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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

IT MAKES ME SEE GREEN!!!

     I wish there were some single simple thing that someone (else) could do that would solve the critical environmental problem on this earth.  There is not.  Unfortunately it is up to us and the things we can and must do are many and often seem as though they are not enough.

     Around this Church there is a lot of paper used and too often it is just thrown out as trash.  Let’s try to recycle.  The office is probably the largest source and we are placing a recycle container there, but let’s collect the orders of service following the service and recycle them, let’s make sure that bottles and cans that we use for coffee hour are recycled.

     Our Church can be “greener” than it is.  Let’s make all of the events held in our buildings as “green” as they can be.  It only takes a minute to properly dispose of recyclable items.  I hope each of us will take that minute, both here and at home.  Together we can make a difference.

 

NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE!!

            

             Politics is a messy business.  All the negative campaigning makes us want to just turn off—to not even pay attention and when that day in November comes, just sit home.  Just take that extra few minutes and relax.

             You’ve heard about separation of Church and State.  Doesn’t that mean that the Church should be silent about voting and such?  Well, it does mean that the minister should not tell you who to vote for or what issues to support or oppose, but it doesn’t mean that voting is not part of your “religious” responsibility. 

             All religions should care about making the world a better, a safer, a more just place and voting contributes to that.

             As UUs it goes farther.  We say that we affirm and promote the  democratic process.  That means that we pledge to be informed—to make democracy work.  Do you know where candidates stand on important issues?  Do you know what their experience is?  You cannot vote effectively unless you do, but it is not just that you should be informed so that you can vote responsibly.

             We have the ability and opportunity to be leaders.  You and I should be able to talk with our neighbors and friends intelligently about candidates and issues.  You and I should be working to help people to prepare to vote responsibly and then we should be working to make sure that they do vote.  That also means that WE must take the lead.  The percentage of Unitarian Universalists in our congregation that vote should be 100%!

             Vote in November, but prepare now.  Read the papers, listen to debates, ask questions, write letters to the editor, think.  PREPARE!! You and I can make a difference and what is more we MUST.

Holiday Fair Happenings

         Thank you everyone for helping to deliver our letters of appeal for donations for the Holiday Fair.  We have had several very generous donations, gift certificates and items for the Silent Auction and Canter Tables so far.  We are hoping to have all donations in by the first of November to plans for both the Silent Auction and Center Tables.

       Anyone interested in working on the fair who has not been contacted yet:  please let us know who you are and where you would like to work!

       Raffle tickets will be available soon for a nontraditional quilt by Robin Goodwin, a traditional quilt by Pam Rossi and a painting by artist Ruie Hall.  Your help selling tickets is much appreciated.

       Gift baskets for the Silent Auction were a big hit last year.  If you would like to donate a basket of items, or some items to go in a basket, you can choose an idea for a theme from a list posted at church.  Of course, you’re always welcome to come up with creative ideas of your own!

       Donations toward the Center Table, and to the food and dry goods baskets will be accepted at the Church.  If you need to arrange for these items to be picked up, please call Pam Rand.

 

How To Contact Us With All your News Articles

First Universalist Church                     

31 North Main St 

Orange, MA 01364