic audience enjoyed watching the children dance, sing, play the violin, pogo stick, twirl a baton, and even perform a three-legged crab walk. Family and friends gathered in the Unity Room for a reception after the show. On Easter Sunday, many of the children in our Sunday school program participated in the children’s choir. Thank you to Barbara Clark and Allison MacDonald for working with the children—the children all sang beautifully. Thanks to all of the parents and teachers who assisted with the Easter Sunday group activity. Thanks also to the Murray teens and adults who hid all of the eggs prior to the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
The annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast was held on the last Sunday morning of March. We had our largest turnout ever. Teachers and their families gathered in Fellowship Hall for a delicious breakfast hosted by the Religious Education Committee. Thank you to all of the members of the RE Committee who cooked, served, and cleaned. We still need teachers! Next year’s classes will focus on Unitarian Universalism. This is a great opportunity for adults to learn more about our religion through teaching. There will be a number of openings on our all volunteer teaching staff next fall. We especially need teachers for next fall’s middle school class. In order to offer a successful Religious Education program, we need parents and other adults to teach. Older high school aged youth may also volunteer to serve as assistant teachers. Volunteers should enjoy working with children and have been associated with Murray Church for at least one year. Murray Church has camperships available to pay a portion of camping fees at a Unitarian Universalist Camp. UU camps in New England include Ferry Beach, Star Island, and Rowe. Please see me if you would like to apply for a campership for you or your child. Applications should be submitted to me by May 1st. The Teen Book Group will be discussing Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks during their next meeting on Thursday evening, May 8th at 7 p.m. in the Unity Room (please note: this is a date change). Philosophers’ Café, a discussion group for high school aged youth, will hold its last two sessions of the church year on the first and third Thursdays of May. Nan Loggains, DRE |
Philosophers' Cafe - April 3rd
& 17th
The Philosophers’ Café group meets regularly during the church year the first and third Thursdays of the month from 7 to 8:30 PM in the Youth Group Room (aka Purple Chat Room). The Philosophers' Cafe welcomes teens from the local community to participate. Past topics have included politics, religion and contemporary issues. Come engage in lively discussion and feast from the bottomless bowl of popcorn. Topics are suggested by participants and their adult advisor. The group has more than doubled in size this year. There is no cost to participate, but teens attending are asked to bring snacks to share and a donation for the Murray Church food pantry. For more information, contact Director of Religious Education, Nan Loggains or the church office at 508-222-0505.
The Murray Teen Book Group is geared towards young people thirteen years of age and older. Book choices and group discussion may not be suitable for younger readers. The group is moderated by Nan Loggains and is open to teens who have read the book. All are welcome. For more information, call the church office at 508-222-0505. The Murray Teen Book Group is in the news!! Click here to see a recent newspaper article about this group!
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May, 2008 - The Murray Teen Group w ill discuss Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks on Tuesday, May 6th , 2008 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Unity Room |
Please visit the Religious Education page for more information.
ADULT RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITIES
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First Sunday Book & Lunch Bunch - May On Sunday, May 4, we will be discussing Freakonomics, A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, by Steven D. Leavitt and Stephen J. Dubner. The authors show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives -- how people get what they want, or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing. “If morality represents how we would like the world to work, then economics represents how it actually does work.” Please join us for discussion and a light lunch from 11:45 – 1:15 in the John Murray Room. |
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Meditiation For Beginners We meet Monday evenings from 7:00-8:15 in the John Murray Room. The group begins with a half hour of gentle yoga led by a Kripalu Center DVD, followed by a half hour of meditation. If you'd like to join us, bring a yoga mat or towel/blanket and a yoga cushion/stool if you have one, or you can just bring yourself. Many of us meditate sitting on the sofa or a chair. Meditation instruction provided if desired. Contacts: Karla Bassler or Barbara Clark(Contact information is in the church directory.) |
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Healing Resources for Depression The next meeting of the Healing Resources for Depression group is May 23rd from 7-8:30 pm. Members and friends of Murray Church whose lives have been affected by depression or other life challenges are invited to attend. This group is open to members and friends who struggle with depression or allied issues. It's a safe, supportive, confidential group. For additional information, contact Gretchen Robinson. |
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Circle of Spirits - Earth Centered Spirituality Meets on Wednesdays, May 14th & 28th at 7pm in the Unity Room. The Circle of Spirits is an earth-based pagan spiritual group. We celebrate the Wiccan holiday and learn/teach other earth based pagan aspects such as tarot, runes and herbs. All are welcome! Contact : Jessica Brien and Claudia Cruz-Teixeira at CircleofSpirits@gmail.com for more information.
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Parent of Teens Support Group The Parents of Teens Support Group - Meets next on Wednesday, May 7th from 7-8:30pm in the Youth Group Room (Purple Chat Room). The group is open to both Murray members and parents in the local community.The discussion group is focused on helping parents and guardians guide their children through the teen years. We will provide a supportive atmosphere in which to share the joys and concerns of rearing teens. The meetings will be held on the second Monday of the month in the Unity Room from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Barbara Clark and Nan LoggainsI facilitate this group. Newcomers welcome. |
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Separation / Divorce Resource & Support Group at Murray
SEPARATION
/ DIVORCE RESOURCE & SUPPORT GROUP AT
MURRAY |
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CANCER SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP New member Brandy Staples at the age of 26 was diagnosed with cancer, and had surgery, chemotherapy, radiation. She has now celebrated her four-year "cancerversary" in remission. She is interested in knowing if there is interest in forming a group at Murray to help other patients / survivors, and would like to hear from anyone with interest and input. If interested, please contact Brandy Staples. |
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NEW DISCUSSION GROUP: “CALL OF THE SPIRIT” A discussion of the works of spiritually oriented authors will be held on Wednesday nights at 7 P.M. These will include Eckart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, et al. You need not have read the books being covered. If you are interested, please contact Joe Metzger at 508-399-8869. |
Please visit the Adult Religious Education page for more information on all ongoing Adult RE opportunities.
ONGOING ADULT / MURRAY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
MURRAY KNITTERS GROUP
We meet year round every
2nd and 4th Monday of the month in the Purple Chat Room from
7pm to 9pm.
Some of the projects planned for this year will be a group afghan, Striped Baby Socks, Felted Bags, a fun Jester Hat with Bells, Throw Pillows with CATS! and MORE! Come knit with us! We can provide yarn and needles for anyone wanting to learn to knit. Contact Staci MacDonald if you have any questions or visit our new website: www.murrayknitters.com .
MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHERS
Our next gathering will be held
on Tuesday, May 27th at 7PM in the Unity Room. Newcomers are
welcome to come and share your ideas, and bring some of your favorite photos.
Contact Linda Legendre or Greg Wehmeyer for more information.
ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN UP
Please join the Property
Committee for the annual Spring Clean Up. We will be starting at 8:00 AM on
Sunday, May 4th. We
ask that you give us whatever time you can that day whether it is an hour in
the morning or some time after the service. There will be a regular service
that day and you all have approval to attend in work clothes. (Of course you
can work through the service, too.) Our efforts will concentrate on cleaning
out trees and overgrowth from the area where we will be expanding parking
later this year. We also plan to trim some of the other bushes and trees on
the church grounds. Please bring yard tools, tarps and bow saws if you have
them. We will have the grill going for a post clean up celebration. Please
see Adam Zysk or Jim Richardi if you have any questions.
PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE AUCTION
Mark your calendars: The People-to-People Auction will take place after church during coffee hour on Sunday, June 8th
Bruce Field and
Kelley Gardner are coordinating this fun event. Please let them know if you
have a service or item to benefit Murray.
*Among the items
to be auctioned are the sermon of your choice by The Rev. Sandra D.
Fitz-Henry and music of your choice by Dennis E. Ferguson, Music Director.
CELEBRATE, REMEMBER, FIGHT BACK!
There are several ways you can help support the
American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life this year:
Join the Murray “Rainbow Chasers” Relay Team or Make a Donation
The Relay for Life will be held at the North Attleboro High School track on June 27th and 28th. It is an 18-hour event where team members alternate continuously walking around the track. This will be our seventh year represent-ing Murray Church at this community event. If you are interested in walking or making a donation, please contact Diane Beauvais, Laurie Lawes or Ricky Larson for further details.
Or you can officially join the team or donate online at
http://main.acsevents.org/RFLMaGtrAttleboro
Follow the simple steps under Sign Up or Donate (Team Name: “Rainbow Chasers”)
We also need people to come cheer us on during the event. Our team tent will be set up near the long jump pit, to the left rear of the track from the entrance.
Participate in Our "Coins for Cancer" Collection
The Rainbow Chasers relay team is sponsoring a "Coins for Cancer" collection from now until Youth Sunday (May 18th) through the RE Program. All youth were given a baggie and tips for collecting coins home. We encourage you to make this a family affair and most importantly to have FUN!!!!! Every week we will collect and count the donations and chart the results on the bulletin board outside the Unity Room. "Grown-ups" can also help out by making their donations to the jar on our table at coffee hour.
Also, don’t forget to purchase your luminary bags, and add your own message of remembrance, hope or fighting back to the Murray bulletin board in the hallway outside the Unity Room.
This is the theme for the 10th annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Will you be able to join this year’s team? We walk for different reasons. Will your reason be to CELEBRATE someone who has battled cancer and won? Perhaps it is to REMEMBER a special person who lost their fight against cancer. Maybe you will join the church team as a survivor who continues to FIGHT BACK and wants to see an end to this dreadful disease.
This will be our seventh year representing Murray Church at this community event. The Relay for Life will be held at the North Attleboro High School track on June 27th and 28th. It is an 18-hour event were team members alternate continuously walking around the track.
If you are interested please contact Diane Beauvais at dmbeau@verizon.net or stop by the team table at coffee hour on March 30 for further details. Information is also available at http://main.acsevents.org/RFLMaGtrAttleboro
You may also officially join the team at this site. Follow the simple steps under sign up.
SEEKING A VOLUNTEER TO SERVE
AS THE MURRAY ADVOCACY & SERVICE
CHAIR
Many individuals at Murray have become involved in service activities on city, state, national and international levels for a range of worthy causes. If you are interested in being the chairperson at Murray Church to help organize and publicize advocacy and service events, and liaise with other event organizers, please contact the church office at 508-222-0505 or Murray.ch@verizon.net
Description of the Advocacy & Service Committee
Purpose - To promote an awareness of local, national, and international issues and to coordinate efforts by the congregation to respond to those issues. Responsibilities - The Advocacy & Service Committee is responsible for:
Informing the congregation of Social Action projects/programs, relevant to fulfilling the Principles and Purposes of the UUA and Murray Church
Selection and implementation of projects/programs/events that would respond to needs in specific areas of concern of individuals, the committee, the congregation and the community
Board Liaison - Governor of Adult Activities.
Help People in Our Community by Volunteering One Morning at the Local Food ‘N Friends Soup Kitchen
Thank you to those who helped
in April with the Food 'n Friends Soup Kitchen visit. The next
soup kitchen visit is Saturday, May 24th from
8:30am-12:15pm. Join us for fellowship, laughter and a little
hard work to help others who are not as fortunate as some of
us. We will meet at the
Centenary
United Methodist Church, (pictured at left) located at
the corner of 39 North Main and 15 Sanford Streets, across
from the Attleboro YMCA. Please use the new entrance located
up the ramp at the front of the building. Any help between
8:30 and 12:15 is always greatly appreciated. Questions
may be sent to Diane.
Note: Member contact information is in the Church Directory or call the Church Office 508-222-0505.
Please visit the Advocacy and Service home page for more information
We are an
active congregation who come
togeth
er in
fellowship to maintain an environment that
promotes spiritual growth for individuals
and families and affirms diversity of
“All things must change: the
vision pass,
