Commitment Sunday At First Unitarian

The Rev. Burton Carley (right), of the Church of the River, in Memphis was the guest preacher for the church's fourth Committment Sunday. His topic was "Lost in Translation" and was a stirring call to look past the institutional maintenance of the church toward what we are called to do in the world and in our own spiritual lives. He is shown here with Rev. Merritt immediately after the service.

At the conclusion of the service, congregants brought forward cards indicating the extent of their financial support of the church for 2008. Over 100 cards were turned in.
After the service, the Congregation came together for a congregational lunch over at the Crown Plaza hotel, across the street. Over 175 people came for lunch, which did NOT include any real speeches, but did include a dress up corner for the children and youth.

Rev. Carley composed the Common Prayer for our worship service.

O Holy One,

from the preoccupations that beset us

we come to this place of memory

and hope to rekindle our spirit.

We confess how busyness often takes us away

from relationships and actions that matter.

We confess how distractions kidnap our consciousness

and hold us hostage to trivial pursuits.

From cynicism and superficiality save us.

May we be touched once again by the gift and glory of life.

Let us be present to your call.

Quicken our faith, deepen our souls and renew our joy.

Turn us toward you

and in that meeting

come to understand what is required of us.

Opportunity Fair 2007

On September 30th, the Lay Leadership Council sponsored their third Opportunity Fair after the worship service.
Nearly every small group, committee, project, task force, or club in the church presented themselves so that people could ask questions or sign up. Food was served at every table, as well.



Dave Nase took a lot of pictures; here are some of them.

It's All About the Music on Monday Night

On Monday night, October 1, the Monday Night the Church program turned to Jerry Bellows for an "It's All About the Music" presentation. Using the Rise Up Singing Songbook, Jerry and his guitar led a sing-along of many folks songs: some humorous and some touching. Interspersed with the music, Jerry told the story of his life-long engagement with music: learning about music, learning to make music, learning to teach music, and loving music.

City Sponsored North Main Street Community Planning Meeting

On Saturday, September 29th, the City of Worcester's Department of Economic Development sponsored a community charrette at First Unitarian Church, to gather input for a plan to redevelop the North Main Street area. About 75 neighborhood activists, leaders of local institutions such as Worcester Art Museum and Tuckerman Hall, and civic leaders, including Mayor Lukes, State Senator Chandler, and several members of the City Council were in attendance.
The North Main Street area contains many important sites in downtown Worcester whose future is being considered. The Courthouse which is now empty as the new Judicial Center has opened, the Memorial Auditorium and the old Boys and Girls Club, now vacant as the Vocational High School, its last tenant has moved.
Many ideas were generated at the charrette for the future. First Unitarian Church is proud to have offered its facilities as a site for this important community meeting.