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Text Box: Just Passing Through A few weeks ago I went to visit the "Mother Ship" in Boston to talk with David Petee, the UUA's Ministerial Credentialing Director.  We discussed my progress on the road to ordained ministry and he was quite helpful. Among the things we discussed was the process itself and how our association's method of ministerial formation can be likened to throwing a child in the deep end of the pool to teach him to swim.  One is expected to make one's own way.  I compared this to other faith traditions that have a more welcoming and affirming process. Our formation process may be traced to our independent New England roots which idealize fierce self reliance.  This ideal has recently been memorialized by the funding of the Ralph Waldo Emerson Unitarian Universalist Association Professorship of Divinity at Harvard.  Curiously, Emerson worked in parish ministry for five years and then left over a theological argument with his congregation, never to serve another again. One wonders if this is to be the model for UU ministers:  to give up in disgust and disengage from those with whom we disagree.  We UUs can be justly proud of our fierce independence, but when that independence

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Text Box: MLK DAY 2007        The 2007 MLK celebration was an astounding affair despite poor weather conditions.  Over 100 people representing at least 5 area churches and 4 different faith traditions came together to provide community service and to engage in dialogue at the Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church .        The day began with a moving address by Rick Kwiatowski, Town Administrator, who has been impressed by the spirit of volunteer efforts in this community.        Sen. Stephen Brewer disclosed that he had passed up an invitation in Boston in order to attend our event.  He encouraged all of us and especially the youth to remember that Martin Luther King challenged us to strive to make the world a better place.        Community service was provided in the form of visits at Applewood Rest Home, bowling games at Quabbin Valley

Text Box: Healthcare, cleaning and sorting at the Community Clothing Center, painting furniture at our church, knitting caps for newborns and cancer patients, and making Linus blankets.        A delicious lunch was served up by our own Lisa Mosher with the help of daughter Hillary and that of Mary Lunney of the Bethany.        The afternoon workshops consisted of “An International Conversation:” in which several area exchange students shared their experience of life in the US as compared to life in their own countries; Pat Larson and Rebecca Bialecki led a discussion between generations on perceptions of community and how to contribute to the betterment of all and Jane Manring held a Birthday party for Dr. King with the younger children, reading a story about his life and frosting cupcakes.        The day ended in a celebration with the amazing Bamidele dancers who shared drumming and dance from West Africa.  We danced, drummed and read some words from Dr. King,. and  Diane Lincoln inspired us with her music. I am grateful to members of the planning committee who shared the vision, and gave of their time and resources to make this day possible.                    Bonnie Frank Hume             

Text Box: becomes disengagement and disconnection, we are not true to our covenant which calls us to affirm and promote "world community."  As 16th century Transylvanian Unitarian Francis David said, “You need not think alike to love alike.” -                  Glenn  

Text Box: HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!