Chairman’s Ramblings
Here it is – April already! Most, if not all of us, are hoping that warmer weather is soon to be here. Maybe time to do some yard work, or fix-up projects, and, yes, let’s not forget the church work party.

It is also time to start the process of asking for volunteers for the Board Of Trustees for next year. Each year several members come off the board as required by our bylaws, which means we need to replace those positions to keep the church functioning. As with many other Unitarian Universalist traditions, each church is a fully independent organization, governed by its own bylaws, charting its own philosophical and spiritual path. Because of this independence, it is important for each of us to consider serving on the board for a period of time. We try to keep the workload to just a few hours or less per month, and have an enjoyable experience in the process.

So, when someone from the nominating committee asks – please seriously consider serving. Descriptions of the board positions and duties are available at anytime.
Dick

Worship In April

April 5: “Your Life: Just in Time”
by Worship Leader Neda
Years ago Toyota revamped the way the car industry worked by ordering parts to the factory Just In Time rather than maintain large inventories, Just in Case. How can this management philosophy, so effective in business, inform the way we manage our own lives?

April 12: Easter Service
by Katie Lawson, Minister

April 19: Earth Day Service
by Minister Katie Lawson and Worship Associate Leah
Wendell Berry once said we should spend as much time enjoying the environment as we do protecting it. What does protecting the natural world have to do with our spiritual health?

April 26: “The Courage To Teach”
by Minister Katie Lawson
Teaching is a spiritual practice. Katie explores the rich spiritual life offered to those who put themselves in a position to teach formally and informally.

Middle School Group Happenings
This past month the middle school group has continued their exploration of world religions. They have started, and will be continuing next month, a unit on Buddhism. They also had the unique opportunity to have Neda come in as a guest speaker and talk to them about Baha’i religion. After viewing some Baha’i symbols the group’s members had the opportunity to create their own religious symbols. Many thanks to Neda for taking the time to share her knowledge with the group.
Vote For Your Favorite Poster
Over 70,000 fifth grade classrooms participated in this year’s National Arbor Day Poster Contest. The 2009 theme, “Trees are Terrific… in Cities and Towns!”, was “designed to increase student’s understanding of the importance of trees in a community”. From March 30 – April 3, 2009, you can vote on-line for your favorite entry via www.arborday.org/kids/postercontest/.

Milestones
Aurelia Isabel Henry Reinhardt, Dorothea Lynde Dix, Deborah Webster Greeley, Charles Bliss Bowles, Maja Veronica Oktavec Capek, Chester Greenough Atkins, Rev. Samuel Willard, Daniel Chester French, Abigail Williams May, Winfred Overholser, Richard Bowditch Wigglesworth, & Mary Wollstonecraft.

Ride Our Trolley In The Founder’s Day Parade!!
On Founder’s Day, Saturday, June 13, our church will participate in Foxborough’s annual Founder’s Day celebration. In previous years we have participated by chartering a trolley to ride in the parade in the morning, and by offering guided historical trolley tours of the town in the afternoon.

This year we are going to try something a bit different – we are going to tailor the tour to school aged children. Our very own Katie Lawson has generously offered to be our tour guide this year. With Katie’s energy and our new focus on families, I think this will definitely be an exciting year for this Founder’s Day tradition.

Look forward to seeing you on Founder’s Day!
Alison

Some Upcoming Events
* Apr. 1: (7:30 p.m.) Men’s Group Meeting at Pike’s Peak Mining Company (31 Hampshire Street, Mansfield, MA).
* Apr. 2: (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) First Thursdays Peace Vigil at 6 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA.
* Apr. 5: (7:00 p.m.) Board Of Trustees Meeting at the church. All are welcome to attend.
* Apr. 13: (7:00 p.m.) Women’s Group Meeting.

International Engagement Database
The UUA’s International Resources Office (IRO) maintains a database of the many varieties of international engagement that Unitarian Universalist congregations are involved with. To date they have records from approximately 150 congregations in the database. Is our congregation one of them? If so, they’ld love to update our entry. If not, they’ld love to include information about our congregation’s international engagement. The IRO office can put congregations in contact with other congregations who are involved with similar international programs. More information is available via www.uua.org/aboutus/professionalstaff/advocacywitness/internationalresources/index.php.

May Yard Sale
Cleaning out your house or just have a few items you no longer need? Collect items to donate for our yard sale, which is tentatively scheduled for May 23 – a day when other community groups will be having events on the common. In addition to the yard sale, the public will be invited to view the photo exhibit which will be on display throughout May. Please contact Dick if you have any questions about the yard sale.

Belly Dance Karavan
“Belly Dance Goes To The Movies” is the theme of this year’s Belly Dance Karavan. This is Sumora’s fifth year coordinating the annual fundraising event for our church. All proceeds from the past two years have been earmarked for the Accessibility Improvements Fund ramp initiative. Help out on event night (Saturday, May 30, 2009) or come to see the graceful belly dancers put on a stunning, family-friendly show that’s sure to delight all! Please contact Susan to help or if you have any questions about the show.

Historical Trolley Tours
Take a fun ride on the trolley! Whether you help with the planning or during the parade, the tours afterward, or the clean-up, you can help make this fundraising effort a huge success. Please let Alison know if you’re interested in helping with this effort.

Partner Programs
If you are unable to find the book or item you want at a local store and are planning to use Amazon or Powell’s Bookstore instead, please consider doing it via our church web-site ( http://www.uufoxborough.org ). To help us out, you just need to turn your “cookies” to ‘on’ if they’re not already, go to www.uufoxborough.org, click the link to amazon.com or powells.com, and then make your purchase. You must stay within the web page linked to from our web-site and leave your cookies on until the transaction is completed in order for the referral to be credited to us. Please contact Sharon if you have questions about using the partner programs.

Crossroads
Crossroads is the Children’s Center located on the first level of the church. It operates 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday during the public school year.

Building Rentals
When community members and groups use the building or grounds, the church benefits! Tell your families, friends, and neighbors about the events being held at church and using our fantastic spaces for their events! Please contact the Board Of Trustees in person, by phone at 508-543-4002 or via rentals@uufoxborough.org to schedule events at the church. First come, first served, so please plan accordingly.

Our church is a small but steadily growing church with big ideas about how it wants to better serve our community and the world. Thank you for considering all these opportunities to help us. Whether you’re able to experience the good work of our congregation directly or not, we know that you will feel great about the ways we are putting values you hold into action.

Listen To The Latest ‘UU World’
Audiorecordings of the articles in the latest UU World are now available. Award-winning audiobook actor Dick Hill reads articles from the Spring 2009 issue. The recordings can be listened to in most browsers or downloaded to your computer for playback using an .mp3 player. The audio version of UU World is produced in cooperation with the UUA Office of Accessibility Concerns. We welcome your feedback about this audio service. Write to world@uua.org. On-line at www.uuworld.org/issues/audiorecordingsspring2009.shtml.

New Dollars, New Partners For Your Sacred Place
The New Dollars, New Partners training program, presented by Partners for sacred Places, is designed specifically for congregations with historic sacred places. It helps congregations build leadership; research and write a realistic and compelling case statement for funders, understand proven methods for reaching out to a wider community, and learn how to fund-raise effectively. The training consists of four interactive training sessions over a nine month period. In the sessions, participants from 8-15 congregations will learn with other congregations then return home to do their own planning with fellow congregants. The first workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2009, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Providence. For more information about particpating in this progam, visit the Preseve Rhode Island web-site (www.preserveri.org) or contact Susanna Prull at 401-272-5101 or sprull@preserveri.org.

Massachusetts Youth Legislative Action Day
UUSC is again cosponsoring the Massachusetts Youth Legislative Action Day with Promise The Children and First Church Boston. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 21, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at First Church in Boston, 66 Marlborough Street, Boston. It will feature a discussion of issues and how to lobby for them, a meeting at the State House with legislators and their aides, breakfast, lunch, and ice cream sundaes! It’s designed for youth (grade 6 and up) and their family, friends, and allies. One of the issues will include An Act to Promote Proper School Nutrition. To learn more about the event, visit the Promise The Children web-site (www.promisethechildrenuu.org/events/item/249/)

April’s Action Of The Month
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is partnering with Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth (UUMFE) and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) to bring you April’s Action of the Month: Environmental Justice. Leading up to and during the month of April, we invite Unitarian Universalists (UUs) to engage in environmental justice – recognizing the disproportionate impact that both environmental problems and proposed “solutions” have had on women, low-income families, and communities of color both in the U.S. and around the world. Join UUs across the country as we work on a variety of consciousness-raising actions, culminating in Earth Sunday services on April 26. You can find suggested activities and other items related to this action such as “The Water Justice Praxis Study, Action, Reflection Guide”, an Earth Day Service worship packet, additional information about the 2006 AIW End Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining, and more via www.uua.org/socialjustice/actioncenter/128311.shtml.

UUA Presidential Candidates Forum Video
Watch the video of the UUA Presidential candidates’ forum from the recent Women’s Convocation. You can view it at portal.icuuw.com/icuuw/video/video3.cfm. This is a good opportunity if you want to learn more about the presidential candidates, you’ll be making decisions regarding completing absentee ballots, you’ll be directing delegates how to vote at GA, or for congregation delegates going to GA undirected.

Ballou Channing District (BCD) 2009 Spring Conference & Annual Meeting
Join other UUs from our district for “Exploring Paths of Inspiration & Transformation” on Saturday, May 2, 2009. Unitarian Universalism encourages individuals to explore and find their path to discover meaningfulness, quench a “thrist”, find heart. “Come, Listen, Learn, Experience” with us at First Parish (Old Ship) in Hingham, MA. Rev. Jeffrey Symynkywicz will present “SPIRITS IN THE NIGHT: The Healing Ministry of Bruce Springsteen” during his keynote address. There will also be music (Springsteen, who else?), worship, the UU Network Mall, continental breakfast and lunch, networking opportunities, and workshops to learn about and engage in personal exploration of various paths for inspiration. The Annual Meeting will include reports about district operations, election of District officers and directors and the approval of the FY2010 budget. Deadline for pre-conference registration discount is April 29. Pre-conference registration fee is a sliding scale $22-30 (upon ability to pay.) Youth (under 18) registration is $7 (Fee includes break refreshments and lunch). At the door Conference fee is $40 for adults, $7 for youth. Call the District office at 508-559-6650 or e-mail bcdoffice@uua.org to register.

Send A Love Letter To Salt Lake City!
Can you imagine a “Marriage is a Civil Right” banner waving over downtown Salt Lake City? This year, we have a unique opportunity to hang a three by ten foot marriage equality banner on the large tower of the Salt Palace Convention Center during General Assembly in June. In 2008, Utah residents donated $2.6 million – more than any other state outside California – to support the passage of Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California. Displaying our banner will send a strong message that we are standing on the side of love. $6,000.00 alone will make this advocacy event possible, but the Salt Palace will not reserve the space until payment is in hand. We aim to make the reservation by May 1, so the time to act is now. Gifts of $35 or more are especially helpful. Donations accepted on-line at www.uua.org/giving/donatenow/129603.shtml.

BCD “Looking Forward” Gatherings
A series of conversations for BCD congregation leaders, members, District staff and Board to discuss opportunities and challenges will be held during the next few months. “Looking Forward – Ministry to Youth” is scheduled for April 27, at Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven. The second conversation, “Looking Forward – Young Adult Ministry”, will be held on May 4, at FirstParishChurch in Duxbury. “Looking Forward – Our Congregations’ Futures” is the final conversation of this series. It will be held on May 16, at First Parish Church in Taunton. Although the gatherings are free, we ask that you register by calling or e-mailing the BCD office at 508-559-6650 or bcdoffice@verizon.net.

In The Community
Apr. 4, 6, & 25 – Events at the stadium; Apr. 7, 14, & 28 – Board Of Selectmen’s Meetings; Mondays – Belly Dance Classes at the church/6 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA (6:30 p.m.); Tuesdays – Kundalini Yoga & Meditation classes at 6 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA (6:30 p.m.); Apr. 1: Renewable Energy Advisory Committee Meeting (6:00 p.m.); Apr. 2 – First Thursdays Peace Vigil at Foxborough Universalist Church, UUA (6:00 p.m.); Apr. 2 – Spring Concert: Symphony Orchesta, Concert Choir, and Concert Band at FHS (7:00 p.m.); Apr. 3 – Burrell Vendor Night (6:30 p.m.); Apr.3 & 4 – 7th & 8th Grade Drama Club’s “A Midsummer Night’s Western” at Ahern School; Apr. 3 – “Lhasa to Kathmandu, the Trip of a Lifetime” by Tony Gilby at Chapel Meeting House (7:00 p.m.); Apr. 4 – Spring Community Trails Cleanup Day at CRRA Nature & Walking Trail (8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.); Apr. 4 – Lions bottle & can drive to benefit Cub Scout Pack 70; Apr. 4 & 5 – All Day MICCA Concert Festival at FHS including FHS Concert Bands, Symphony Orchestra, and Ahern 7th & 8th Grade Concert Bands; Apr. 4 – Third Degree at Outlaw BBQ (9:00 p.m.); Apr. 7 – CORE Turfsup Meeting at Boyden Library; Apr. 11 – Third Degree at The Ancient Mariner (9:00 p.m.); Apr. 14 – “Choral-palooza”:Grades 5-12 Choirs at FHS (6:30 p.m.); Apr. 16: Candidates Night on FCATV; April 17-19 – “Les Miserables – School Edition” at Orpheum theatre; Apr. 20-24 – FPS Vacation Week; Apr. 23 – Mr. Suspender performs at Boyden Library (2:00 p.m.); Apr. 25 – Gypsy Dance & Zills Workshops with Zaharah; Apr. 27 – Foxborough Historical Commission Meeting at 7:30 p.m.; Apr. 30 – Ahern Strings & FHS Symphony Orchestra at Ahern School (7:00 p.m.).

When: 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Where:  Westminster Unitarian Church, 119 Kenyon Avenue, East Greenwich, RI
Directions:    http://www.westminsteruu.org/Directions
R.S.V.P.: 401-884-5933

MEET AND GREET
REVEREND DR. LAUREL HALLMAN
and
REVEREND PETER MORALES

This is the only in-person visit scheduled by these two fine candidates to this area of southern New England before delegates cast their vote at General Assembly this summer.

Don’t miss an opportunity to ask questions and hear their vision for our faith. Be present.  Be informed.

The spring work party starts at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, and goes until 12:00 p.m.  Drinks and snacks will be available in the morning and lunch will be provided at noon.  We will be cleaning, interior/exterior painting, weatherizing/insulation, raking, bush trimming, etc.

Bring:

• cleaning supplies gloves
• rakes
• dust masks
• ladders
• paint stuff
• anything that you think would help!

Please contact Property if you have any questions about this event.

Tags: work party

Minister’s Message

Dear Friends,

As we have been engaging more intently in discussions about how we might “choose to bless the world” and engage in social justice work, I keep thinking of a pair of congregants from the church where I served as an intern. At Unity Church Unitarian in St. Paul, a volunteer always maintained a presence at the front desk. One of those volunteers was a 91 year old retired law professor and ex-navy commander, with a piercing intellect and dignified presence, that we will call Henry. The year before I came to the church, Henry’s wife took ill with kidney disease and had to move into an assisted living facility. This was a difficult transition for Henry, though I understand he bore it with characteristic reserve. During coffee hour one morning he remarked to another congregant, a man with two young kids who worked for public radio that we’ll call Ben, that one of the hard things about living alone was wondering if anyone would know if something happened to him. Ben, who did not know Henry well, asked, “Would you like me to call you in the morning?” at which point Henry did not say “No.” And so the next morning Ben called, just to say, “Good morning.” And so it went for every day after that. Some days Ben would just say, “Good morning,” and Henry would say, “Have a good day.” Other days their conversations were a little longer. It had gotten to the point where Ben’s kids would remind him, “Did you call Henry today?” As I was leaving the church, Ben and Henry had shared this practice for two years without missing a day.

I have been thinking about Ben and Henry for a couple of reasons. First, this act of service, of blessing the world, came out of Henry venturing to share his real concerns to a member of his community. He may not have thought about it this way, but in doing so he was blessing Ben with the opportunity to care for someone and to build relationship. Second, this blessing came out of Ben hearing Henry. One of the most important aspects of social justice and service is listening, being attentive to where the need lies. Third, this became, for Ben, a spiritual practice. It wasn’t long before it was so integrated into his days, that he did not think about it as doing something for Henry, but as a part of what made his days feel whole. For Henry, it expanded his understanding of his support system, soothed his loneliness, and repositioned the church in his heart as a part of his family.

This is social justice work as much as marching on Washington is. Granted we should still advocate for compassionate systems for caring for our elders. We should pay close attention to support systems like Medicare and Social Security. However, we should not dismiss the tremendous blessing that is brought upon people when they engage on a more intimate level in co-creating the world in which they want to live. As we approach our discussions about social justice and let ourselves think big about what is possible when we pool our energy, let us also maintain reverence for the smaller gestures we daily make in the name of building a more compassionate and connected world. In doing so, we are, in some ways, letting ourselves live in that world as we are creating it.

Faithfully,
Katie
Chairman’s Ramblings

We are on the downward side of the church year once again. Time to forget (if that’s possible) winter, think spring and that period of planting, growing, and change that, for me, is the start of the year. This is when we all think of gardens being started, finding our yards long hidden by snow, and yes…for UUs in Foxborough, planning for next year’s budget. At the next Board Of Trustees meeting we will be discussing fundraising for the balance of this year, and for activities next year. If you cannot make the meeting, please send your ideas to any Board member or discuss them at church.
Dick

Worship And Other Events In March

• March 1: (10:00 a.m.) “The Relevance Of Church And Bowling”
• March 4: (7:30 p.m.) Men’s Group Meeting at Pike’s Peak Mining Company.
• March 5: (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) First Thursdays Peace Vigil at 6 Bird Street, Foxborough, MA.
• March 8: (10:00 a.m.) “The Problem With Tolerance”
• March 8: (7:00 p.m.) Board Of Trustees Meeting at the church.
• March 9: (7:00 p.m.) Women’s Group Meeting.
• March 13: (5:00 p.m.) Pot-luck Dinner And Movie Night.
• March 15: (10:00 a.m.) “This I Believe”
• March 22: (10:00 a.m.) “The Possibility Of Peace”
• March 29: (10:00 a.m.) Intergenerational Passover Seder

Third Annual UU Lobby Day
Save the date for the Third Annual UU Lobby Day! It will take place, on Wednesday, April 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., beginning at the UUA office at 25 Beacon Street in Boston. Learn about the key issues facing Massachusetts this year and help UUs make a difference on these issues including “Poverty” and “Global Warming”. Connect with UUs from around Massachusetts and learn how to be a more effective advocate for issues important to you! More information will be available in February and through www.uumassaction.org. Please e-mail Nancy Banks at uumassactionnetwork@verizon.net to register or call 978-264-4961.

New England Music Conference
The annual Ballou Channing District (BCD) sponsored New England Music Conference will be held on March 7, at Murray Unitarian Universalist Church in Attleboro. The conference is for music directors, choir members, worship and music committee members, ministers, religious education directors, and all individuals interested in music in their church. There will be presentations, classes, and the popular choral repertoire “sing-through.” Please visit www.murrayuuchurch.org, www.bcduua.org, or the church bulletin boards for more details.

Even an enlightened being, with limitless knowledge and power and the wish to save all others from suffering, cannot eliminate the individual karma of each being. ~ His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso

News From Advocacy & Witness
The National Prayer Service held during Inauguration Week was followed by a “Coffee and Conversation” between UUs, President Sinkford, and UUA Washington staff on Wednesday. You can find coverage of some of the week’s events and more on uua.org and the Advocacy & Witness staff blog – ‘Inspired Faith, Effective Action’ – at uuasocialjustice.blogspot.com.

UUA Releases New Study Guide For “Milk”
‘Milk’, Gus Van Sant’s filmed biography of the later years in the life of Harvey Milk, a great leader of the 1970s Gay and Lesbian movement and the first openly gay politician in the United States, has recently been released. Given the film’s important historical content and the passage of Proposition 8 in California in the last election cycle, as well as the UUA’s longstanding commitment in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights, a discussion guide for UUs and UU congregations was prepared to support faithful congregational conversations on the subject of equality for all people and related topics. This discussion guide includes a list of resources and steps for taking action, and was prepared by Rev. Mark Belletini, Senior Minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, Ohio. Rev. Belletini has taught worship and celebration, Unitarian Universalist history, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender studies, and the Gospels from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. Find out more about the new study guide and access versions in MS-Word and PDF via www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/leaderslibrary/125446.shtml .

UU World
The Spring 2009 issue of UU World is now in the mail, but you don’t need to wait for your copy to arrive to start browsing the magazine at www.uuworld.org/currentissue.shtml. Features this month include ‘Natural faith’�, ‘Our inner ape’�, ‘Imagineers of soul’�, and ‘True to my lineage’�. If you’re a member of the church and not currently receiving UU World, please let the Membership Committee or a church Trustee know. If you’re not a church member, but want to peruse the quarterly magazine, please ask if we have extra copies, read the on-line version, and/or look at the copy at Boyden Library.

Church Groups
You’re invited to join any of our groups! Some of our current groups are: Men’s Group, Choir, Children’s Choir, Women’s Spirituality Group, Jr. Youth Group, Green Sanctuary Committee, Religious Education Committee, Social Action Committee, and Sunshine Committee. Please check the web-site, vestibule/bulletin boards, and upcoming newsletters for details about our groups, who to contact for more information, and how to join. If none of those interest you, think of forming a new one for you and other congregants to join.

Foxborough Universalist Music
Our choir information and music catalog is on-line at www.geocities.com/uufoxboroughmusic. The collection ranges from music published as recently as 2005 to music published as far back as 1832. All sheet music listed in the catalogue is available to other Ballou Channing District churches on a lending basis. Please contact us to add items to the database.

Wayside Pulpit
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

Faith Without Borders
Introduced at General Assembly, the �Faith Without Borders� program invites congregations to integrate a commitment to faithful global citizenship into many aspects of congregational life. Participants in the program will receive resources, consultation, and celebration from the International Resources Office. Please visit www.uua.org/fwb for more information.

Notices

* Preserving the Unitarian Universalist Chaplaincy at the Doolittle Home a new Fund
* Committees & Groups: Women’s Group, Green Sanctuary Committe, Social Action Committee, Sunshine Committee, Worship Committee, & RE Committee
* Please check the bulletin board and Order of Service for weekly updates.

Planning A Wedding, Meeting, Party, Or Other Event?

Members and non-members are able to hold special events at our conveniently located church! Overlooking a quintessential New England Town Common, the Foxborough Universalist Church makes a lovely setting for weddings, meetings, reunions, classes, workshops, rehearsals, and other events and ceremonies. In addition to the Sanctuary, piano, overlooking balcony, and vestibule, there is a large finished downstairs which includes a kitchen and social hall. We welcome all to tour our treasure and discuss your event needs with our Minister and/or Board of Trustees. Our minister, Katie Lawson, is available to perform your ceremony, but utilizing her pastoral services is not a requirement for using our historic building. Please contact the church office via office@uufoxborough.org to reserve the church for your events.

If you will be using the church some evening or Saturday for a meeting or other event, please drop the Property Committee a line or give them a call a bit in advance. This will allow the thermostat to be programmed so that the building is welcomingly toasty when you arrive and, after you leave, it will return automatically to its preset program.

First Thursdays Peace Vigils
A Peace Vigil is held outside at the church from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. the first Thursday of every month. Everyone – members, congregants, area residents, etc. – is invited to participate. Please show up during the hour and stay as long or as short as your schedule allows. Candles will be provided. If you want to be added to the reminder e-list, please let LeeAnn or PR know or sign up via http://events.uufoxborough.org

“Music can be an important component of identity, but it is also an important means of arriving at cultural pluralism, by which I mean a tolerance, openness and understanding towards other peoples’ cultures, social structures, values and faiths.” ~ His Highness the Aga Khan

BCD and UUA Events
full listings BCD In Brief and UUA Calendar
Dates and time subject to change so please check with the offices.

* Mar. 7: New England Music Conference
* Mar. 13 – 15: Allies for Racial Equality 2009 Annual Conference
* Apr. 1-5: UUJEC 20th Anniversary Conference
* Apr. 3-5: Now Is The Time! Conference
* May 2: BCD Spring Conference and Annual Meeting
* June 24 – 28: General Assembly in Salt Lake City, UT.

* Other Upcoming Events Feb 26-Mar 1 International Convocation of U*U Women Houston, TX
* Mar 7 New England Music Conference Murray UU Church
* Mar 13-15 Allies for Racial Equality 2009 Annual Conference All Souls UU Church, Kansas City, MO
* Mar 16 BCD Board meeting 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Location: TBA
* Mar 22 Rev. Tess Baumberger Installation Unity Church, North Easton, MA
* Mar 25-26 RE Gathering Retreat Location TBA
* March 26-29 UU Christian Fellowship Revival 2009 All Souls Church, Tulsa, OK
* Apr 1 Lobbying Day, UU Mass Action Massachusetts State House
* April 3-5 Leading Congregations into a Multiracial, Multicultural Future Post Oak Lodge (Tulsa, OK)
* Apr 6 Job-a-Like Conclave: Worship 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Universalist Unitarian Church of Brockton
* Apr 13 BCD Board meeting 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Location: TBA
* May 2 BCD Spring Conference and Annual Meeting First Parish Church (Old Ship), Hingham, MA
* May 11 UUMA Spring Retreat Sacred Hearts Retreat Center, Wareham, MA
* May 18 BCD Board of Directors Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Location: TBA
* Jun. 1 New Congregation Presidents Orientation (tentative) 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Location: TBA
* Jun 24-28 General Assembly Salt Lake City, UT
* Please see the BCD-In-Brief , church web-sites, and church bulletin boards for additional events and information.

Stewardship

In 1915 Sarah Doolittle gave her family home to the Universalist Convention of Massachusetts to be used as a residence for the elderly, especially those of the Universalist faith. Over the years there has been a strong relationship between the Home and the UUA (and its predecessors) and currently about half the residents are UUs who chose to retire to this haven because of its affiliation with the UUA. Now, a current Board of Trustees is trying to sever that tie. A policeman in uniform was hired to keep people out of an Annual Meeting (the people barred entry were UUs who are members of the corporation or people who were holding valid proxies). This is a very unfortunate situation where a group of outsiders is trying to wrest control of a UU institution. There are legal costs to fight for Doolittle so please contribute – a large check if you can, or a small one if you can’t. Checks should be made out to: The UUA Fund for Doolittle Home, Inc. and sent to the UUA, Attention: Jerry Gabert, 25 Beacon St. Boston, MA 02108. Please be generous. We are very grateful for your support. For more information please contact Rev. Dorothy Boroush.

Support the Doolittle Home residents, our UU family, friends, and community,
and the Home’s treasured UU Heritage!!!

Not just the “big green and white house on the corner or across from the Library”, the Doolittle Home has been a planned for retirement haven of U’s and UUs for over 90 years. Support the Doolittle Home residents, our UU family, friends, and community, and the Home’s treasured UU Heritage!!!

Love To Sing…Love Good Health…Join The Choir!
In several studies recently cited in The Boston Globe, it was proven that those people who belong to choirs enjoy healthier lives than those who are not choir members. Wow – what a rousing endorsement! Look for upcoming dates for our choir rehearsals. We have a general choir for adults and older youth and a children’s choir. Practices are usually held before and/or after worship services. All are joyously welcome. Contact Katie for further information.

Summer At Ferry Beach
Registration for summer conferences at Ferry Beach is now open to everyone! We are very happy to announce our newest conferences: Quilting for Beginners (June 20-26) and Fiber Fanatics Festival (July 25-August 1). And we are very excited to add an entire 2nd week of youth camps! For more information on all of Ferry Beach’s programs, visit www.ferrybeach.org or check the vestibule for the current brochure. You can register on the website or over the phone at 207-282-4489. There is also a registration form on their web-site to download and mail in.

How Has UUism Touched Your Life?
“For New Year 2009, we asked you to share blessings in your lives with us. From all over the world, you sent stories of the ways Unitarian Universalism has transformed your lives, and those things for which you are deeply thankful during these turbulent times�. You can read some of the stories and blessings that have been shared through www.uua.org/giving/news/generosity/stories/124904.shtml or share your own through www.uua.org/giving/news/generosity/stories/index.shtml.

CUUPS
Unitarian Universalism draws from many sources including “Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.” The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, Inc. (CUUPS) is an Interest Group of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) which “exists in part to promote the practice and understanding of Pagan and Earth-centered Spirituality within the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and to enable networking among Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists. Chapters are one way CUUPS accomplishes these goals.” Currently there are more than 100 chapters world-wide, with six of them based in Massachusetts. If you’re interested in CUUPS or the local Chapters, please visit www.cuups.org.

Spreading the Good News Of UUism Via Podcasting
“Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers.” Podcasting is a great way for congregations to reach a larger audience for that very reason: They go to the people, busy people who might lose a bookmark or be too pressed for time to check back every week or two. Audio sermons of any sort are a smart move for a congregation because they allow the pastor and lay leaders’ words to reach UUs who live too far from a brick-and-mortar congregation to visit, or who might be shut in due to illness, or who may have been hurt in a religious setting and thus be reluctant to walk into a UU congregation without getting some sense of what they’ll find there. To find out who’s podcasting and to listen to some, please check the following websites: www.geocities.com/scarcrest/uu_podcasts.html, www.uupodcasters.org, www.podcast.net, and www.uuism.net/uuwiki/index.php/List_of_UU_podcasts.

The Goddess And You
‘The Goddess And You: Exploring The Relevance Of The Goddess For Women Today’� is the theme of this year’s Womensphere Spring Gathering. First Unitarian Church of Providence is the location of the Saturday, March 21, 2009, event. This will be a day spent celebrating the energizing power of the goddess. We will have time to share the impact of the goddess in our own lives. Then we’ll cross the street to the Rhode Island School of Design museum and stand before Isis, Hathor, Maat, Kuan Yin, and others. Cost is $25 including lunch plus admission to the museum, $10 adults/$7 62+. A limited number of scholarships are available. To register or for more information, please contact Susan Emmer Schmidt via emmerschmidt@verizon.net.

Wayside Pulpit
Even an enlightened being, with limitless knowledge and power and the wish to save all others from suffering, cannot eliminate the individual karma of each being. ~ His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet

His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama Of Tibet Coming To Foxborough
“The Tibetan Association of Boston is honored to invite the 14th Dalai Lama to share his message of hope and compassion in a public address. The universally recognized spiritual leader of Tibet and Nobel Peace Laureate will host two public talks on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The day will be broken out into two separate talks each lasting two hours; one ticket allows access to the entire day.”� The morning session will be a brief introduction to Tibetan Buddhism (The Four Noble Truths). The afternoon session will be a public talk on “A Path to Peace and Happiness”. Ticket prices range from $37.50 – $200, and go on sale Friday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased on-line through www.TicketMaster.com or by phone 866-448-7849. For more information about the event, please e-mail info@bostontibet.org.

Restocking The Shelves
Since 1970, the Foxborough Discretionary Fund and the Foxborough Food Pantry have provided emergency food relief as well as temporary food support to Foxborough residents in need. The organizations could not exist without the generous support of our community and friends. Donations to the Foxborough Food Pantry can be made in the designated boxes at the Foxborough Stop and Shop and the Sharon Shaw’s Supermarkets. Demand at area food pantries is especially high during the winter months (when utility and fuel costs rise) and during the summer months (when children do not have access to the school lunch programs). Gladly accepted is any food donation that has not reached its expiration date. The following items are always in short supply at the town pantry:

Baked Beans, Beef Stew, Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Cereal, Chunky Soups, Cleaning Supplies, Feminine products, Hamburger Helper, Jelly, Juice Boxes, Kleenex, Laundry Detergent, Peanut Butter, Shampoo, Spaghetti Sauce, Toilet Paper, Tuna, Bottled or Canned Juice, Canned Chili, Hash, or Spam, Canned Pasta: Ravioli, Spaghetti O’s, & Snacks: cookies, crackers, chips

No matter which town or city you live in, our contributions have an immediate impact on the lives of many individuals and families in our municipalities. Please help if you are able to either by donating to your local food pantry or by adding something to the Church’s monthly donation box in the Vestibule. The Discretionary Fund also usually sends out an annual request for holiday gifts and needed winter clothing. Please donate if you can. Thank You!

Universalism struck hell from the theological menu; Unitarianism removed original sin. ~ Forrest Church

Guest At Your Table 2008-2009
UUSC’s Guest At Your Table kicks-off on November 23, 208, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. For over 30 years, UUs of all ages have built lasting connections to our shared values through Guest at Your Table. Later this church year, we hope to participate in this special UU tradition. If you’re interested in more information about UUSC and human rights in the United States and around the world, please visit www.uusc.org/guest.

You may have to allocate a little more time to get to the church and to park, but like most everything else downtown, we will be open during the construction of the mostly federally funded transportation and business district demonstration projects. For roadway conditions and projects’ updates, please check here.

Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline
With the high cost of living in the Commonwealth and more than 522,000 people across the state struggling to put food on the table, chances are that a friend or neighbor of yours is having difficulty making ends meet this winter. Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline can help . The FoodSource Hotline is the only comprehensive information and referral service for the hungry in Massachusetts. Counselors can provide information and screen callers for food stamp eligibility, connect them to school meal programs, and direct them to emergency food resources right in their neighborhood. Counselors can assist callers in 160 languages and the calls are both personalized and confidential. Extend your goodwill and reach out to those in need. A call to Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333 TTY: 1-800-377-1292) may be all it takes to provide comfort to someone who is struggling. In response to the increased demand for help, Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline has extended its hours to: Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.. and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

March’s Action Of The Month
The March Action Of The Month is “Sexuality Education Call-In Days�. “The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) views sexuality education as an issue of justice . It is our religious faiths and values that compel us to support justice and equity for people of all genders, races, backgrounds, income levels, abilities, and sexual orientations. We support age-appropriate, medically accurate, and fully inclusive sexuality education in schools and communities and congregations.�. Some suggested ideas to participate in this action are to: contact your legislator regarding the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act; form an ongoing sexuality education advocacy group in our congregation, campus group, or community; partner with groups in our community and state; investigate what type of sex ed programs are provided in our local schools or community; and educate our community about these issues by hosting a forum or a movie night with films such as “The Education of Shelby Knox� and “Abstinence Comes to Albuquerque�. Additional information is available via www.uua.org/socialjustice/actioncenter/.

“Inspired Faith, Effective Action”
The Washington Office For Advocacy’s new Legislative Assistants, Grace Garner and Lisa Swanson, started in the office during the summer, learning the ropes from their predecessors, Elizabeth and Meredith. The two new L.A.s have big shoes to fill but we are confident that they are up to the task. Alex Winnett, the new Program Associate for Peacemaking, has been with the office since June. You can read more about Alex, Grace, Lisa, and the rest of the office on the UUAWO office blog, “Inspired Faith, Effective Action.” at http://uuawo.blogspot.com. The Washington Office looks forward to working with fellow UUs over the coming year.

Who Will Be The Next UUA President?

This June there will be an important election to choose the next president of the UUA. All the votes will be counted at GA, whether they are in person or by absentee ballot. Information is available on the UUA web site (www.uua.org/aboutus/governance/elections/index.shtml). There is an e-mail list you can join by going to lists.uua.org/mailman/listinfo/election-l. Each month, the candidates will answer a question posted by the Election Campaign Practices Committee and subscribers are free to comment. There is also a blog that contains the candidates’ statements, provides links to the candidates web-sites, and gives readers an opportunity to comment on-line at uuapresidentialdebate2009.wordpress.com.

March’s Global Chalice Lighting

A truth worthy of complete devotion may not be provable by reason, but it will not insult our intelligence, nor will it be alien to our experience. If God is, then there is no place God is not—be it in temple or telescope. May we take to heart the injunction to question, listen, respect, and understand, and live the beauty of our faith.

~ Samuel Trumbore

Unitarian Universalist Association

www.uua.org

Tags: Events, Faith, Foxborough, Foxborough Universalist Church, Katie Lawson, UUA, Worship

New Music Director

The Women’s Group meeting has been rescheduled to 7:00 P.M., on March 9, 2009.  Please contact for details.