First Unitarian Stewardship

“My formula for being a steward—listen to what fulfills and enhances you, listen to the needs of the community, match what you can give to what is already established—and if it isn’t there—create it”.  Linda Wyatt To me, the Gala is a joyous fundraiser party.   How did I become the chair of the First U Gala?  Several factors:  I love to bring people together.  I wanted to give back to First U congregants-- especially in gratitude for supporting me after I was hit by a car in March, 2011. I had more time because my daughter was older and more independent.  I also was learning about the local music scene and the great musicians associated with our church. I knew the time was right to bring the music to party! I told Scott Hayman, “I know we can do this.  I planned my wedding in three months! Besides I’ve booked the band.  WE CAN AND MUST DO THIS!”   I was fortunate to have committee people who encouraged me and assisted ...

The UUA handbook defines Stewardship as fundamentally spiritual.  The act of giving, whether time, talent or treasure, is, in itself, a form of worship.  Those of us on the Stewardship committee have been fortunate to be inspired by the many stories of those who have responded to the call of service in the programs which make up the life of our community.  You know many of these people, for they are present week after week, year upon year, mentoring our youth, singing in the choir, providing pastoral care, and doing all the small but essential things which enrich our Sunday worship experience. In the next few weeks we want to share some of these stories with you, that you might also be inspired when you understand the deeper meaning which results from all acts of giving.  And we also hope that in being inspired, you might find yourself hearing the call for a deeper commitment to our community, and that in responding to that call you are both a gracious giver and re...

I started going to yoga on Thursday’s and learned more about the church from  some participants in the class. I finally started attending services.  I sit by a window on Sundays,   in this peaceful environment enhanced by the inspiring music,   ending my week with a calming peace and starting my week with a replenished spirit. --Jean McInerney, Membership co-Chair For many years I was searching for a worship community I could relate to.  I signed up for the First Unitarian’s email newsletter and would read it regularly, impressed by all the church does. But after months (actually, if counted, it was years), I decided since I wasn’t attending, I removed myself from the list. At somepoint I was back on the email list. I later found out it was some IT change on First Unitarian’s end. This time I did not remove myself, but I was still not attending Sunday service. I started going to yoga on Thursday’s and learned more about the church from some partici...

Connecting with others is a rich, rich part of being in the First Unitarian Community.  Anyone who loiters after the service is probably someone you would like to get to know.  It may be just the warmth they need. --Vivian Shortreed, former Moderator and current Caring Circles co-Chair I  remember well the first time I attended a worship service at First Unitarian.  We had lived in Worcester nearly 5 years, but I was still working in Connecticut.  Uprooted from my Connecticut community, and not having had the time or the place to make new friends, I felt as if I didn’t belong anywhere.  I was advised to come to the First Unitarian Church “for the music.” I was immediately awed by the simple grandeur of the sanctuary.  And I connected with every bit of the service, starting with the quote at the head of the Order of Service.   It was a quote from Friedrich Nietsche, something about the only god worth worshiping being a dancing god. ...

“ Greeting newcomers shows that we really do value the inherent worth of every person.  The next time that you see an unfamiliar face in church, offer them a smile.” – Ken Mandile, Lay Leadership Program Council My dad had an amazing ability to spark a conversation with any stranger that he met.  Within minutes of meeting a store clerk or a delivery person or someone sitting next to him at the doctor’s office, he’d be comparing notes about food and giving out free “advice”.  Somehow, he failed to pass his outgoing genes on to me.  I dread the thought of walking up to a stranger to start a conversation, especially if I’ve got plenty of opportunity to talk to people that I already know.  It’s just not in my “comfort zone”.   If you feel the same way, then find me on Sunday morning near the front doors and we’ll step outside of our zones together.             I go to the narthex to greet p...

We do good in this world not to get into heaven, but to bring a little of heaven down to earth.   Rev. Gary Kowalski Interfaith Hospitality Network :    providing shelter and support to homeless families with children Center for Nonviolent Solutions :   teaching our youth strategies for nonviolent resolution of conflict Jericho Road :  matching volunteer professional talent with community-based non-profit organizations What do these three Worcester social service organizations have in common?  Our vice-moderator, Seth Popinchalk, wrote movingly last week of the commitment within our community to make the world a better place.  The organizations listed above are strongly supported by members of First Unitarian who exemplify that commitment, volunteering their time, talent and financial support, and in some cases taking on senior leadership roles.  The motivation for these volunteer efforts was explained by Rev. Gary Kowalski in his f...

I am always inspired and touched by the efforts to build a better world. Seth Popinchalk, Vice-Moderator Last week Scott Hayman told me about a 5K road race to benefit Abby’s house. Abby’s House is a family shelter for women and children and provides them with “a safe place to stay, regroup, and rebuild.” I am in fair shape, so when I woke up Saturday morning I laced up my shoes and drove out to West Boylston to find the starting line. I found Scott and Maddie at the registration area. I also ran into a handful of other familiar First U members wearing race bibs and supporting the event. There was no plan among members to connect with our First Unitarian community this Saturday morning, but we found each other among the crowd of about 300. I was reminded that I am surrounded by our special community. What brings us together? We are a community because we choose to be one. We find a connection with something the church offers: the Sunday services, the sermons, the holi...