• Photos of the Week for April 16, 2024

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    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.
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  • Photos of the Week for April 9, 2024

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    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.
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  • Photos of the Week for April 2, 2024

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    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.
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  • Photos of the Week for March 26, 2024

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    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.

    Photo of the Week #7

    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.
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  • Photos of the Week for March 19, 2024

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    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)

    Photo of the Week #5

    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)
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  • Photos of the Week for March 12, 2024

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    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.”

    Photo of the Week #4

    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.
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  • Photos of the Week for March 5, 2024

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    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.
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  • Photos of the Week for February 27, 2024

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    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.
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  • Photos of the Week for February 20, 2024

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    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)
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  • Photos of the Week for February 13, 2024

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    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)

    Photo of the Week #6

    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)
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