April 9th – “Why Palm Sunday?” Rev. Marilyn Richards
What might a tree have to do with it? We will be considering the historical context of Palm Sunday, as a version of the Triumphal march in ancient Rome and the Roman pagan symbolism about trees. History expands our understanding of the holiday, and it’s relevance today.
April 16th – EASTER BASKET BLESSING & BRUNCH at 10:00 AM
Easter baskets in our Polish and Hungarian Unitarian traditions were meant to sustain life without candy. They were filled with substantial food, like a leg of lamb, a wheel of cheese, wine, condiments, anything needed for food security in the early spring, before edible food started to grow. These baskets were covered with heavily decorated cloths.
We have an all American potluck and worship service to honor this tradition. Everyone brings a dish that should be covered with a pretty cloth. The dishes are unveiled during the service.
April 23rd – Our Annual Earth Day Service by Kathy Richards
April 30th – Rev. Richards – “The Day Before May Day – Doing Our
May 7th — Steve Wills’ TED and Response program
EVENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
River Rat Parade Coffee Stand is This Saturday
on the church’s front lawn, we will be selling hot coffee and fresh donuts on Saturday, April 8, 2017. Donna will start preparations around 8:30 AM. The Parade starts at 9:30 AM, according to the website: BigCheese5K.com.
Mission Statement Meeting THIS SUNDAY
Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017 after church, we will discuss the Mission statement (See below) and any changes that were made over the winter break. After this meeting, the new mission statement is placed on the Annual Meeting’s agenda, to be voted on at the Annual meeting. The entire church needs to vote on the Mission Statement; before the process is completed.
Easter Basket Blessing & Brunch potluck — Sunday, April 16th at 10:00 AM. (see above)
From Kathy Richards: Please sign up for coffee hour on the calendar, located on the bulletin board in the coffee room. To cover Coffee hour, please bring some finger food. The coffee and tea are already at the church. Suggestions? Cheese, crackers, cookies, muffins, fruit that is easy to eat like grapes or Mandarin oranges, cakes, etc. Anything that you would like to see on Sunday morning. Only a few items are needed.
New England Region Annual Meeting
Friday, April 21 — Meet the Candidates for President of the UUA @ New England Region’s Annual Meeting in Woburn, MA.
This event is FREE and open to all church communities. Kathy and I are attending if you wish to join us.
Friday, April 21, 2017
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Woburn/Boston Hilton Hotel
2 Forbes Road
Woburn, MA 01801
* If you are returning to Athol after the UUA’s “Meet the Candidates for President of UUA” event, Kathy could use a ride home. Lisa will have Kathy’s car. 🙂
Board of Management Meeting is Sunday, April 23rd after church, at church. BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch)
PROPOSED NEW MISSION STATEMENT
First Church’s Proposed Mission Statement
Our next meeting is April 9, 2017 after church.
please consider the Proposed Mission statement below, and send any changes that you would like to Chris Coyle
Below is one more edit to consider
“We seek the truth in love and help one another, as a diverse spiritual community that is committed to compassion toward all living beings, social justice for all and the freedom to think, learn and grow.”
IN CLOSING
Spring Pools – by Robert Frost
These pools that, though in forests, still reflect
The total sky almost without defect,
And like the flowers beside them, chill and shiver,
Will like the flowers beside them soon be gone,
And yet not out by any brook or river,
But up by roots to bring dark foliage on.
The trees that have it in their pent-up buds
To darken nature and be summer woods –
Let them think twice before they use their powers
To blot out and drink up and sweep away
These flowery waters and these watery flowers
From snow that melted only yesterday.