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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

How To Contact Us With All your News Articles

First Universalist Church                     

31 North Main St 

Orange, MA 01364                                                           

 

Spring’s Message

     Well, Spring is finally here.  It is a fast moving season.  As I drive along Rt. 2 there are still masses of ice on the faces of the rock in the road cuts, but the crocus are in full bloom and along foundations, at least, the daffodils are in bloom.  The trees are budded and will soon be leafing out.  Birds are returning.  I am always impressed by the colony of Great Blue Heron that nest along rt. 2.  They return to their nests several weeks before the ice goes out, confident that Spring really is on its way and that the frogs and tadpoles on which they will feed their young will be there when the eggs hatch.

     Spring seems to be such a fast moving season.  Summer and Winter seem to come and stay; once they are here, there is not much change.  Even Fall seems to move at an easy pace.  Not so Spring.  One day there is snow, the next day flowers.

     Spring is a season with so much energy!  Perhaps it is because Winter is a season of rest, so Spring is all rested up and ready to go.

     What about you and me?  Are we all rested up and ready and ready to spring into action?  Are we confident enough in the future to lay our eggs in the midst of icy ponds with the certainty that things will warm up and that there will be plenty to keep us going in the weeks to come?

     Spring’s message is one of trust in the future.  It is one of energy and working toward that future.

     We have had a difficult few months with the deaths of people we care about, with injuries that are serious.  We need to mourn those losses. 

     But we need to look forward, too.  We have had several people join the Church and more who may soon.  Oh, they are not “replacements” for those we have lost, but they give us hope for the future!

Universalists Host Community Lenten Supper and Service

     On Thursday, April 6^th we hosted one of the community Lenten services sponsored by the Orange Clergy Association.  A simple supper of bread and soup was provided.  About 35 people attended the supper and then went upstairs for a short worship service.  The sermon was by Julia Daley, pastor of the Methodist Church.  Her topic was Justice and Mercy on Trial and she urged each of us to be on the side of justice and mercy whenever they are challenged, whether by religious, social or political leaders.

    This is the last of the Lenten series, Ralph preached at Mission Covenant Church last month.

     There will be a Good Friday Ecumenical Service at St. Mary’s next Friday, April 14th at 7:00 PM.  For anyone wishing to sing in the choir, a rehearsal will be held on Monday , April 10th, at 7:30 at St Mary’s.

Church Board Meeting

     The Church Board will hold its regular meeting at the church at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 20th..  All are welcome to attend.

The UU Covenant

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

 

¨ The inherent worth and dignity of every person.

¨ Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.

¨ Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.

¨ A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

¨ The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.

¨ The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.

¨ Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.

¨ part.

Upcoming Sermons

Sermons for the end of March and for April are listed below:

March 5th   Guest At Your Table (Rice

                       Flanders)

March 12^th  Ralph in Mendon

March 19^th  If I Should Die Before I Wake

March 26^th  It’s Good for Business

April  2^nd      Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

April 9^th      Winds of Change (Andy Pakula)

April 16^th      (Easter)  Not an Easy Thing

April 23^rd      Do We Really Need to Get Old?

April 30^th      Keep On Keepin’ On.

Food-a-Thon

     Girl Scout Troop 218J is collecting non-perishable food items for the April 11th food-a-thon.  Disposable diapers and toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo) are also welcome.

     So far we have collected nearly 300 items!!  We still have until Tuesday.