• Photos of the Week for May 10, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Coming of Age graduates, from left, George, Halo, Vernon, Baylen, Simon, Sarah, Ayre, Vieve, Amaya and Rebecca sit on the chancel at the beginning of the service on May 8, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    Director of Religious Exploration Robin Mitzcavitch, left, hands a rose to Coming of Age graduate Simon Murphy during the Candle Lighting Ceremony part of the service on May 8, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    From left, Samantha Wagner sings the Prelude “The Girl I Mean To Be” and Shah Salmi sings “My Wish” during the service on May 8, 2022. (photos by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    Janet Cutman has a conversation with the Rev. Aaron Payson during Lunch With The Minister on May 4, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #5

    On May 3, 2022 a rally was held outside the Worcester Courthouse to protest the leaked ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. UUCWers who attended were: Front row from left: Lynn Gostyla, Beth Posner-Waldron, Lois, Maya Desai Back row from left: Kate and Frank Sweetser (photo by Evans Waldron)

    Photo of the Week #6

    Come satisfy your bargain hunting desires at our June 11, 2022 Yard Sale! Get this never-used NESCO Gardenmaster Pro Dehydrator for half price – $80 – at the Yard Sale.

    Photo of the Week #7

    This undated photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to the early stages of the Refugee Ministry. This group enjoyed working together with families from the Congo. From left, they are June Davenport, Linda Morse, Christine Lynch, Denise Darrigrand, the Rev. Aaron Payson, Marilyn Martin and Ruth Silver.

    Photo of the Week #8

    Youth Group Service March 21, 2009 David Spanagel and the Children’s and Teen Choir
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  • Photos of the Week for May 3, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    People dance around the Maypole, the Postlude on May 1, 2022. (photo by Vickie Cox-Lanyon)

    Photo of the Week #2

    In keeping with a years-long tradition, the women of our church had their annual Runaway Weekend April 29-May 1, 2022 in Rockport, Mass. Shown on the front lawn of their lodgings, the Emerson Inn, are, front row from left, Linda Rich, Susan Chase, Michelle Hernandez and Ruth Silver. Back row is, from left, Melissa McKeon, Cristina Heffernan, Rachel Keyo, Sheri Linn, Betty Jenewin and Claire Breyton. (photo by a kind and helpful passer-by)

    Photo of the Week #3

    Members of the UUCW Refugee Ministry Team and Worcester Area Neighborhood Support Teams gather for an Iftar meal in celebration of Ramadan at the Worcester Islamic Center on April 26, 2022. (photo by Obianuju Opara)

    Photo of the Week #4

    From left, Evan Wilson, Sue Neaz, Claire Breyton and David Miller pose at Bigelow State Forest in Union, CT on April 23, 2022. The trio won a hike with David at UUCW’s holiday auction.

    Photo of the Week #5

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the Fall of 2007 and our first 9 AM and 11 AM services. Choir members singing during the 11 AM service are, from left, Karen Tobin, Carlton Davenport, June Davenport, Peggy Veal, Russ Kay, Moira Rouse and Ginny Brink. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #6

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the Coming of Age Retreat at the Bement Center on May 15, 2009. From left are Mara, Katie, Ethan and Ryan; they are holding cutouts of people for a project called “Pieces of Me.” The youth were guided in thinking about what beliefs and values and life experiences go together to make them who they are. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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  • Photos of the Week for April 26, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Welcome to dinner at Dismas House. For over 20 years our church has provided a dinner meal for the men and women of Dismas House, a home in which recently incarcerated individuals make the transition back into society. It’s a small but vital Social Justice action anyone can do to support the success of these individuals who deserve a second chance at life. Contact Peg Gifford, Ken Basye, Susan Crossley or Linda Rich – we need more volunteers. It’s the 1st Monday of the month. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    Music Director Rachel Wagner directs the choir in the Choral Meditation “Hymn to the Russian Earth” during the service on April 24, 2022. Rachel wrote the drone, “мир,” to go with the Hymn. It is the Russian word for peace and is pronounced “meer.” (Photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    Music Director Rachel Wagner wears a dress apropos to her calling on Sunday, April 17, 2022. The dress was a Christmas gift. (photo by Robin Mitzcavitch)

    Photo of the Week #4

    These photos from our UUCW archives take us back to circa 2006 when this group of youngsters posed with Kris Johnson, Staff Nursery Teacher. They are, from left, Josh, Conrad, Alanna and Charlie. Then, circa 2017-2018, out of sentimentality, the same young people reenacted the original photo. (2006 photo by Betty Jenewin; later photo by Rachel Keyo)

    Photo of the Week #5

    This photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to Ferry Beach in 2012 and, from left, Dave Schowalter, Rob Yauckoes (First U), and Beckley Schowalter. (photo courtesy of Ruth Silver)

    Photo of the Week #6

    There are some unique items to be had at our June 11, 2022 Yard Sale, like this beautiful Rocking Horse! It takes only 1 minute to change from a rocking horse to a rolling horse. Soft fur, and you can push each ear for the sound of trotting or a horse’s neigh. Barely used; mainly for photos. No smoking or pets in home. Almost new condition; there are some easily covered, minor scratches on the wheels. New: $199-$379 / Yard Sale price: $100. See you on June 11th!
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  • Photos of the Week for April 19, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Eve Stutsman and Desmond look at the Easter Bunny on April 17, 2022. Sources say that Jenny DelGizzi is inside this costume. (Robin Mitzcavitch photo)

    Photo of the Week #2

    In this collage of photos from Easter, April 17, 2022 are, clockwise from upper left, Cici, Victor, Sam and Desmond. (Robin Mitzcavitch photo collage)

    Photo of the Week #3

    Clockwise from left, KC, Lindsey, Lois, Fidelma and Eva write postcards to voters in Georgia on April 10, 2022. (photo by Rev. Aaron Payson)

    Photo of the Week #4

    Are you looking to avoid using fossil fuels and cooking with the free energy of the sun? Check out this Solavore Solar Oven at our June 11, 2022 Yard Sale. It’s priced to sell!

    Photo of the Week #5

    This photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to June 10, 2007 when, from left, Helen and Maia led the procession at the end of the service carrying goats from the Heifer Project. Behind them are Miya, left, and Katie. The occasion was a 4-week Religious Education intersession on the Heifer Project. RE held a variety of fundraisers for Heifer, and raised $2,837.45. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #6

    This photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to early in Deb Selkow’s career as Religious Education Director. Deb, right, had just presented Deb Bonneau with flowers on RE Sunday to honor her work with the Youth Choir. Deb Bonneau directed the Youth Choir in musicals that they presented on RE Sundays. Some of the musicals were “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Fabulous Fable Factory”, “The Universe and Other Stuff,” “Free to Be Me,” “The Castaways,” “How To Eat Like A Child” and “Charlotte’s Web.” (photo by Judy Savage)
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  • Photos of the Week for April 12, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Music Director Rachel Wagner leads the congregation in “Now Let Us Sing,” the Closing Hymn on April 10, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    Jim, a guest at the Thursday Cafe sponsored by Worcester Fellowship, tells his story as part of the 50/50 collection during the service on April 10, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    Joan McGinn presents the monthly 8th Principle Moment during the service on April 10, 2022. These moments demonstrate how structural and personal racism are embedded in our society. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    Garden-On Team member Betty Jenewin plants some pansies in one of the pots next to the church entrance on April 9, 2022. Leo DaSilva then added some greens and pussy willows to create a beautiful arrangement. Check it out next time you’re walking into church! (photo by Leo DaSilva)

    Photo of the Week #5

    Get Out The Vote volunteers, from left, Janet Stone, Beth Posner-Waldron and Susan Crossley met in Fellowship Hall on April 6, 2022 to write postcards to Black voters in Georgia. The Georgia primary is on May 24th and the cards are to encourage people to vote early. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #6

    This photo from our archives takes us back to Ferry Beach in 1998 and Jen Innis, left, and her brother Tom. Jen went on to become a UU minister, and served as our Guest Minister several times over the years. The Rev. Jennifer Innis is currently the Minister with the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria, IL and the Director of Spirit Play. (photo by Judy Savage)

    Photo of the Week #7

    This photo from our archives takes us back to June 11, 2016 when Sandra Ansaldi, left, and Ana Gregory posed with their wares in the Toy Room before the start of the Yard Sale. Our Yard Sale this year will be June 11, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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  • Photos of the Week for April 5, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Mandisa L. Thomas presents “Changing the Narrative: Pioneering Black Voices in History, Humanism, and Justice,” the 2022 Dr. Irving & Annabel Wolfson Memorial Lecture, during the service on April 3, 2022. Earlier in the service Ms. Thomas was presented the 2022 Wolfson Award by the Rev. Aaron Payson. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    Helen Wolfson, left, delivers the Wolfson Family Remarks over Zoom during the 2022 Wolfson Memorial Lecture service on April 3, 2022.  At right is Helen’s husband Eric Thomas.

    Photo of the Week #3

    In this photo from the UUCW archives, long-time church members Bruce and Mary Plummer are presented with going-away gifts from the Rev. Aaron Payson during the service on Sept. 25, 2016. The Plummers were relocating to Florida after having been members of the church for 30 years. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    This photo takes us back to circa 1988 when the Rev. David Miller took the church youth on what we believe was the Chipuxet River in Rhode Island. Tom Pierce was on the trip also, and some of the youth were Katie Pierce, Chelsea Thompson and possibly Melissa Hench, Erica Lilja and Kate Singleton. Jen Innis paddled bow in a canoe with Rev. Miller. (photo courtesy of Tom Pierce)

    The following photos were taken this past Sunday when we were visited by our friends from Rise Above. They used our Fellowship Hall and parking lot to assemble care packages for the college students in their program. The captions are testimonials from a few of the students they have helped.

    Photo of the Week #5

    “I just want to thank Rise Above for every care package that was sent out. You truly are a blessing. These care packages are amazing and I am beyond thankful for your support. It has been a rough semester for me. I really needed this.” -Daishawn, nursing student, UMass Dartmouth

    Photo of the Week #6

    “I have just received my package and it put a HUGE smile on my face! Thank you all so much. ❤️ I appreciate it so much.” – Aria, Health Services Management, UNC Charlotte

    Photo of the Week #7

    “THANK YOU so much for the Rise Above mystery box . I call that because every year I am just blown away with what you guy’s send me . I am grateful for the things you send and they are very helpful. It is the highlight of my day when my package comes.” -Davonda, radiology student, Bristol Community College
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  • Photos of the Week for March 29, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    KC performs an original dance that he choreographed to Andrew Garfield’s “Louder Than Words” during the Reflection portion of the service on March 27, 2022. It was Youth Group Sunday and the service was designed and presented by our youth. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    The Youth Group and alumni stand with Religious Exploration Director Robin Mitzcavitch at the conclusion of the service on March 27, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    Clockwise from top left, Lois, KC, Charlie and Eva, and, center, Fidelma delivered their personal Reflections during the Youth Group service on March 27, 2022. Their theme was “What Comes Next?” (photos by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    Stewardship Team member Dave Schowalter affixes a garden segment to the wall in the Sanctuary on March 27, 2022. Each segment represents $10,000 in pledges. As of this morning, $128,000 had been pledged towards our $225,000 goal. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #5

    UUCW’s Women’s Social Circle met at the NU Kitchen on Saturday morning, March 26, 2022. What a great group!

    Photo of the Week #6

    This photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to August 24, 2014 and “A Summer Art Service.” Here, scientist/writer/teacher Loree Griffin Burns talks about her latest book, “Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect And The People Who Track It.” Fun fact: Loree has written 8 books and has had essays published in major magazines. https://loreeburns.com/books/ (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #7

    This photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to December 17, 2017 when, from left, Dave Firmin, Nancy Hancock and Carole Carmichael prepared the Vespers Tea, which followed the annual Vespers Service. (photo by Bart Hill)
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  • Photos of the Week for March 22, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Food Pantry volunteer Linda Morse carries tomatoes from the Worcester Regional Food Hub truck on the morning of March 18, 2022 as Worcester Food Hub Sales and Operations Manager Sarah Bonner climbs down from the truck. Fruits and vegetables are delivered to the church the day before Food Pantry distribution. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    The Bell Choir made its’ debut on March 20, 2022 under the direction of Rachel Wagner, with the Choral Introit “Dona Nobis.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    David Bonneau, Baritone, sings the Musical Mediation “Flying Free” during the service on March 20, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to a Religious Education class visit to the Heifer Project in Rutland in 2007. From left are Ryan, Katie (with back to camera), Susan Chase, Julie and Alison. (photo by Pete Lanyon)

    Photo of the Week #5

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the Yard Sale on June 11, 2016 when Jane Ohman and Beth Posner-Waldron posed in front of the plant table. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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  • Photos of the Week for March 15, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Rachel Keyo delivers an 8th Principle Moment during the service on March 13, 2022. These are congregants’ experiences of racism or unconscious bias from the receiving or giving perspective, with the intention of raising awareness of systemic racism. Rachel read Tom Pierce’s story. (all photos by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    The Rev. Aaron Payson explains the “The Wall of Memory and Hope” he put up in the sanctuary on March 13, 2022. Anyone who comes into the church is invited to post something about their experiences during the pandemic.

    Photo of the Week #3

    Nicole M. Bell, founder and CEO of Living in Freedom Together (LIFT), spoke on behalf of her organization for the 50/50 collection during the service on March 13, 2022. LIFT is a nonprofit organization in Worcester committed to ending the sex trade.

    Photo of the Week #4

    Choir members, from left, Kim McCoy, Dave Bonneau, Moira Rouse, Rev. Cheryl Leshay, Sammi, Vicki Cox-Lanyon and Ken Basye sing the Choral Introit, “Sacred Circle” during the March 13, 2022 service.

    Photo of the Week #5

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to Sept. 30, 2012 when, from left, Susan Crossley’s sisters Matie and Kathe participated in Soup Sunday with Morgaine, Kristen Payson and Charlie dishing up the goods.

    Photo of the Week #6

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to Gourmet Dinner on March 28, 2015 when Andy Hegedus ebulliently posed for the camera.
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  • Photos of the Week for March 8, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Community! Members of the Choir and the Garden-On Team take to the chancel to join with the Rev. Aaron Payson and the Stewardship Team to sing “The Garden Song Revisited” during the “Planting for the Future” service on March 6, 2022. “Pledge by pledge, call by call, Soon we’ll hear from you all….” (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    Pianist Deb Bonneau plays “The Ukrainian National Anthem” for the Offertory during the service on March 6, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    Attendees pose for a group photo before having Lunch With The Minister on March 2, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    Author and educator Wendy O’Leary, left, signs a copy of her latest book, “The Monster Parade” for Jessie Trowbridge after the service on March 6, 2022. Wendy also had copies of her first book, “Breathing Makes It Better.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #5

    Good news! A new energy-efficient furnace has been installed and the sanctuary is now warm! Because of this, in person services resumed on March 6, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #6

    UUCW folks attended the raising of the Ukrainian Flag and Prayer Vigil in front of Worcester City Hall on March 1, 2022. They are, front row from left, Beth Posner-Waldron and Susan Crossley. Back row from left are Vickie Cox-Lanyon, Robin Mitzcavitch, Fidelma, the Rev. Cheryl Leshay and Evan Wilson. (photo by Rev. Aaron Payson)

    Photo of the Week #7

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the fall of 2002 when children in the Religious Education program posed with a replica of the Ark of the Covenant. They are, from left, Drew, Jim, Alison, Audrey, Susan and Ryan. (photo by Pete Lanyon)

    Photo of the Week #8

    This undated photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to a church dance with, from left, Wendy Peskin, Liz Rotti, Mary Bastian and Ellen Laverdure. (photo by Judy Savage)
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