The Rev. Cheryl Leshay, UUCW Affiliated Community Minister, delivers the Reflection “Where Do We Fit?” during the service on May 19, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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Karen Stephenson talks about an 8th Principle Moment during the service on May 19, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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UUCW has a brand new organ! Here, Music Director Matt Johnsen, right, shows it to some members of the choir before service on May 19, 2024. From left are Mark Schlesinger, Joe Ruivo, Fran Schlesinger, Cathy McDonagh and Kim McCoy. The instrument is a Hammond CS-285, a 3 manual church organ. It will be played for the first time during service next Sunday, May 26th. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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Neither snow, nor sleet, nor hail, nor rain……..
Many of our Food Pantry volunteers worked in the drenching rain on the morning of May 18, 2024, serving over 65 clients! At left, Pete Lanyon, soaked to the bone, holds up one of the (thankfully) laminated car numbers. (photo by Vickie Cox-Lanyon, who also got drenched 😉) At right, Melissa McKeon, draped in a rain poncho, holds up the saturated preference forms at the end of the morning. It was nearly impossible to keep these forms dry today! (photo by Marilyn Martin)
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#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives. Author Loree Griffin Burns paid a visit to TidePool Bookshop in Worcester on May 19, 2024, for an author talk and book signing for her latest book, “One Long Line – Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them.” In the photo at left, Loree talks about pine processionary caterpillars, the subject of her book. Her talk was educational and entertaining. In the photo at right, TidePool co-owner Jo Truesdell stands with Loree. Fun UU fact: Jo and her husband/TidePool co-owner Huck are members of First Unitarian. 😁 (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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Ever wonder what the view from the pulpit is? This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to April 15, 2018 and a “minister’s eye” view of the service. Here, the Rev. Aaron Payson leads the congregation in singing the Closing Hymn, “Daoona Nayeesh.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)Continue reading →
Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Exploration, speaks during the beginning of the Candle Lighting Ceremony during the Coming Of Age service on May 12, 2024. The COA grads, are, from left, Naziah, Reid, Haley, Neway, Marina, Evelyn, Ginger and AJ. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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From left, Neway gets a hug from his mentor, Sean Divoll during the Candle Lighting Ceremony portion of the COA service on May 12, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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At left, Robin Mitzcavitch hangs a UU chalice around the neck of AJ during the Candle Lighting Ceremony portion of the COA service on May 12, 2024. AJ’s mentor, Maya Desai, stands in the background. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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The Rev. Aaron Payson sings “For Good,” a solo, during the service on May 12, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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These are the wonderful women who participated in the Women’s Runaway Weekend in North Adams from May 3-5, 2024. (photos by Kim Pierce Napoleone)
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Did you know that we have carnivorous plants in our UUCW gardens? Did you know we have a bog on our property ? Both true! In our very own homemade little 2′ x 3′ bog garden (in front of the classrooms) there are purple pitcher plants (Sarracenia purpurea). (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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This photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to November 13, 2005 and the 50th anniversary celebration of our church at (then) 90 Holden Street in Worcester. From left are Susan Crossley, Ilana Bartok (Leshay), Andrea Cruz, Maia Selkow, the Rev. Cheryl Leshay. They are re-enacting a skit initially written by Virginia Rassmusen and edited/redone by Linda Holbrook. The name of the skit was “We Have Met The Enemy And She Is Us.” (photo by Judy Savage)Continue reading →
May 5, 2024 was New Member Sunday. Participating in the New Member Ceremony were, from left, the Rev. Aaron Payson, Maria Juncos, James Egaña, Chloe Egaña, Cheyanne Martin, Katherine Powers and Willson Selzer. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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What a precious find today! A robin’s nest with three eggs is nestled in a juniper shrub in the Bird Sanctuary portion of the church gardens on May 5, 2024.
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Cora plays the Prelude, “Sonata in C Major” by Bréval during the service on May 5, 2024.
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May 5, 2024 was Potpourri Sunday. Here, Leo DaSilva leads a tour of the UUCW gardens. It was one of several sessions offered.
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to December 4, 2016, when Nancy Hancock held up an oversized coffee cup on which was written information from the Hospitality Team about hosting Coffee Hour. The 50/50 collection was split that day to help cover Coffee Hour expenses.Continue reading →
The choir and musicians perform “Comfort Me” during the service on Music Sunday, April 28, 2024. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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Music Director Matt Johnsen delivers the Reflection “Music is Life” on April 18, 2024, Music Sunday.
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Dianne Mann, left, acknowledges Sue Neaz during the Joys and Concerns portion of the service on April 28, 2024. Sue and her husband are relocating to Western Mass.
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Members of the Youth Group, youngsters and parents worked on the Playground Rejuvenation Project on the evening of April 28, 2024. Spearheaded by Jessie Trowbridge, and with assistance from the Religious Exploration families, the project has four phases. Here, Eisley, left, and Flora shovel sand under the swings in the “fall zone.”
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the annual Youth Group Service in 2018. Clockwise, from upper left, are Nathan, Anamika, Carrick and Maggie. They are delivering their individual Reflections.Continue reading →
The Rev. Aaron Payson shows his Earth Day appropriate tie before the service on April 21, 2024. The tie shows marine life and environment. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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John Odell stands at the top of the highest ladder the church owns to remove the former pledge total before replacing it with the current total on April 21, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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The Rev. Aaron Payson listens as Rachel Keyo delivers an 8th Principle Moment during the service on April 21, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives. Author Loree Griffin Burns’ latest book, “One Long Line – Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Follow Them” will be released on May 14, 2024. This is the first title in a brand-new early chapter book series spotlighting remarkable creatures, inquisitive people and fascinating conversations. https://loreeburns.com Fun fact: Loree now lives in the Adirondacks, though she will be in Massachusetts the week of the book’s launch, May 14th. She’ll be visiting schools, libraries and bookstores. Check out the ‘Events’ page of her website to find out where she’ll be!
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to September 23, 2012 and the first Soulful Sundown Vespers Service.
Russ Kay, center, lights a votive candle during Joys and Sorrows. At left is the Rev. Aaron Payson; at right is Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Exploration.
Fun fact: Russ contributed his graphic design talents to the church, donated technology equipment and shared his appreciation of recorded music in a variety of contexts.
(photo by Betty Jenewin)Continue reading →
The graduating group from this year’s Adult Coming of Age Program shared their thoughts and insights during the service on April 14, 2024.Clockwise, from upper left, are Barry Brigham, Annie Armstrong, Carole Howe, Jenny DelGizzi, Down Doud and Andrea Cruz. (photo montage by Betty Jenewin)
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The Adult Coming of Age graduates surprised their Facilitator, Robin Mitzcavitch, with a bouquet of flowers at the end of the service on April 14, 2024. From left are Andrea Cruz, Jenny DelGizzi, Barry Brigham, Carole Howe, Annie Armstrong, Robin Mitzcavitch, and Dawn Doud. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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From left, Matt Johnsen (piano), JaganNath Khalsa (violin) and Mara Pentlarge (flute) play the Offertory music “Trio Sonata in C Major” by J.S. Bach on April 14, 2024.
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the Religious Exploration Service in 2017. From left, Claire Breyton, Kim Pierce Napoleone, Lee Hill, Ana Gregory and Vickie Cox-Lanyon team up to deliver the Intergenerational Invocation.Continue reading →
It’s Soup Sunday! Maria Juncos, left, gets a bowl of Roasted Sweet Potato Bisque from Kristen Payson on April 7, 2024. Melissa McKeon, background, collects the money. The other soup offering was Chicken Corn Noodle. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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The congregation sings the Opening Hymn, “My Life Flows On In Endless Song,” on April 7, 2024.
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to September 21, 2014 when Sue Neaz, left, and Annette Spychalla formed an arch for the children to walk under. The children are, from left, Timothy, Alanna and Autumn. Children and their teachers walk under an arch formed by the members of the congregation. Timothy Schowalter, left, and Alanna Keyo walk under the “arches.” This followed the teacher dedication ceremony. This was the first day of Religious Education classes.Continue reading →
Kim Pierce Napoleone, right, and Sarah pose for an Easter bonnet photo with the Rev. Aaron Payson on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. As per tradition, Kim brought an extra bonnet for Rev. Payson so they could do their traditional photo. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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The Easter Bunny joins the Rev. Cheryl Leshay for the Story for All Ages during the Easter service on March 31, 2024.
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to June 8, 2008 and Religious Education Sunday, with graduate Kristen and RE Director Deb Selkow. Lyle, another program graduate, is in the background.Continue reading →
These young people shared statements on their values during the Youth Group Service on March 24, 2024. From left, they are Vernon, Simon, Rebecca, George, Ayre, Amaya, Justin and Elisabeth. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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George reads “A Church for All,” the Story for All Ages, during the Youth Group Service on March 24, 2024.
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Unsung behind-the-scenes hero Kim McCoy does what he so often does, mans the dishwasher. This was during the UUCW Potluck Dinner on March 23, 2024. Here’s to Kim!
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The gathering sings “Happy Birthday” to Pauline Courchesne at the UUCW Potluck Dinner on March 23, 2024. Presenting Pauline with her cake is Melissa McKeon, right.
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Brian Keyo served as Disc Jockey for the UUCW Potluck Dinner on March 23, 2024. DJ Brian tells me that I can call spinning records “flinging biscuits.” I like that!
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Joan McGinn, right, leads a session on “Talking Feminism: Victories and Challenges” after the service on March 24, 2024.
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to March 3, 2019 when Cristina Heffernan, one of the leaders of the Stewardship campaign, and her son Charlie put up the display #ThankUUCW before the service on Stewardship Sunday.Continue reading →
In December of 2023, UUCW held an auction. Sue Neaz offered an Ice Cream Social. Maya Desai bid on it and won. March 17, 2024 was Ice Cream Social Day! From left, serving up the ice cream and toppings from in the kitchen are Joe, Sue and Kristen Neaz. Receiving her ice cream is Janet Stone; Peg Gifford is behind her. Thank you to Maya, our Ice Cream Benefactor!!! (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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Kris Billiar speaks on “Why I Pledge” during the service on March 17, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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The Rev. Aaron Payson, dressed in a green stole in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, delivers a Reading from Janis Prince Inniss. The gnome in front of his right hand was a gift to our church. Fun fact: Rev. Payson is English Irish. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives. Librarian Chloe Egaña says “I gravitate toward juvenile and adult graphic novels and middle grade fiction, particularly books centered around the experiences of queer and/or BIPOC folks. Diverse literature is necessary, especially amidst the attempts (and successes) to silence and censor diverse voices in libraries across the country. When all voices are heard and celebrated, we have the opportunity to utilize our windows and mirrors and connect to each other in a deeper way. I routinely fall down the rabbit hole of subscribing to every review site or book blog available and then placing holds on things that strike my fancy- ending up with (at any given time) more than twice the books pictured.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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Remember the pandemic? This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the morning of July 11, 2020, and the Women’s Social Circle during the pandemic. They still met, but they did so over Zoom. Here, all raise their breakfast beverages on high! (photo by Kim Pierce Napoleone)Continue reading →
