What’s Easter Got to Do with It?
In the latest issue of Quest (the newsletter for The Church of the Larger
Fellowship), the Rev. Greg Ward proposes an alternative form of vetting
candidates for the Unitarian Universalist ministry. He writes:
“My idea is this: put all of our aspiring ministers in one room. Give them each
a desk with a single sheet of paper turned face down. Hand them a pencil, tell
them this is the only test they will be given to enter UU ministry. Then tell
them they have as much time as they need. Ring a bell, have them turn over their
papers and begin writing. And then watch their reaction as they read the lone
test question at the top of the page: two words, in bold type: ‘Explain Easter’.
And then, in italicized parenthesis underneath (… so that your UU congregation
will understand). …. From there on, it is simply a matter of weeding out those
applicants who run screaming from the room.” (“The Easter Exam”, Quest, Vol.
LXIV No. 4, April 2009)
Now, Rev. Ward’s suggestion is tongue-in-cheek, of course. Yet in a very real
way, this is a test UU parish ministers face each year when Holy Week rolls
around. Though Easter is the most theologically significant event of the
Christian liturgical year, it celebrates an event from the gospels (i.e., the
bodily resurrection of Jesus) that a small minority of modern UUs embrace.
Interestingly, however, a large majority of modern UU congregations do celebrate
Easter in some fashion. Surely this is something worth explaining.
As you will see in the calendar section of this newsletter, we are all invited
to participate in the ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday (April
12) – for those of us brave enough to arrive for a 5:55am event! And I will lead
a Maundy Thursday Communion service on April 9 at 7pm, for those who would like
to participate in communion “UU style” (see “Worship Notes” in this newsletter).
I actually love Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter), and again, some of
you might wonder why. Can I even explain my own love for Easter?
In a sense, that’s what I try to do each year in the Easter sermon and service.
So for a more complete answer, please do join us for our Easter Service on April
12 at 10 a.m. But for the purposes of this newsletter article, let me explain
briefly: I love Holy Week because it is a vivid reminder that even a life that
is short – without financial wealth, without a spouse or children, without any
of the usual trappings of a conventional “good life” – can be remembered forever
and profoundly impact generations to come. It is a reminder, too, that death is
a necessary part of our existence if for no other reason than death is necessary
to create space for new life. It is a reminder that we must die to our old
selves to bring about our new selves. With elegance and tradition, Easter
reminds us of these important truths each year.
In faith,
Lara
CHURCH CALENDAR
Saturday, April 4, 2009
10am ~ Peace Vigil
Sunday, April 5, 2009
10am~ New Member Sunday with Rev. Lara Hoke
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
6:30pm ~ Parish Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 9, 2009
7pm ~ Maundy Thursday Communion Service, with Rev. Lara Hoke
Saturday, April 11, 2009
10am ~ Peace Vigil
Sunday, April 12, 2009
5:55am~ Easter Sunrise Service, refreshments & coffee at the Orthodox
Congregational Parish following the service.
10am ~ Intergenerational Easter Sunday, with Rev. Lara Hoke
Saturday, April 18, 2009
10am ~ Peace Vigil
Saturday, April 19, 2009
10am ~ to be determined
11am ~ Finance Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
6:30pm ~ Parish Committee Meeting
Saturday, April 25, 2009
10am ~ Peace Vigil
Sunday, April 26, 2009
10am ~ Rebekah Fraser, founder of Solstice Sing for Peace.
Easter Memorial Plants
Each year on Easter, we like to decorate the sanctuary with blooming spring
plants, in memory of loved ones who are no longer with us. If you would like to
donate a plant, please contact Pam Chevalier or Barbara Corey, and we will pick
one out for you. You can also buy your own plant and bring it to the church on
the Saturday before Easter, so we can include it in this special arrangement of
plants. The names of the loved ones will be included in the Order of Service.
Notes from the Parish Committee
Now that spring is finally here, we are able to focus less on church repairs and
more on church happenings. Rev. Hoke has been planning some special activities
for the church, including a Maundy Thursday event and some adult UU education
classes, in addition to all the special touches she adds to our regular Sunday
services. How many congregations have a minister creative enough to plan a Bingo
service?
Worship Services and Program Sundays have been so well-attended in the new Davis
space. It really is a nice place to gather.
The Davis is also being used for several Yoga & Meditation classes throughout
the week. Linda Kabo is really reaching out to the community in offering some
wonderful sessions free of charge.
On Easter Sunday, we'll be back in the sanctuary - Happy Spring!
Pam Chevalier,
Parish Committee Secretary
Family News
We are happy to share that Jody Bird and Tim Richards have added a beautiful
little girl, Hazel, to their family. Congratulations, Jody and Tim! Welcome,
Hazel!
Worship Notes
The sermon topic for April 5th is “The Meaning of Membership”. Lara will look at
what it means to be a member of First Congregational Parish, Unitarian, in
Petersham. Also, recent new members (and those who wish to become new members of
the congregation) are invited to join in a brief new member ceremony.
On April 9th at 7 pm there will be a special Maundy Thursday Communion Service.
Maundy Thursday services are a traditional part of “Holy Week”. Specifically,
Maundy Thursday recalls the Last Supper, which was when Jesus introduced the
idea of breaking bread together (or “communion”). Lara will lead this Maundy
Thursday service, offering communion – all in a Unitarian Universalist style!
April 12th is Easter Sunday, and our service will be intergenerational. Lara
will
share a children’s story and preach a shorter-than-usual sermon, and there will
be some lovely special music. We hope you will join us!
Petersham Branch Alliance
The Petersham Branch Alliance Annual Meeting and Luncheon will be held on April
17th at 11:30am with guest of honor and speaker Representative Anne Gobi, at the
Unitarian Church in Petersham. Tickets are $10 and reservations can be made by
calling 978-724-3236 by April 10th.
Anne Perkins,
Petersham Branch Alliance
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
BRING THEM HOME!
4250 OF OUR CHILDREN KILLED IN IRAQ
PEACE VIGIL SATURDAYS @ 10 AM
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will meet on April 19th after the service to review the
1st Quarter report. It will later report to the Parish Committee. Copies of the
report will be available for review.
Anne Perkins,
Finance Committee
Program Committee
Please join us; two Sundays every month for wonderful programs here at the
church.
Solstice Sing for Peace is endorsed by numerous organizations and promoted by
legendary folk singer Pete Seeger. In a conversation with Fraser, Seeger said,
“If we’re going to bring this world together, music will be one of the reasons
why.”
Sunday, April 26th , Rebekah Fraser, founder of Solstice Sing for Peace. During
the 2008 Solstice Sing for Peace, people on five continents sang and chanted for
peace as part of this worldwide grassroots movement founded by Fraser. Singers
and chanters participated in Europe, India, Japan, Australia, Hawaii, and
throughout the
Continental United States. In Barre, members of the singing group, Band of
Voices, organized an 18-hour relay of singers from all over Massachusetts.
Several smaller events also occurred in the North Quabbin region.
Although Fraser initially intended to organize the event for only one year,
Seeger encouraged her to make it an annual event. To help promote Solstice Sing
for Peace 2009, Seeger met with Fraser and recorded a short endorsement video.
This video, along with a slideshow of other Solstice Sing for Peace events from
around the world, will be part of the presentation. Fraser will also lead a
practice session for this year’s solstice celebrations. Information on
participating in Solstice Sing for Peace is available at
www.solsticesingforpeace.com.
Hope to see you there,
The Program Committee,
Ellen Woodbury
Genevieve Fraser
Iva Kazda
Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.
~Doug Larson
Newsletter
Material for the newsletter may be emailed to the firstparishnt@verizon.net, or
can be placed in the wall file outside the Church office. Please make a note
stating that the item is for the newsletter, or you can mail your item to: First
Congregational Parish, News Team, PO Box 305, Petersham, Ma 01366.
Friendly Reminder: Please send in your items for the newsletter on or before the
Monthly Deadline Date. If your item is received late it may not make it for the
month’s printing. You will find the date on the front cover of the newsletter.
Thank You,
The Newsletter Team,
Don Eaton
Susan Peters
Kathy Ballou ~ Editor
Interested in joining our church?
Do you have questions about membership at First Congregational Parish,
Unitarian? Please contact Rev. Lara Hoke: 508-615-1686 or mlhoke@uuma.org. We
plan to have a new member Sunday on April 5th
and would love to include you!
Organ Concert
First Parish Church Unitarian Universalist, 923 Main St., Fitchburg, MA. Friday,
April 3rd at 7pm. Cost is $6 per person or $15 per family. Reception immediately
following the concert. Selections by Bach, Vierne, Mendelssohn, Dinda, Sousa.
Men’s Group Formed at UU Church in Fitchburg, First Parish Church
Unitarian Universalist, 923 Main Street (at the head of the Upper Common)
Fitchburg, MA 01420. Do you, like many men, feel isolated at times in today’s
society?
Are you interested in discussing topics of concern to men today? Friendships and
relationships? Personal and spiritual growth? Work and family stresses? The
Men’s Group at First Parish in Fitchburg may be for you.
The group meets informally on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month for open and
honest conversation about life’s challenges and opportunities. It is meant to be
a place where men can share their thoughts and feelings in a supportive,
friendly atmosphere. All discussions are confidential. (Remember: What happens
in the Men’s Group stays in the Men’s Group!). To learn more, contact Fred at
978-400-1475 or by e-mail at fredber7@yahoo.com.
Are you a new UU?
Would like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism? Please contact Rev. Lara
Hoke: 508-615-1686 or
mlhoke@uuma.org if you might like to participate in a “New to UU” Adult
Religious Education Class
this spring.
Yoga with Brandy Lefsyk
Caitlin Smith and Brandy Lefsyk will be offering a 2-hour work-shop in
Greenfield on Sunday, April 5, 2-4 pm Cost is $25.00.
Head-to-Toe Self Care Workshop Green River Yoga & Movement Arts, 158 Main
Street, 2nd Floor, Greenfield, MA 413-772-2050 or info@GreenRiverYoga.com
This workshop will focus on common ailments, such as sciatica, chronic back or
neck pain, headaches,
g/i issues, among others. It will include techniques on how to relieve stress,
disease and pain with guided yoga movement, relaxation breath work, reiki, and
massage w/focus on trigger points and personal one on one massage from license
massage therapist. Allow yourself the gift of yoga and to de-stress in these
stressful times. Caitlin is a Licensed, Certified Massage Therapist who
graduated in 2007.
She has continued with her education in massage with workshops, such as Mother
Massage, Sacred Stone Therapy and many more to come. She also continues in her
collegiate schooling in pursuit of a Bachelor's in Biology and Exercise Science,
and a Doctorate in Chiropractics. Caitlin is currently a Yogi in training at the
Frog Pond Yoga Center, graduating in June, 2009. Please email or call Brandy to
register for workshop.
OM YOGA (RYT500) 978-413-2000
brandylefsyk@yahoo.com.
“I know you are strong, may your
journey be long, and I wish you the
best of luck.”
Warmly,
Brandy Lefsyk
Free Evening Yoga with Linda
Linda Kabo, certified yoga instructor, is offering free evening yoga to the
Petersham community. Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 6-7:15pm in the
Davis Building at the Unitarian Church. Dates are, March 18, 25. April 1, 15,
29, No classes April 8 & 22. May 6, 13, 20, 27. For more information contact
Linda at 978-434-1598. Every Welcome!
Meditation & Relaxation
Do you want to feel more peace in these troubled times? Experience relaxation
through simple, easeful meditation. It’s Free and good for you!
Beginning March 19th, Linda Kabo will lead a group on Thursday evenings from
6-7pm in the Davis Building at the Unitarian Church, Petersham. For more
information contact Linda at 978-434-1598. Come relax with us!
Church Bulletin Bloopers
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
Morning sermon: Jesus Walks on Water. Evening sermon: Searching for Jesus.
Walk for Hunger
With poverty and unemployment rising at unprecedented rates and 522,000 people
across the state struggling to put food on the table, this year’s Walk for
Hunger is more important than ever. Since 1969, The Walk for Hunger has relied
on support from religious organizations. Over the years, that support has grown
from one to more than 1,00 religious and community organizations that come out
to protest the social injustice of hunger in our midst.
Now is the time to step up and join us for Project Bread’s Annual Walk for
Hunger on Sunday, may 3rd. With the economy struggling, every dollar, every
mile, and every volunteer hour counts for our neighbors in need. Your pledges
feed people through emergency food programs throughout the state and through
many food programs in schools, after school programs, and pediatrician offices,
which integrate help into the ordinary fabric of everyday life.
Celebrate the spirit of giving along with over 40,000 other concerned citizens
by participating in this Massachusetts family tradition. Project Bread’s Walk
for Hunger starts on the Boston Common, May 3rd from 7am - 9 am. For more
information call 617-723-5000 or visit us at www.projectbread.org/walk.
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church. So
ends a friendship that began in their school days.
For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery
downstairs.