THE MEETINGHOUSE NEWS
First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist
January 2016
Reflections from Our Interim Minister, Rev. Clyde Grubbs
We get by with a little help from our friends.
The weekend before Christmas a friend I know from the
Occupy Boston movement emailed telling me that the
Cambridge City council would be considering a resolution
to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. I
usually am aware of such efforts but this one slopped by
my consciousness. On Monday night I went and testified
in favor of this move, an initiative that is supported by
the Unitarian Universalist movement and an idea that
First Parish has discussed with interest in the past. Columbus was a genocidal slave trader
whose adventure in “discovery” was really a prelude to conquest. Celebrating indigenous people
can help society learn about sustainability, intergenerational relationship and deep respect for
the cycle of nature.
What impressed me was the range of other supporters; there were long time community
activists and young people from indigenous communities in South America. There were New
England Indians and union organizers, and then there were the representatives of Cambridge
redevelopment and other causes who came to the City Council to testify on their issues who lent
support. For me this evening was illustrative of an aspect of Unitarian Universalist social justice
work which we don’t often talk about. We work on justice issues with other people, well beyond
Unitarian Universalism, and in that work we magnify our voices.
What are we doing about
the issue of Syrian
refugees? Unitarian
Universalists are working
in broad coalitions and
writing letters, and by
joining with such a broad
array we make a much
larger impact than any
one congregation can
make on its own. Please
check in with the Social
Justice Council on their
efforts. The following is
an example of one of the
many coalitions that
Unitarian Universalists
work with; this example
relates to the rampant
Islamophobia in the
United States.
National Religious and Community Leaders Speak Out
against Anti-Muslim Rhetoric, in Defense of American
Religious Liberty
50 leaders from a host of religious denominations and
community organizations took a public stand against the
currently alarming level of anti-Muslim rhetoric and bigotry
in America. The signers of the open letter, which ran as an
advertisement in the Washington Post on December 21,
assert that anti-Muslim rhetoric is a threat to the
foundations of American democracy, and to the religious
freedom of all Americans.
https://medium.com/@S2SCampaign/national-religiousand-community-leaders-speak-out-against-anti-muslimrhetoric-in-defense-of-cf9afc9b9a41#.k8bxtzb6w
The Meetinghouse News
January 2016
Upcoming Worship Services
January 10
The Warriors Within
Is individualized violence a Constitutional
Right? Deconstructing the System of Mayhem by
asking what does it mean to say "people have the
right to bear arms."
Rev. Clyde Grubbs preaches.
January 17
We Hold These Truths To Be?
Looking at the meaning of rights, in the light of
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of beloved
community.
Rev. Clyde Grubbs preaches.
January 24
Standing on the Side of Love!
Looking at the Standing on the Side of Love
campaign.
Rev. Clyde Grubbs and
Rev. Michelle Walsh preach.
January 31
Mystery and More!
Sanctuary Boston is a community of vibrant
worship and connection that meets every first
Wednesday evening in the Barn Room. They are a
new community grounded in UUism and exploring
alternative worship and music. Rev. Elizabeth
Nguyen is a founding member of Sanctuary, as
well as a Community Minister with First Parish.
Make your Guest at Your Table gift today!
This year Guest at Your Table highlights the
empowerment of refugees and displaced
people, an issue as important today as it was
during UUSC's founding 75 years ago. Please
share your blessings to support our shared
mission.
Gifts of $125 or more are eligible to be
matched dollar for dollar.Please plan to
return your Guest at Your Table box, or a
check to the Unitarian Universalist Service
Committee, during worship on January 31.
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Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Associates, supported by
Circle of Care volunteers, help to provide
care to First Parish members and friends
during times of need by providing meals,
rides, and other help. Please contact the
January PAM, David Light, at:
pastoralcare@firstparishcambridge.org.
January Shared Offering
Congratulations Tuesday Meals!
Each year the Religious Education
Program focuses its justice work around
one organization, our Justice Partner. We
learn about the issues the group is
fighting to solve, hold a drive for needed
items, and make a visit or have a guest
speaker come to us. We sponsor them
through a Shared Offering and other
fundraisers, and we present about our
year’s work at RE Sunday in the spring.
In November our children voted for Tuesday
Meals as their Justice Partner for the year,
and we are excited to announce them as
the January Shared Offering recipient.
The mission of the Tuesday Meals
Program is to offer warm hospitality and
an evening meal in a safe, dignified
environment to anyone in need of
nourishment. Doors open for dinner every
Tuesday at 5:30pm!
“For the past three years I’ve been
sleeping outside even when there is snow
and ice. At Tuesday Meals, I know I can
get a good healthy meal.” -Mike
For more information about the program,
please visit http://www.tuesdaymeals.org/.
We’re excited to work closely with
Tuesday Meals this year – through this
month’s Shared Offering, and through the
many ways our children will engage. Look
for more from RE in the coming months as
the children cook with our own Pam
Cannon, learn about food insecurity in
Massachusetts, and Walk for Hunger this
May!
The Meetinghouse News
January 2016
3
Religious Education Corner by Mandy Neff
Happy New Year!
I’m so glad to be back and wanted to thank the whole community for your support and wellwishes for my family during this leave time. I am very grateful!
Right before I left, I attended the LREDA Fall Conference on Religious Education Without Walls.
Tim Atkins’ keynote speech was a highlight and he emphasized what he has done at the
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship. The parenting ideas from the Think Orange series had the
biggest impact on me. Atkins shared, “There are four times during an average parent’s day that
are great faith-building opportunities.”
In the morning, see your role as a Coach -building them up and inspiring them on their way out
the door. At drive time, see your role as a Friend – chatting about the day. At meal time, see
your role as a Teacher – having discussions about your family’s core values. And at bedtime, see
your role as a Counselor – help them deal with fears and go to sleep easily.
Even as an experienced Religious Educator and parent, these suggestions had a lot to remind
me. They were a helpful guide for dealing with my own family and guiding us through the
hubbub of sports schedules, homework, housework, and cooking a nutritious dinner that 5
people will all enjoy. I know many of you are facing the same thing!
While I was away I was able to spend some of my time focusing on our family’s routines. With a
teen and two middle schoolers in the house, routines have become incredibly important again –
but they’re not the ones we had for toddlers! With their changing sleep patterns, they’re not
bouncing into our room to wake us up – now, they need me to be a wake-up cheerleader in the
morning. We have safety limits that now involve technology and passwords, rather than holding
hands in the parking lot. And they have taken on new chores and new responsibilities, walking
the dog, vacuuming (if not willingly), and loading and unloading the dishwasher. James is fond
of saying,” I can’t believe I used to complain about putting away half of the clean silverware!!”
So in 2016, I encourage you to be inspired by Tim Atkins too. Think about the four times you
have a lot of contact and influence with your children. Which one is really stressful right now?
Which of these roles does your family need a little more of in the coming year? Pick one to try,
and give it a committed shot! Remember that a little bit of time and attention each day to your
family’s faith builds up to something amazing by the end of 365 days.
Blessings,
Mandy
You can view Tim Atkins’s Keynote at the following link. The Think Orange Family Time section
begins at 8:15.
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0LEVi50DI1WZYMARjcnnIlQ;_ylc=X1MDMTM1MTE5
NTY4NwRfcgMyBGZyA3locy1tb3ppbGxhLTAwMgRncHJpZAN0aDl0ZkhkQ1NUZTRhb3ZYQmlFVUFB
BG5fcnNsdAMwBG5fc3VnZwMyBG9yaWdpbgNzZWFyY2gueWFob28uY29tBHBvcwMwBHBxc3RyAw
RwcXN0cmwDBHFzdHJsAzEzBHF1ZXJ5A3RpbSBhdGtpbnMgdXUEdF9zdG1wAzE0NTIwODQzODI?p=tim+atkins+uu&fr2=sb-top-search&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-002
The Meetinghouse News
January 2016
4
Wanted: Your old wall calendars!
Those beautiful pictures of animals, landscapes and artwork can come in very handy in the
classroom, nursing facility, or the home... especially in under-resourced places short on wall
decorations, art supplies, picture books or teaching aids. The RE students have made a drop box
for your old or unwanted new calendars which will be in the parlor on Sundays in January.
We usually get more than we need, so please help yourself to any that you think you can use –
for your own children or home, or for a place where you teach or volunteer (check the list on the
box for some creative ideas). In past years, calendars have gone to NGOs and schools in El
Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Chile and Nepal, as well as the Margaret Fuller House, Sancta
Maria Nursing Home, two nearby centers for adults with disabilities, and several local schools.
Questions? Want calendars? Contact Mandy at dre@firstparishcambridge.org or Elke
at elkejahns@hotmail.com.
Black Lives Matter Banner at First Parish
In alignment with our mission, the First Parish Transformation Team and Social Justice Council
have asked Standing Committee for approval to display a Black Lives Matter banner above the
doors at our Mass Ave entrance. Before Standing Committee votes on this request in January
2016, we want to solicit feedback and input from the congregation.
" #BlackLivesMatter is a call to action and a response to the virulent anti-Black racism that
permeates our society" Approximately 60 UU congregations across the country are displaying
Black Lives Matter banners with more in discernment. This visibility campaign was organized in
February 2015 by the founders of Black Lives UU (please visit UUA: Black Lives Matter
for more information). A BLM banner at First Parish would be a part of our ongoing social justice
work and participation in the Black Lives Matter movement:
January 24, 2016 Black Lives Matter leaders presentation - Sponsored by Transformation
Team and Social Justice Council
May 2, 2015 - First Parish members participate in Black Lives Matter rally in Mattapan
March 2015 - Courageous Love Award presented to Sydney Fisher and Mary Gashaw for
leading fellow Cambridge Rindge and Latin students in the Hands Up Walk Out demonstration
in December 2014.
November & December 2014 -- First Parish ministers and members joined protests following
the non-indictment grand jury verdicts in the murders of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.
September 2014 - A congregational conversation was held at First Parish after the uprising in
Ferguson Missouri in response to the killing of Michael Brown and the egregious level of state
power aimed at the protestors
Standing Committee plans to vote on the BLM banner request at the monthly Standing
Committee Meeting on January 19, 2016. We welcome comments and feedback from
the congregation before the meeting by talking to any member of the Standing
Committee or via email at standingcommittee@firstparishcambridge.org.
In Community,
Peggy Kraft, of behalf of the Standing Committee
Standing Committee: Peggy Kraft, Sylvia Wheeler, Linda West, Ernie Sabine
Julie Duncan, Devon Kinkead, Grey Lee, Mark Pickering, Rashid Shaikh
The Meetinghouse News
January 2016
Search Committee Call for Nominations
Dear Member of First Parish,
YOU are invited to nominate yourself or other members for the Ministerial
Search Committee who will represent our congregation in finding our next Settled Minister!
Any member may nominate themselves or another member for the Search Committee. We
intend to have a team that represents our diversity and deserves our confidence. Therefore
we would like you to take this important opportunity to consider who has the qualities of a
good Search Committee member. Now is the time!
Who will select our Search Committee?
Any member can propose nominees. All nominees will be reviewed and evaluated by
representatives of the Standing Committee, with the final slate selected in April based
on interviews and the candidates participation in 3 congregational conversations we
are planning this winter.
What is involved in serving on the Search Committee?
Serving on the Search Committee will be time-consuming and require overnight
travel, diverse skills, strict confidentiality, and the ability to work for consensus.
 Ministerial Search Committee Job Description: http://bit.ly/minister-search-job
What is the timeline of the Senior Minister Search process?
After being elected at the April 2016 Standing Committee Meeting, the
Search Committee will be busy until June 2017 at which time they will present the
chosen Settled Minister Candidate to our congregation. During that year, they will
compile the packet of information about our congregation, review information from
ministerial candidates applying for our position, interview selected candidates by
phone and in person, travel to “neutral pulpits” to hear selected candidates conduct a
service, and finally present one candidate to our congregation for our review and
approval vote.
How can I nominate a member for the Search Committee?
A link to the nomination form can be found below. A nomination form can be also be
completed on paper and mailed to First Parish, put in the “Nominations” collection box
on Sundays, or brought to the Church office. Nominations are due by January 31,
2016. You may nominate more than one member. Self-nominations are also
welcomed. Multiple nominations for the same member will be accepted and will be
evaluated based on the aforementioned process.
 Ministerial Search Committee Nomination Form: http://bit.ly/minister-search-form
What if I do not choose to nominate anyone?
It is extremely important that the Search Committee represent the entire
congregation so we want to make sure that everyone has been informed about the
search process and has the opportunity to submit nominations. However, you are not
required to nominate anyone.
What if I have more questions about the form or the process?
Standing Committee Members will be present at Coffee Hour after services throughout
the month of January 2016 to answer questions. You may also
emailstandingcommittee@firstparishcambridge.org with questions or comments.

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The Meetinghouse News
January 2016
6
Congregational Conversations to Identify our Needs in Next Settled Minister
Please mark your calendars and plan to participate in a series of three Congregational
Conversations to help us identify our needs in our next settled minister. In community, we will
use appreciative inquiry to discern what we need in a settled minister for our congregation.
"Appreciative Inquiry is about the co-evolutionary search for the best in people, their
organizations, and the relevant world around them."
These Congregational Conversations will be on Sundays February 28, March 20, and April 10 at
12:30 pm in the Barn Room. Our community is a democracy that functions best with the input
of all our members. Please join in this exciting process!
Transformation Team
Call for Nominations for the First Parish Transformation Team
The First Parish’s mission includes the challenge of transforming ourselves into a multiracial,
multicultural, justice-making congregation. We recognize the unique role and impact of racism
in the histories and present situations of our country, of Cambridge, and of Unitarian
Universalism, and the Standing Committee has charged the Transformation Team (TT) with the
role of facilitating our process of transformation. For the last the last six years the TT, along
with other FPC leaders, has created opportunities for the congregation to educate itself about
racism and multiculturalism as well as take various actions in the community. We also recognize
that racism intersects with other forms of oppression that many of us experience.
To do this work most effectively, we need to add a few more members to the Transformation
Team to help with organizing and planning and/or facilitating the trainings and activities we
sponsor. We meet monthly for discussion, planning and support, and Interim Minister Clyde
Grubbs and our Ministerial Intern, Seanan Fong assist us as well.
We welcome your nominations and suggestions about congregants who have an interest in
providing leadership for this important and inspiring transformation work. Self-nominations are
very welcome. The Standing Committee will make the final selection.
All nominees should send a short letter by January 25 to let us know the following:
How long have you been in the congregation? What has your role been in
congregational activities, groups, committees, etc.?
Based on personal, congregational or other experiences, why are you committed to the
anti-racism, anti-oppression, multicultural mission of First Parish?
What specific experience have you had with anti-racism, anti-oppression or related
activities at First Parish, in other organizations, the community, or at your
workplace?
Please send nominations and the above letter to standingcommittee@firstparishcambridge.org
by January 31. If you are nominating someone other than yourself, please notify them so they
can indicate their interest by submitting their letter by January 25.
For more information, please contact Marcia Hams, marciahams@gmail.com or Rashid
Shaikh, rshaikh20@gmail.com. Thanks!
The Meetinghouse News
January 2016
7
Film and Reflection Series with Interim Minister Rev. Clyde Grubbs
and the Transformation Team
We invite you to take this opportunity to learn, share and reflect. Join us during the day or after
worship. RSVP if you need childcare. Please RSVP for the lunch count if possible, but come even
if you don’t! To marciahams@gmail.com.
Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code
Two showings:
Wednesday, January 13 at noon (with lunch)
Sunday, January 17 at noon
The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code tells the story of Vatican documents
issued in the fifteenth century that resulted in crusades of domination and dehumanization. The
law systems in the United States and many other countries are based on these “doctrines”. They
are the basis of concepts of white supremacy. Made by Dakota director Sheldon Wolfchild, the
film concludes with traditional Indigenous teachings developed over thousands of years that
provide an alternative to domination of humans and of the ecological systems of Mother Earth.
Cracking the Codes: the System of Racial Inequality
Two showings:
Wednesday February 17 at noon (with lunch)
Sunday February 21 at noon
This film asks us to talk to talk about the causes and consequences of systemic inequity.
Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity features moving stories from racial justice
leaders. Through discussion we will deepen our understanding of the system of inequality,
which can help move us to more reflection and action.
Are you new to First Parish and/or interested in becoming a member?
Join us at our next Exploring Membership class to speak to staff and lay
leaders in a more intimate setting, ask questions, and share your spiritual
journeys. You'll learn about the various opportunities for involvement and
what membership entails.The class will be held on Sunday, January 24,
from 3:00-5:00 pm in the chapel. RSVP is appreciated but not required, and
childcare is available upon request.
For more information, contact Membership Chair Karin Lin
at membership@firstparishcambridge.org or Emily Guthrie, Communications
and Membership Coordinator, at cmc@firstparishcambridge.org.
The Meetinghouse News
January 2016
8
Membership
Starting this month, every issue of the Meetinghouse News will feature a Membership spotlight
on a few individuals from First Parish. If you see Kylie or Don at Social Hour, ask them about
their profiles! To nominate a member, please contact Membership Chair Karin Lin
(membership@firstparishcambridge.org) or Emily Guthrie, Communications and Membership
Coordinator (cmc@firstparishcambridge.org). Happy learning!
Name: Kylie Mills
Preferred pronouns: she, her, hers
Joined First Parish: Officially in February 2015
City of residence: Somerville
How I spend my time: Homeschooling with Aleph (my daughter),
cooking/baking with Aedan (my son), hiking in the Middlesex Fells, reading,
having long conversations with family and friends.
Family (including pets!): Micah Altman (my husband), Aleph, Aedan,
Sunny (our dog), Betelgeuse and Eclipse (our newly rescued kittens)
Theology: developing
What I value most about First Parish: There are several things I value highly at First Parish.
The first is simply how welcoming and accepting FPC has been to me and then to my family. The
second is the numerous opportunities to learn about justice issues and ways for taking action.
The third is being able to be part of a faith community without having to believe in a particular
religious doctrine.
Three interesting facts about me:
1. In my youth, I was fortunate to be an outdoor educator in a few different states: Maine,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, and California.
2. I am interested in disability history/rights and enjoy conversations digging into the ways
various paradigms shape our perceptions and actions in the world.
3. I love poetry, especially the poetry of Mary Oliver.
Name: Don Tucker
Preferred pronouns: he/him/his
Joined First Parish: September 2012
City of residence: Cambridge
How I spend my time: I'm a corporate bond analyst at Manulife
Asset Management/John Hancock Funds. Hobbies: distance
running; piano (2nd yr student); amateur astronomy.
Family (including pets!): Charlene Galarneau (partner).
Religious background: UU since age 12.
Role(s) at First Parish: Choir, Gospel Choir, Stewardship Committee, Investment Committee.
What I value most about First Parish: First Parish reminds/challenges/teaches me that I am
"called".
Three interesting facts about me:
1. I grew up in East Tennessee.
2. I've come to enjoy the winter while training for two Boston marathons (2015, 2014).
3. I can dance the Hambo, a traditional Swedish couple’s dance.
The Meetinghouse News
January 2016
9
From Paris Climate Talks Forward – An EJTF Update
On Sunday, January 3 after coffee hour, over thirty people gathered to hear three local climate
change activists share their experiences at the December Global Climate Talks in Paris (COP21).
Quinton Y. Zondervan (www.GreenCambridge.org); Henrietta Davis (former Mayor of the City of
Cambridge and long-time environmental activist); and Anne Goodwin, activist
(www.mothersoutfront.org) each shared their experience in Paris.
The Paris talks, we learned, were deemed a success because, unlike previous world climate
talks, there was AGREEMENT by all the countries that our world is warming and that the goal is
to limit the increase of global temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius. This is an important
platform never before achieved in UN Climate talks since they started in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro.
To emphasize this: at all previous meetings there was not agreement that the climate is
warming and that the warming was caused by humans. Three decades have been lost but we
must move forward. For a well written summary of the Paris Conference, please see Outcomes
of The UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on the website, C2ES.org. The COP21’s
agreement is critical and urgent because there has ALREADY BEEN a global rise in temperature
of 1 degree Celsius as First Parish member and climate activist Michele Sprengnether pointed
out. One of the very serious disappointments of COP21 was the inability to get carbon pricing on
the table.
It is clear that ALL efforts to eliminate fossil fuel emissions and ALL efforts to pull carbon out of
the atmosphere are required to at least mitigate the devastation of a warming planet. Each
activist who spoke on Sunday, though they had been to a worldwide meeting, emphasized that
we can and must make significant contributions to the solution working LOCALLY. That is not to
say that one home’s solar panels offset coal fired power plants. But stopping a gas pipeline in
West Roxbury, repairing methane leaks in greater Boston and building net zero buildings are
significant changes which beget other significant changes. Henrietta Davis pointed out that cities
as a group can do a lot. This all requires educating ourselves, mourning the losses and, as we
sang at the end: keep on moving forward, never turning back.
First Parish Environmental Justice Task Force offers several ways that you can be involved and
learn more.
● On Sunday January 10 at First Church 11 Garden St at 5:00 pm see the film This Changes
Everything based on the book by Naomi Klein. Sure to be a sell-out event, plan ahead!
(www.masspeaceaction.org)
● Join Mothers Out Front in their work to stop the fracked gas pipelines proposed for our
state and to plug the gas leaks. This work involves showing up, calling legislators and
educating ourselves and/or having a house party.
● Join 350ma.org and Mass Climate Action Network, (or at least plug in to their websites
where you can learn so much.)
● Join the work of First Parish on climate change by joining the EJTF. We work with the
Massachusetts Interfaith Climate Coalition and UU Mass Action on pushing forward climate
legislation on the state level. Help us plan additional educational programs and advocacy
efforts. We meet next on Wednesday January 13 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Chapel. If you
think you might be coming, please let us know so that we can share the agenda with you
in advance or if you would like to know more about the EJTF, contact Ginger Ryan or
Peggy Lynch at EJTF@firstparishcambridge.org.
The Meetinghouse News
January 2016
10
Y2Y Update
Hello from the Y2Y shelter! We've now been open for exactly two weeks down here, and are
happy to report that things have been going smoothly. We received our certificate of occupancy
on the afternoon of Monday, December 21 and promptly opened the following evening. After a
few days we reached full capacity (22 beds) and have been there since. We stayed open all day
on Christmas Day and New Year’s day, and have been open on evenings otherwise.
Our students have had a phenomenal time working in the shelter, and are really enjoying
volunteering with many members of the FPC community who have signed up for shifts. If you
haven't had a chance to volunteer (or even if you have and can't get enough!) you can sign up
here.
As you all know, we're still working out all of our processes around entering and exiting, as well
as doors, hours, etc. We greatly appreciate all your understanding and patience as we figure this
out. A big thank you to Carol, Roland, Susan, Sylvia, and everyone else for being part of this in
partnership with us.
Finally, we wanted to take this opportunity to invite anyone who is interested to a small
gathering downstairs in the space after worship on Sunday, January 24 at noon. We will have
snacks, and take the opportunity to thank this amazing community that has made Y2Y possible.
We hope you can join us!
Wishing everyone all the best,
Sam, Sarah, and the Y2Y family
Y2Y Testimony by Grace Hall
You’ve seen the requests for volunteers to help Y2Y over the winter break when the regular
student volunteers are away. I want to report that I tried volunteering. The main benefit I
received from helping out was that I saw Y2Y in action. That is very different from just seeing
the lovely makeover of our First Parish auditorium space. Under the direction of the graduatestudent staff, we volunteers were able to provide food and other services to the young people.
I definitely feel a deeper connection to Y2Y than I did before. If you’re interested, there are a
few weeks left (up to January 25) and a number of slots still open. The link to learn more or
sign up is http://y2yharvardsquare.org/volunteer/.
The Meetinghouse News
May 2015
11
Community Events
The following are a small sampling of community events occurring at First Parish.
GBIO Lunch and Discussion- January 10
On Sunday, January 10 after the service (at 12:15 pm in the Barn Room, upstairs) there will be
a free lunch and conversation about our personal experiences, journeys, and thoughts relating to
social & environmental justice priorities and interests of an organization (Greater Boston
Interfaith Organization, GBIO) that First Parish voted to join last October. GBIO is based on
creating and deepening relationships, sharing stories, and taking actions that can lead directly to
improvements in people's lives. Please come and invite others to join with us.
Young Families Potluck – January 16
All young families are heartily invited to the Young Families Potluck at 4:30 pm. For more
information, please contact staceyjacksonflammia@gmail.com.
Long Timers and Seniors Potluck- January 17
Our next social breakfast for long timers and seniors at First Parish (the third Sundays of the
month) will be from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on January 17. You are most welcome to come
anytime during that hour for good food and relaxed conversation.
First Saturday Sing-alongs at Sancta Maria- February 6
This January, we start our eighth year of monthly sing-alongs at Sancta Maria Nursing Facility.
Many thanks to all of the First Parish members and friends who have participated over the years.
These dark winter months after the holiday flurry can be especially difficult for residents who are
feeling lonely or depressed. Singing old familiar songs is a great way for them to connect and
engage... it is always rewarding to see people who appear uncommunicative and isolated
suddenly start singing along enthusiastically to a favorite song. next events are Saturdays,
February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4 at 10:00 am. We’ll meet at 799 Concord Ave in
Cambridge in the 5thfloor activity room- but feel free to come late or leave early if you have a
tight schedule; we’ll finish by noon. Children, newcomers and non-FP folks are all welcome. For
more information, to request a ride, or to be added to the email list for future events,
please speak with Elke Jahns-Harms or email sing-alongs-owner@yahoogroups.com .
“Who Owns the Past?: The Politics of Archaeology in the Middle East” - February 14
Save the Date: On February 14, the Middle East Education Group will be presenting an
interesting and highly relevant program on how history plays a central role in modern Middle
East affairs. Using colorful illustrations, Robin Brown will provide an introduction to the ways in
which the past is manipulated to satisfy the needs of the present. Archaeology in the Middle
East can be a volatile subject and the interpretation of the past is often cast in the complex
modern political framework. Where the landscape is contested, different groups may apply
different values as they construct their distinct notions of heritage or ownership. These cases
underscore the challenges archaeologists face in trying to achieve the objectivity that is so
highly valued in science.
The next meeting of the Middle East EducationGroup is on January 24 from 12:00-12:30 pm in
the Landing Room. All are welcome. For more information, send an email to
MEEG@firstparishcambridge.org.
Parenting Discussion Book Group- March 6
Save the Dates! Please join us for a Parenting Discussion Group on Renee Trudeau's new book,
Nurturing the Soul of Your Family. Discussion dates are March 6 and 13 from 12:30-2:00 pm.
Registration is $25 and covers the book, lunch and child care during both sessions.
The Meetinghouse News
May 2015
12
Connect with other UUs in the Boston Area!
UU Urban Ministry Anti-Racism Summit- January 23
This summit for Unitarian Universalists engaged in and thinking about Racial Justice will provide
an opportunity for UU’s from around the Greater Boston area to be together, meet others
fighting for racial equality, and share best practices and ideas. Come learn how to be a more
effective ally and stand in solidarity with Communities of Color and the Muslim Community in
Boston. Coffee and registration at 9:30 am; lunch provided. For more information, contact Rev.
Rebecca Hinds at rhinds @ uuum.org or 617-318-6010 x214. Directions at
www.uuum.org/directions.
Film and Discussion- January 29
Building Peace in a Violent Word, will be the subject of a film screening and lively conversation
as acclaimed local filmmaker Jamil Simon, presents scenes from his upcoming feature
documentary, Fragile Island of Peace, on Friday January 29 7:00 pm-9:00 pm at the First Parish
Church in Waltham in the Chapel. Filming took place in Burundi, Central Africa in the winter of
2015, detailing the complex story of how this country emerged from a 12-year civil war utilizing
a radical technique in peace building. Featured speakers will include Liz McClintock, Managing
Partner at CMPartners and lead trainer for the peace building project in Burundi. The film and
discussion will explore how a decade of peace building efforts are affecting the course of current
tensions, and demonstrating the value of non-violent solutions to conflict worldwide. Liz will also
share insights on how peace building is done. Snow date: same time and place on Friday,
February 5.
Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance Begins March 31
The Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) ordinance takes effect March 31, 2016. Under the ordinance,
single-use plastic bags will no longer be permitted at the point of sale. There will be a charge
(minimum 10¢/bag) on all checkout bags, including paper bags, at retail stores. Cambridge
shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bag(s) to protect the environment and avoid the
mandatory charge. The purpose of the Ordinance is to protect the marine environment, advance
solid waste reduction, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect waterways by reducing
disposable checkout bags at retail establishments. The Ordinance seeks to reduce the number of
plastic and paper bags being burned, used, discarded and littered, and to promote the use of
reusable checkout bags.
In anticipation of the ordinance going into effect, the Cambridge Recycling Advisory Committee
(RAC) is sponsoring a reusable bag drive to collect bags for Cambridge residents who need them
the most. Many of us have more reusable bags than we actually use. Let’s reuse and donate
clean, empty and useful bags! Our goal is to collect 10,000 bags. Here’s a list of locations
accepting donations of reusable bags:
1. Main Library, 449 Broadway, 1st floor entrance
2. City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave, 1st floor near the brochure stand
3. City Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd floor
4. Recycling Center, 147 Hampshire St, back right corner of DPW yard
5. Department of Public Works, 147 Hampshire St, 1st floor main lobby
6. North Cambridge Senior Center, 2050 Massachusetts Ave, 1st floor main lobby
7. Cambridge Police Department, 126 Sixth St, 1st floor by prescription drug kiosk
8. Harvard University Smith Campus Center, 1350 Massachusetts Ave
9. Tobin School, 197 Vassal Lane, main entrance
10. Morse School, 40 Granite St, main entrance on right
11. Water Department, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, inside ranger station
The Meetinghouse News
May 2015
13
Paine Senior Services
“I am so grateful that you exist!”
Paine Senior Service Client
Dear Supporter,
As families continue to struggle with enormous uncertainty, seniors and their caregivers need
help dealing with these overwhelming changes.
Since 1905, Paine Senior Services (PSS) has been dedicated to serving Cambridge seniors (60+)
regardless of their ability to pay a fee. We are a rare agency –we do not receive federal,
state, insurance, or municipal funding, yet we accept sliding scale fees and even waive the fee
in cases of financial hardship and other special circumstances. Ninety-five percent of
our funding goes to the provision of services.
Anna is a client who immigrated to the US in 1969. She worked hard all her life often in
multiple jobs to support herself. When she was referred to PSS, she was struggling with bill
paying, undiagnosed health problems, homemaking, and hygiene. Those who had known her for
a long time said she had always been meticulous and responsible and they were alarmed by the
drastic change in her.
Anna could not see that anything was wrong, but accepted regular visits by her PSS social
worker. After many months of visiting to establish a relationship, Anna finally allowed services
to provide bill paying, homemaking, bathing, and transportation. She also allowed her PSS
social worker to get her much needed medical care. Anna was found to have dangerously high
blood pressure and cataracts—both conditions affected her ability to carry on daily necessary
tasks.
PSS strengthened Anna’s formal and informal supports making it possible for her to once more
thrive in her own home. This is the type of person your contribution helps.
Please support PSS with a donation and please share this letter with others you know who care
about the dignity and wellbeing of our seniors.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth F. Aguilo, LICSW
Executive Director
Paine Senior Services