Nancy Hancock speaks about why she pledges during the service on March 10, 2024. Nancy began attending UUCW when she was 7. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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Rachel Keyo talks about an 8th Principle Moment during the service on March 10, 2024. She is holding up the book “Say the Right Thing – How to Talk About Identity, Diversity and Justice” by Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow.
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#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives. ***WHAT THE BOARD IS READING*** Board of Management member Evan Wilson says “I’m currently reading “Emergent Strategy” by Adrienne Maree Brown and recently finished reading “Small Wonders” by Barbara Kingsolver. I like to have two books in rotation – one for pleasure and one for growth. I aim to strike a balance between my desire to learn about advancing justice with stories for pure enjoyment and relaxation. This balance helps fuel my activism and leadership, while also reminding me to rest and recharge.”
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to May 13, 2018, when the Rev. Aaron Payson teamed up with Edward the Turtle to tell the “Story for Children of All Ages.” Rev. Payson has had Edward, as well as other puppets, since the beginning of his ministry. Fun Facts: Rev. Payson began his ministry in 1991. He began his ministry at UUCW in 1999. Continue reading →
The highlight of the Annual Stewardship Sunday, March 3, 2024, was a skit based on “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Our version was “It’s A Wonderful Church.” Here, Moira Rouse, left, and Dave Schowalter perform. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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You know it’s Stewardship Sunday when the Pledge Tracker goes up! Here, from left, John Odell and Dave Schowalter hang the banner before the Annual Stewardship Service on March 3, 2024. The theme this year is “It’s A Wonderful Church!” Fun Fact: That’s Neway, lower right. Another Fun Fact: Nancy Baffa made the banner!
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The cast of the skit joins the congregation in singing “Building A New Way.”
From left are Dave Schowalter (who played Rev. Aaron Payson), John Odell (who played Dave Schowalter – true!), Nancy Baffa (who played Elena), Moira Rouse (who played Clarence, the angel), and Rev. Aaron Payson (who held up the ‘wind’ sign).
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Madelyn O’Farrell speaks on “Why I Pledge” during the Annual Stewardship Service on March 3, 2024.
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The Building and Grounds Working Group held its’ quarterly meeting on March 2, 2024. Co-chair Cristina Heffernan, center, speaks during the meeting. Representatives of other committees that fall within Buildings and Grounds are around the table.
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to Game Night on January 29, 2016 and then 13-year old Conrad. Time flies! Conrad is now in his 2nd college year at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, studying architecture. Continue reading →
From left, Justin Newton and Hayley perform “Riptide” during the Cool Beans Coffeehouse on February 24, 2024. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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Elijah introduces his grandmother, Mara Pentlarge, before she performed a song on her flute during the Cool Beans Coffeehouse.
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Minister Emeritus, the Rev. David Miller, delivers the Reflection “Grieving for the Earth” during the service on February 25, 2024.
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UUCW’s Board of Directors gathered for their monthly meeting on February 19, 2024. Michele Hernandez, center foreground, gestures as she delivers the Treasurer’s Report.
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to this Religious Education class photo taken during the 2005-2006 church year. Class teachers were Teresa Wolcott, left, and Cathy McDonagh.Continue reading →
From left, Maryan Ryan and Marilyn Martin pack the meat and dairy bags at the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry on February 17, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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Good Trouble Sundays are back! Here, Beth Posner-Waldron, second from left, gives instructions for how to send letters to voters in Ohio, in conjunction with VoteRiders, an organization that educates people about voter ID laws. From left are Suzanne LaRue, Beth, Karyn Woodward, Ken Basye and Cathy McDonagh, shown on February 18, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives.
Ann Hollander says “I can’t remember the last time I read a physical book. I exclusively listen to audiobooks (4 or 5 a week since I can listen while I multi-task) and read ebooks. I love that I always have a book with me on my phone or iPad, and that I can download a book from the library at any time of day or night.”
“I mainly read contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, memoirs/biographies, occasional nonfiction, and lots of mysteries. The most recent audiobooks I listened to were “The Art Forger” by B.A. Shapiro for the UUCW Book Group discussion, and “The Wind Knows my Name” by Isabel Allende, one of my favorite authors.”
(photo by Betty Jenewin)
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to Ferry Beach in 2012 when Sandy Mayes, left, chatted with Jude Ayer. (photo by Ruth Silver)Continue reading →
In this photo from the UUCW archives, Sandra Ansaldi, left, now of blessed memory, and Ana Gregory pose in the Toy Room before the start of the Yard Sale on June 11, 2016. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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First Unitarian Church of Worcester’s choir combined with UUCW’s choir for the service on February 11, 2024.Here, the combined choir sings the Prelude, “Creative Mind.” The song was composed by UUCW’s Music Director Matt Johnsen.(photo by Betty Jenewin)
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The Lunch Bunch! People who attended the ‘Lunch With The Minister’ on February 7, 2024 pose for a group photo. The theme of the lunch was Valentine’s Day. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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From left, Margos Stone, Neil Palmer, Darlene Eager, Evans Waldron and leader, David Miller, pose on a bridge on the Buffumville Lake South Loop Trail on February 10, 2024. This UUCW hike was about 5 miles long. Though conditions were icy, the weather, scenery and hike were enjoyable. Fun fact: the dog’s name is Bella.
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#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives. ***WHAT THE BOARD IS READING***
Board of Management member Cathy McDonagh is currently reading “Quabbin – A History and Explorers Guide by Michael Tougias and “This Road I Ride” by Juliana Behring. Cathy says “The first book is action followed by grief and the second book is grief first, then action.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to March 19, 2017 when members of the Youth Group took a bow following the annual Youth Group Service. (photo by Betty Jenewin)Continue reading →
This is one of the seven break-out groups on Potpourri Sunday, February 4, 2024. Participants listen as the Rev. Aaron Payson talks about the History of the Black Empowerment Movement within Unitarian Universalism. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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Potpourri Sunday – an opportunity to sing with Music Director, Matthew Johnsen.
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Potpourri Sunday – the Rev. Cheryl Leshay and online participation in the services.
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Potpourri Sunday – Religious Education for all ages about the legacy of Rosa Parks with Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Exploration.
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Potpourri Sunday – conversation about “Serving Vulnerable Families” with members of a variety of UUCW outreach teams.
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Potpourri Sunday – conversation about “Saving Democracy” with members of a variety of UUCW outreach teams.
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Potpourri Sunday – conversation about “Funding Our Future” with members of various finance teams and committees
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes up back to December 4, 2016 when the choir performed Zulu dance moves while singing Joseph Shabalala’s “Thule Klizeo” during the service.Continue reading →
Movin’ and groovin’ to the Postlude, “Stand By Me,” on January 28, 2024, are, from left, Joan McGinn, the Rev. Cheryl Leshay, Beth Posner-Waldron and Pauline Courchesne. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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This is half the group of women at the Women’s Social Circle at the Nu Kitchen on January 27, 2024.
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This is the second half of the group of women at the Women’s Social Circle at the Nu Kitchen on January 27, 2024.
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#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives. ***WHAT THE BOARD IS READING*** Board of Management member Vickie Cox-Lanyon is reading two books right now. “The Body Keeps the Score” is a fascinating study of the connection between mind and body, especially as it relates to trauma. It appeals to the psych major in her. But it’s heavy, so for a break she’s reading “Dinners with Ruth,” Nina Totenberg’s memoir of her friendship with RBG and many others in politics and at NPR. It’s set against the backdrop of gender discrimination and D.C. politics and is a good reminder of the groundbreaking work of women of their generation.
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#uucwreads – A Kindle reader, Bruce Leshay likes to alternate between science fiction/fantasy (especially space stories) and nonfiction science and history. He recently finished the Expanse series by James S. A. Corey ( space opera), Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (fantasy), An Immense World by Ed Yong (non-fiction a study of how animals use their senses), and Bellevue by David Oshinsky (a history of Bellevue hospital in NYC).
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This photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to the Coming of Age service on May 14, 2017 when mentor Jane Houghton helped her mentee KC light a candle. Charlie looks on at left.Continue reading →
A large group turned out for the first in a four-part series on Addressing Racism on January 21, 2024. Here, folks have broken up into small groups for discussion after watching the Great Courses’ “How Talking About Race Can Help.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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From left are David Miller, Margos Stone and Dick Kisten. The trio completed the UUCW Group Hike on a frigid January 20, 2024 day. They hiked the Asnabumskit trails in Holden, from Maple Spring Pond to the Mass Central Rail Trail. They ended at Mill Street in Holden. (photo by Margos Stone)
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Garden On Team member Jan Cutman sprinkles seeds on the soil in her milk jug (which functions as a mini-greenhouse) during the Winter Sow Workshop put on by the Worcester Native Plant Initiative on Jan. 20, 2024. Participants listened to a presentation by Gary Phillips on how to Winter Sow, then prepared and sowed three milk jugs each. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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UUCW – the Congregation of spontaneous dancing! From left, Cristina Heffernan, Moira Rouse, Barry Brigham and Dianne Mann dance to the hymn “Comfort Me” during the service on January 21, 2024. The verse “Dance With Me” brought the foursome to their feet. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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In this photo from the UUCW archives, Kim Pierce Napoleone sings along during the Candlelighting portion of the Vespers service in 2015. (photo by Betty Jenewin)Continue reading →
Kindred Conversations is a very nice group of adults who meet bi-weekly on Wednesday mornings from 10:30-noon for theme-based discussions and sharing. Here, at left, Jeff Steinmetz answers a question on Jan. 10, 2024, while Dee Hudson listens. The theme for January is love. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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From left, Bill Derr, Sheri Linn and Dee Hudson select a quote from the table during Kindred Conversations on January 10, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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Dawn Doud, Soprano, (front row) solos on the traditional spiritual “We Shall Overcome,” the Choral Introit on January 14, 2024. Fun fact: the arrangement of the song was by our Music Director, Matt Johnsen. (photo by Maya Desai)
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The UU Book Group met on January 10, 2024 to discuss “The Book Woman’s Daughter.” Two members wore book-themed clothing. Here, Lynn Gostyla shows her book-themed socks, which say “Dangerous Women Read.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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And here, Kim Pierce Napoleone shows her book-themed T-shirt, which says “That’s What I Do – I Read Books and I Know Things.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to September 11, 2016 and Samantha’s Child Dedication. From left are the Rev. Aaron Payson, Melissa Wahlstrom (godmother), Rachel and Raendi Wagner and Samantha, and Jeffrey Crystoff (Rachel’s brother). (photo by Betty Jenewin)Continue reading →
The Fiber Arts Group met on January 3, 2024, from 7 PM – 8:30 PM. They meet weekly.Here, working on their projects, from left, are Deirdre “Dee” Hudson (sweater), Alanna Keyo (leg warmers) and Danielle S. (hat for a toddler). Fun fact: Dee is our new Sexton! (photos by Betty Jenewin)
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From right, Dianne Mann teaches Deb Van Batenburg the beginning steps of knitting. Deb’s making fingerless gloves in the Fiber Arts Group gathering on Jan. 3, 2024. Among the people present there were knitters, crocheters, cross-stitchers and menders.
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Anya reacts while playing ‘Poetry for Neanderthals’ during the monthly UU Game Night on January 5, 2024.
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Debbie Merrill plays ‘Chakra’ during the monthly UU Game Night on January 5, 2024.
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Members of UUCW’s Side With Love/Get Out the Vote Team joined with Indivisible Worcester on Jan. 6, 2024 for a peaceful and hope-filled rally at Elm Park to kick off 2024’s Election season. Here’s the UUCW contingent who showed up for the Jan. 6th Remembrance Rally (Never Forget/Never Back Down). Featured speaker, Congressman Jim McGovern, is at right.
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From left, Ann Hollander and Susan Crossley display their signs at the Jan. 6th Remembrance Rally (Never Forget/Never Back Down) held on Jan. 6, 2024 at Elm Park.
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In this photo from the UUCW archives, an intergenerational choir
sings during the service on June 8, 2008.Continue reading →
