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Our Newsletter...
This section of our site is created as another communications tool
to our members and those wondering who we are.
The paper newsletter goes out the last friday of the month - if you are interested in receiving it in your email, please email the office at firstunivsalem_@_verizon.net (minus the underscores).
You may also download our lovely and illustrated PDF version - just right click and choose save as.
May 2008 Newsletter
TEXT VERSION of our Newsletter
First Universalist Society of Salem
May 2008
Rev. Marjorie Matty’s Installation
May 4, 2008 at 4 PM
Annual Meeting after Worship
May 18th, 2008
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2008 in the Sanctuary,
shortly after the Sunday Service.
During the meeting the Trustees of Permanent Funds will present a report on
our invested accounts. Greg Stevens of Cabot Management will also be
available to provide a summary of our accounts and to answer any questions
you may have about our investments. Chris Makary will provide a Treasurer's
Report for this fiscal year and will also present the proposed budget for
the upcoming fiscal year. Finally, the Nominating Committee will present
our Ballot for Trustees and Officers for the upcoming fiscal year.
Voting members are strongly encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. Our
bylaws require a quorum (20% of membership) for voting to take place.
Brenda Briana is organizing a potluck lunch to be served between services
and the Annual Meeting. Please let her know if you are able to contribute.
When you arrive for the Annual Meeting, please check in with the membership
team. Voting members will be seated together. Non-voting visitors and
friends are certainly welcome to join us and observe the Annual Meeting. We
will reserve a separate seating area for you. It is a great opportunity for
you to get to know more about our community.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Christine DiSaia
Chair, Board of Trustees.
The 2008 Annual Meeting Agenda is available within the May 2008 Newsletter PDF.
Annual Reports will be available starting May 4th.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Amazing that it is time to write the May newsletter already. what an
incredible eight months we have had. We have been on quite a journey
together at First Universalist and we have begun and accomplished some
amazing things. When we began the church year we really did not know one
another and have worked really hard, in my opinion, to be open, transparent
and to speak our truth in love to one another. It hasn't always been easy to
do this, but we have persevered through conflict and stepped forward even
when silence would have been preferred on all sides. It is so much easier
not to deal with conflict but trust me when I say that it weighs down the
soul. We are also learning how to listen to one another, which seems way
harder (is it just me?) than speaking our truth. The listening skills that
we are beginning to cultivate will help us to be mindful and present when
another is speaking. I encourage us all to be mindful of when we should
"step up" and speak or "step down" and wait to see if another voice will
carry the conversation forward. This is only one way that our UU youth are
schooling the adults by encouraging each other to step up or step down based
on a balance of voices in any given conversation. I have been asked by a
youth to "step down" and I have to say that initially I thought it was harsh
and hard to hear but in the long run it provided space for everyone to speak
within reason. I call us to be mindful of this as we will surely be provided
with both opportunities to listen and to speak in May and especially at the
annual meeting, which will be held on Sunday, May 18th directly after coffee
hour.
In the spirit of speaking our truth I have heard from a few of you how hard
this work of listening and speaking really is, exhausting at times. I have
to agree with you that it isn't easy to do this work of sharing what is on
our minds and being able to actually hear difficult things from one another.
It may make you feel as if you would like to run for the safety of quiet
dysfunction. I would like to share with you my friends that you have begun a
journey that there is no turning back from. I assure you that you are
engaging in behavior that will change your life for the better and help us
all to make a transition to a healthier way of being in community with one
another. The work isn't easy but it is absolutely worthwhile.
I have also heard from some of you that you are absolutely overwhelmed by
all the activity that has been going on at the church. I hear you!!! But
again let me share with you that this experience is like pushing a stalled
car uphill, it is not easy to get the darned thing rolling. But once we get
beyond the initial inertia and things begin to really move they will create
an energy all their own. As soon as we reach the gliding point, and we will,
we will realize that most of the difficult work is behind us, energizing and
moving us toward our goals and dreams.
In the meantime, as we struggle and push the car uphill, I would like to
encourage us all to be gentle and patient with one another as we rapidly
move towards the annual meeting and the end of our fiscal year. I would also
like to ask you to get in contact with our treasurer (Chris Makary) to make
sure that you have achieved your 2007 pledge goal, every penny counts as we
draw towards a fiscal close. Lastly, I would encourage you to learn a lesson
from our UU youth and engage in the practice of being bold enough to ask one
another to either "step up" or "step down," whatever the case may be. It isn't
easy to be asked to do either of these things, "step up" or "step down,"
trust me, but it is an incredible skill to develop in an environment of
democracy and I believe a skill that can be practiced in a positive way in a
healthy and growing congregation such as ours. There are many voices and
ideas to be shared in our community and I look forward to the opportunity to
see democracy and congregational polity in action at our annual meeting.
In Faith, Rev. Marjorie Matty
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The sun has finally arrived! Our bikes are out and ready for the summer. Gene has already biked John to day care a few times. Thanks again to Kara McGarigal for passing on Sophie’s bike stroller. John just loves it.
Our Strategic Planning Committee is hard at work. Last weekend we were visited by Barry Finkelstein, a UUA consultant, who conducted a strategic planning assessment. We had a wonderful dinner hosted by Nina Cohen on Friday night to kick off the assessment. Leaders and committees then held a series of meetings with Barry on Saturday. We capped off the weekend on Sunday with a potluck lunch and workshop after services on Sunday. The weekend was a great success. I look forward to receiving a written report from the assessment shortly and will share it with you. Thank you to everyone who participated. If you have any comments and/or feedback regarding the assessment weekend or the rest of the Strategic Planning process, please contact Mark Stevens or Bill Smith who are chairing that committee.
We have an exciting month coming up. By the time you receive this newsletter the Board will have hunkered down with Rev. Matty and our treasurer, Chris Makary to finalize the proposed budget for our next fiscal year. The budget will be presented at the Annual Meeting, debated and voted on. Speaking of the Annual Meeting - have you marked your calendar’s yet? Yes, the Annual Meeting will be held on May 18, 2008 shortly after services. Please plan on attending. Brenda Briana has agreed to organize a potluck lunch between services and the Annual Meeting. Please let her know what you are able to contribute. And remember - we always love recipes along with the contributions.
Finally - and most exciting - we are looking forward to the installation of our newly-settled minister, the Reverend Marjorie Matty on May 4, 2008 at 4:00 PM in the afternoon. I am thrilled to celebrate this new chapter in our congregation’s history. Childcare services will be provided for pre-schoolers, toddlers and babies. School-aged kids are welcome to join us in the Installation and in the reception to follow. I hope to celebrate with you all there.
In peace,Christine DiSaia
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
Jan Costa and I attended the Social Justice Workshop (presented by the Mass Bay District of the UUA) at the UU Church in Reading in early April. We both share an interest in becoming more informed about social justice issues and initiatives, and we are looking forward to helping the church become more involved in an organized way, as well as individually, in those issues. Many people in the congregation are already involved in some way in community outreach, and we would like to help expand those efforts.
The workshop was very well-run and informative. This was the last in a series of three and afterwards the organizer told us that this one had been the best by far. There were about 14 churches represented, probably about 50 participants in all, from Newburyport to Cambridge, and most of them had at least a Social Justice or Social Action committee. Some of them had large and active committees. We may have been the only church without any formal organization, although certainly we are doing some social justice work, with the Pantry, the Mission, the Walk for HAWC and the Gay Pride parade plans.
We received some informative handouts from the presenters, which we can share with you. There were several speakers who spoke in general ways about race as an issue and grassroots organizing, and then told specific stories, and solicited stories from the group. It was a bit overwhelming in some ways; we both felt it. But at the end of the event, and in speaking with the presenters afterwards, we came to two conclusions.
The first conclusion, which Jan Costa really expressed to me before it was confirmed by the "professionals," was that the best way for us to start is to plug into already existing movements and initiatives. We have several web sources for what others are doing in the area. That way, we can start off small. We can make the opportunities known to the congregation, and if one or two or three or four people want to participate, that's fine. That way we don't overwhelm the congregation, or make you feel like you have to wear yet another hat with its attendant responsibilities in order to participate in social justice initiatives.
The second conclusion was that it's a good idea to choose one thing to start with. One of the presenters (Agnes Buchanan's cousin, actually) told us that many congregations, even those with large and active Social Justice committees, will choose one thing to concentrate on for a two-year period. Many congregations across the country are concentrating on global warming right now. I think it's no accident that it feels like momentum is building for this cause.
Jan and I have proclaimed ourselves the nucleus of our newly resurrected Social Justice Committee, and we will be taking a look at some of the web sites and sharing information with you going forward. Please let one of us know if you would like to join us.
Jan Brick, Trustee
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
Coffee and Conversation is coming back next month! Coffee and Conversation is a chance to get to know better a fellow member or friend of First Universalist.
To participate, fill out a slip of paper with your name and way(s) to reach you and drop it into the coffee pot that will be in the Anna Hill Room after Sunday services.
On May 11, we’ll match you up with someone else from the church who put their slip in and you two can take it from there. Schedule a time to meet and talk about whatever you want: the Red Sox, books, your pets, even the weather! You don’t have to meet for coffee, it can be for tea, or a smoothie or ice cream. All we ask is that you follow through.
If you have further questions, contact either Tracy Keller or Sarah Smith.
RUMMAGE SALE THANK YOU
We’re pleased to announce that the church Rummage Sale, held April 11 and 12, was a big success. We earned over $1,570 for First Universalist!
Many thanks to the following members and friends who helped set up, staffed the sale and helped take down the unsold merchandise: Carlos Huaman, Mary Radziewicz, Lori Scanlon, Sally Millice, Ann Wickberg, Ned Wickberg, Julie Pottier-Brown, Michelle Rust, Brietta Harrington, Anthony Costa, Kathleen Riley, Brenda and Rick Briana, Bill Smith, Chris Weis and Rev. Marjorie Matty.
Many thanks too to those of you who donated items and shopped.
With many thanks and much gratitude,
Jan Costa and Tracy Keller
WELCOME NEW MEMBER: DONNA DAY
Donna Day lives in Gloucester with her fiancé Joseph Tabbi and their children Heather and Michael, both in high school. She works in admissions at a retirement and nursing facility near her home.
About nine years ago, Donna got involved in Salem’s Pagan Resource Group providing public information about pagans. Introduced to our church by Margot Killoran and David Southwick, Donna began participating in the quarterly pagan rituals at our church. She was drawn to our church by Rev. Matty’s openness and desire to expand our understanding of earth-centered traditions. This year, Donna has offered Pagan 101 classes on the second and fourth Saturday evenings at church, providing an introduction to paganism to anyone interested. (for more information: www.newenglandwitchesalliance.org) She also offers classes online.
In addition to their children at home, Joseph and Donna are new grandparents to Kaileb, son of daughter Kaitlyn. Another daughter Sarah is away at school. Their family includes ferrets and cats as well.
Donna is excited to be a member of our church and hopes we can grow by reaching out to our community. She believes the universal themes of love and compassion and welcoming messages in our services will attract people seeking an open and friendly spiritual home. Donna’s warmth and enthusiasm and sunny smile make her a welcome addition to our church.
POTLUCK AND MOVIE NIGHT
Last month, 21 people enjoyed our potluck and game night. On Saturday, May 10 at 5:30 PM, join us for potluck and a movie. We'll view "Peaceful Warrior" an inspiring journey of an athlete's recovery from serious injuries and his spiritual awakening. A discussion will follow.
All are welcome. Please sign up in the Anna Hill Room. Questions may be directed to Ann Wickberg.
MEMBERSHIP SUNDAY
On Sunday, June 1, we will acknowledge new members and celebrate all those who have volunteered this year. Please plan to join us for this special service.
AWARENESS OF NEWCOMERS
We have a growing number of visitors at services on Sundays. All of us can help by making sure we introduce ourselves to them. While at coffee hour, please greet a newcomer and get to know them better. Introduce them to others and invite them back. It’s a team effort to make our church a warm and welcoming place.
PLEDGE UPDATE
We close the fiscal year at the church May 31. Is your pledge paid in full? If you do not know what you owe, please call Rosa in the church office. We encourage all members to honor their financial commitment to First Universalist by paying their pledge in full. Thank you!
~Sally Millice
PANCAKE BREAKFAST - Sunday, June 15th
Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 15th to start your morning off with pancakes for breakfast before the Sunday Worship Service (in lieu of Coffee Hour following). All are invited to attend; bring along neighbors and friends.
We are looking for donations of Pancake Mix Milk, Strawberries, Syrup, Oil, Blueberries, Butter,
Bacon, Pineapple, Orange Juice, Eggs and Chocolate Chips
If you would like to donate, please contact Brenda Briana or put your name on the sign-up sheet you’ll find in the Coffee Hour room.
Watch next month’s Newsletter for further details on the Breakfast.
ECO TIP OF THE MONTH
From Rebecca Green
To follow on from last months tip about tire pressures here are a few quick, really easy points to help you save fuel and hence money and the environment at the same time:
1) Clear unused items out of your car. One hundred pounds of “stuff” can decrease your cars fuel economy by 1-2%.
2) If you have a removable roof rack, take it off if you are not actively using it as it can add drag which decreases your cars fuel efficiency.
3) It is estimate that about 17.2% of the energy from your car is wasted idling. Turn off your engine if you are going to be idling for more then 1 minute.
www.fueleconomy.gov
SALEM MISSION
On the second Wednesday of each month, our church joins the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead and First Church in Salem in preparing and serving dinner for the Salem Mission ( 56 Margin Street ). It’s simple – you just show up at the mission between 4:30-5:00 to help with preparing and serving the dinner until just before 7:00PM. There's no worries because there's always someone else in charge who knows (or at least seems to know) what needs to be done and best of all -- there is NO cleanup!
We only need about 2-3 volunteers each month. So, if you are interested in helping out or just want a little more information, please contact Chris Weis. You can also sign up for a month on the volunteer board in the Anna Hill room. Don't worry about forgetting, you'll be contacted a few days before to ensure that you can make it.
Thank you,
Chris Weis
PAGAN 101 CLASS
Merry meet everyone!
I can't believe that it has been 6 months since we started offering the Pagan 101 classes to the Salem community and the North Shore community at large.
We have had a fluctuation of students come on Saturday evenings, each bringing with them a unique richness of history. As of right now, our class attendance has been a consistent five with the occasional student who stops by for a "spell".
It has been a wonderful experience thus far, having brought to life an online educational site that has been thriving now for about 5 yrs. I have been enjoying the opportunity to work face to face with these individuals and look forward to many more classes with them!
To date we have learned about various sabbats as they have presented themselves- even inviting students to be part of the Yule ritual this past December.
Students have learned briefly about history and have written about an era in history that had the most impact on their desire to learn the path they have currently chosen. They have participated in energetic conversations about various terms such as truth, moral, karma and most recently sacred. Each of them learning that there is indeed more than meets the eye to these simple words.
There are other experiences too numerous to mention that have helped to form the tight knit class they have become but this gives you some idea of the wonderful energies that pass through the Anna Hill room on these nights.
We have also been fortunate enough to welcome a talented Tarot Card creator who came in twice in the last couple of months to discuss various ways of being able to use their tarot cards to do more than simple spreads and even gave a few free readings while she was here and in that way offered her personal talents as a reader.
We have asked her to consider returning in the near future to teach how to create personalized Tarot cards and a date will soon be scheduled.
Because of all of these wonderful experiences that have been shared in the last several months, I have been considering whether it would be of benefit to the UU church to offer another round of new beginners classes starting in the fall. So if anyone has an interest in attending a Pagan 101 class starting early next fall (after the return of church schedule) please notify me so that I may put your information together and notify you of the plans as they are made.
For those who have been a part of the current class, it is my hope that we will be able to continue learning more in the upcoming months and look at an "elevation" of education on a more experienced level.
Thank you for welcoming me into your community and allowing me to teach those who have shown an interest about the path and history of Paganism and the Craft in a more laid back and enjoyable environment!
Blessings
Donna Day
SERVE IS IN SALEM !
The Salem Pantry is starting a chapter of SERVE New England.
SERVE is a Food Cooperative where you can buy pre-set food packages at up to 40% cheaper than grocery stores. The only requirement is 2 hours of community service a month.
SERVE will be operating out of St. Peter's Church at 24 St. Peter’s Street from 11AM to 12:30PM.
Food delivery is made on the third or fourth Saturday of each month and orders for the next month must be made then and paid for in advance. Orders are payable by cash or check.
The first opportunity to place an order will be Saturday April 19th.
For additional information please contact: St. Peter's Church (978) 745-2291, First Universalist Church of Salem (978) 744-3224, or Jami Weisenberger (978) 740-8868.
ww.servenewengland.org
Thank you,
Rebecca Greene
~THE END OF THE MAY 2008 FUSS NEWSLETTER~
News
New Minister spells a new beginning for church
Friday, September 7, 2007 in the Salem News
"It is just alive with energy right now. We want to invite as many people as we can, honoring who they are, to come and join the community."
-The Rev. Marjorie Matty
SALEM - The First Universal-ist Church in Salem begins a new church year on Sunday with a new minister.
The Rev. Marjorie Matty, a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, is not only new to Salem, but starting her first assignment as a minister.
"Salem just spoke to me," she said. "It was the only church I really applied to."
She will preach this weekend at "Rally Sunday," a 10:45 a.m. service that is the official kickoff to the church year. It is an important start for the 1808 Bridge St. church, which has struggled in recent years as membership dropped to under 100 families.
"It is just alive with energy right now," Matty said. "We want to invite as many people as we can, honoring who they are, to come and join the community."
Matty, who grew up outside Syracuse, N.Y., did not follow the usual well-worn path to the ministry.
"I went to architectural school," she said of her years at the Boston Architectural Center.
For about 10 years, she traveled the world as a product manager for a company that sold architectural software. One of her customers was the Walt Disney Company.
"They used a lot of our software," she said, to build the Animal Kingdom theme park at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
In her business travels, Matty met a lot of people, sometimes visiting their homes or attending religious services with them.
"I've been to Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, mosques and cathedrals all over the world," she said. "That experience alone was transformational."
Matty, who was raised as a Catholic, was successful in business but wanted more spiritually.
"I was sitting on a ledge - a metaphorical ledge - in southern England, and I just thought: How am I going to make meaning for myself and my life?" she said. "I chose to come home and change my entire life."
That journey led her back to Boston and to Andover Newton, a nondenominational school of theology.
There are connections, she says, between her love of architecture, which she called "the spirit of space," and the calling she answered a few years ago. It is thst spirit, she said, a need to feed that spirit, that has led her to this little church trying to get back on its feet.
"We are ready to begin again," she said of the 199-year-old church. "It is very exciting."
Newsletter Archive:
You may also download our lovely and illustrated PDF version - just right click and choose save as.
-July/August Newsletter with Calendar
-September 2007 Newsletter (391K)
-October 2007 Newsletter
-November 2007 Newsletter
-December 2007 Newsletter
-January 2008 Newsletter
-February 2008 Newsletter
-March 2008 Newsletter
April 2008 Newsletter
Older newsletters available upon request
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