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office@orangeuu.org

(978) 544-6501

The CHURCH MOUSE

The Newsletter of First Universalist Church,  31 North Main St., Orange MA 01364

A member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association

                                           Rev. Ralph Clarke, Minister   (978) 266-0125 or cell phone at (978) 808-3770

                                                             Rev. Vance E. Frank, Minister Emeritus

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First Universalist Church                     

31 North Main St 

Orange, MA 01364                                                           

 

Let’s Plan Together!

     In an ideal world about a year ago you and I would have begun a discussion about what was going to happen this Church year.  Few of us like change and it is made worse when we don’t know about it in advance.  Still this is not an ideal world.  Things change unexpectedly and we need to adapt.

     Working half time for the past several years since my heart attack, rather than nearly half time organ building and half time at the church, has been a wonderful luxury.  This has allowed me to spend time with my mother and have flexibility in my schedule.  I have, however, been thinking for several years that I needed to find additional income.  Expenses, particularly health and insurance costs, have been rising rapidly (this year my health insurance and out of pocket medical and dental costs will be over $12,000 up from $2,500 in 2000!)

     With my mother’s death this last summer, I was left little choice.  Sharing living accommodations with her made living on my compensation possible, living alone, it was not.  Also I was concerned about what to do with that extra time that I would have.  I quickly explored several options including real estate and auto sales, teaching and several other “part time” positions none of which were particularly attractive and all of which would have made the flexibility of time for ministry difficult.  The other obvious option was to take on an additional ministry position which, fortunately, was available.  Mendon Uxbridge was looking for ministry and was willing to be flexible in what was provided.  By using students I was able to provide a ministry package that would

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration a Great Success!!

     This year’s celebration of Martin Luther King Day included more than 120 people.  Again people went into the community visiting people in area Nursing Homes.  We prepared packages of personal need items to be distributed in local homeless shelers and sent to hurricane victims.

     Again there was a lunch prepared by Lisa and workshops ending with a worship service.  I hope that many of you saw the fine coverage in local newspapers.

Upcoming Sermons

Sermons for the end of January and for February are listed below:

January 29  A Domestic Situation (Ralph)

February 5  . . . In Need   (Ralph)

February 12  Return of Guest at your table

           boxes.  Service led by Rice Flanders

February 19  How Can I Forgive That?

                                (Ralph)

February 25  Membership Sunday (Ralph)

Want To Discuss the War?

     Our country is involved in a war that is both misunderstood and controversial.  If you would like to discuss and listen to both sides of the discussion, lets meet in the Church Parlor on Thursday, February 2 at 7:00.  Please bring facts to share and a willingness to listen to the other side.

     This is an emotional issue, but we as a community can and must disagree about issues while respecting each other and the right of each person to hold differing opinions. 

Roof Repaired

     The roof over the Church Side entrance has been repaired and at least it appears that there is no leak!  This has been a problem for years that we hope has been permanently.  Repaired.  Thanks to all of you who contributed to this and to the repair of the underpinning of the Parlor This project should be completed within the next few weeks.

Winter Coats Still Needed

     We have received word that Hazel’s is still looking for winter coats.  Please feel free to drop serviceable coats off at Hazel’s or at the church

Congratulations

To Girl Scout Troop # 218, on their success in the 2006 annual cookie sale.  The girls sold over $800 in cookies in just a few weeks! 

  Unity Club

        The Unity Club will meet Thursday Evening, February 9th at Dena Kilhart’s house.  Pot Luck supper and games will be the focus of the evening.