Starr King View A publication of the Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship -A Welcoming Congregation101 Fairgrounds Road Plymouth, New Hampshire www.starrkingfellowship.org (603) 536-8908 The Rev. Judy Smith-Valley, Interim Minister February 2016 Meredith Flynn, DRE February Services at SKUUF 2015-2016 Theme: Transition Continues February Theme: Blessed Sundays at 9:30 am February 7 - Imparting Hope Rev. Dr. Judith Smith-Valley, preaching Nancy Chaddock, Worship Associate The tale tells us that Pandora opened a box which contained all the troubles of the world—gifts from the gods. Thankfully she managed to shut it with hope trapped at the bottom. It is hope that often helps us cope with the torments of our lives. Pandora must have let it out, after-all. Or is hope really one of the evils of the world? Why would Zeus have included it? Is Hope an elusive quality or a blessing? RE Children’s Chapel Downstairs February 14 - The Sermon on the Amount Rev. Dr. Smith-Valley, preaching Betty Ann Trought, Worship Associate Our Stewardship Committee is presenting a change of focus on giving this year. Recent research has verified that those who give generously are far more happy than those who do not. Unitarian Universalism is a covenanting religion where we value and share ourselves with each other. Chocolate Heart Communion in honor of Valentine’s Day and Love RE Begins Upstairs February 21 - Bridges to Hallowed Ground Rev. Dr. Judith Smith-Valley, preaching Joe Kelaghan, Worship Associate Oprah Winrey tells us that she is “where she is because of the bridges that she has crossed. Sojourner Truth was a bridge. Harriet Tubman was a bridge.” And others. We will explore these women and more, in honor of Black History Month. RE Begins Upstairs February 28—Sensory Salvation Paul Hazelton, Worship Leader Kathy Hillier, Worship Associate This will be in the secular, materialistic, scientific approach to a fulfilling and moral life RE Begins Upstairs 2 Starr King View “From the Prez”… Hello everyone, I don’t know about everyone else, but I really do love living in a place that experiences all seasons. I especially enjoy those clear, sunny, brilliant blue sky days we get even if it’s usually a bit cold. I’d like to thank everyone that participated in our special congregation meeting and am very pleased that the motion passed to purchase a new sound system for SKUUF. At our January Board meeting we invited two sets of guests. First, Ted Vansant came and presented information about a potential solar panel system to provide electricity to the fellowship building. The Board approved submitting an application to the state for a financial incentive (no penalty to do so) and will work over the next few months to review the potential financing. Look for the opportunity to hear more about it at an information session in the “adult ed” slot after services on a Sunday. Our second guests were Katherine Hillier and Nancy Chaddock, who came to chat with the Board about this year’s Stewardship campaign. The kick off dinner for the campaign is February 13 and I’ll look forward to seeing all of you there. I’ve been thinking a little bit about Stewardship and our own giving to SKUUF. While Darcy and I have both been on the Board, we understand that our donation helps “pay the bills” for SKUUF. And while this is important, it probably isn’t the main reason we give. We support SKUUF with an annual pledge because we believe in this fellowship. We enjoy the people at SKUUF and we want to have a place where we can be part of this wonderful community. Frankly it feels good to know that we are supporting such a wonderful group of people that come together to help our children learn and grow and to have a positive impact on our community and our world. Please join us for the Stewardship kick -off dinner and please support our spiritual community with an annual pledge. Eric Hoffman News from the Ministerial Search Committee February 2016 The search committee has been busy reviewing packets of interested candidates and sharing our SKUUF packet with them. The short interviews have been completed, invitations have been sent out, and the more intensive interview phase will begin soon! Don’t ask any of us for the details however; we won’t tell you a thing! What we can tell you now though, is that Candidating Week is scheduled for May 14 through May 22. This is a 9-10 day period when the chosen candidate to be our next minister (hopefully we will be successful in our search!) will meet with members and friends in various settings and provide the worship on Sundays. After the service on May 22, you, the members of SKUUF, will vote to call our next minister. We need as many members as possible to be present for this important vote on May 22. Mark your calendars now for this very important time in the life of SKUUF. Sincerely, Jane Clay, Communications editor Cindy Spring, Chairperson Raymond DeRaymond Kathy Kelsey Mary Hazelton Margaret Salt Mitch Manseau December Outreach Collection The Generosity of our fellowship resulted in a collection of $1,235.36 for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Guest at Your Table Program. February 2016 From the Stewardship Committee Dear Friends, I’m sitting at the computer, looking out the window --- the wind is swirling the snow around, it’s bitter cold, and I’m cuddled in a toasty fleece wrap; it’s chilly in our study. I’m devoutly hoping it won’t be a day like this on February 13 when we have our stewardship kick-off dinner! I’m also thinking about how to best reach each and every one of you – how to get across our concerns, and our hopes for the future. Do, please, all members and friends, come to the stewardship dinner! It’s a wonderful opportunity to be in fellowship – to meet new folks, to enjoy seeing friends, to share a meal you didn’t have to create. We’ll offer a brief stewardship program, and will crown the evening with entertainment featuring our own Bob Gannett, Beverly Walker, and Sarah Dan Jones. Childcare will be provided by our youth group. Please see the details below! In the meantime, here’s some food for thought: Giving generously from the heart gives two ways: it brings pleasure to both the giver and receiver Supporting SKUUF supports the principles by which we try to live, and provides the only liberal non-creedal religious voice for many miles around What would it mean to your life if there was no Starr King UU Fellowship? Looking forward to seeing you on the 13th! Katherine Hillier, for the Stewardship Committee: Nancy Chaddock, Janet Doner, Nancy Dowey, Mimi Ford, Bob Gannett, Rev. Judith Smith-Valley 3 STEWARDSHIP DINNER!! Lasagna and all the trimmings February 13 (Saturday) – 6:00 – 8:30 PM FOOD! FUN! FELLOWSHIP! Please sign-up in advance; see the bulletin board in the hall Or call Nancy Dowey at 801-1845 CHILDCARE PROVIDED by our youth group; will include Dinner / age appropriate movie / arts & crafts/ stories Office Hours The Reverend Dr. Judith Smith-Valley is in her office Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm and by appointment. Cell: 781-606-1813. Meredith Flynn, Director of Religious Education, is in her office Thursday and Friday, 8:00 am to noon, 536-8908. Office Administrator, Lisa Olech is in the Office Tuesday through Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, 536-8908. 4 Starr King View Religious Education NotesFebruary 2016 January was a busy month for our Coming of Age class. They had their weekend retreat at the Dowey residence. They took part in multicultural initiation ceremonies of their own making. The class (which is all girls) also had a spa evening, went snowshoeing, and spent time with their advocates. The weekend was a wonderful success. Thank you, Bill and Nancy for hosting! Thank you, to the girls that took part, the other Coming of Age teachers for helping out, and the advocates for the added support! Our Arts and Crafts Sunday on January 17 was relaxing and very creative. The kids made a great variety of projects including painted wooden toys, “Christmas mushrooms,” dream flags, jewelry, and bird’s nests, among other things. It was a good reminder of how healing it can be to create things. This coming month in Religious Education we have a really fun Sunday doing yoga with Darlene Nadeau planned. This is our “special Sunday” for the month, there are no classes that day. It will take place on February 28. Darlene had a yoga day for the kids two years ago, and it was a wonderful experience. There were several rambunctious kids that under the guidance of Darlene, became relaxed and meditative- Cool! There is Children’s Chapel on February 7. Betty Ann Trought will be telling the kids a story that morning from her own childhood. We will also be learning a new song or two. We hope to practice the songs over the next few months during Chapel, then have the kids perform the songs during a service in the spring. Sarah Dan Jones has picked us two great new songs to learn. Please be sure and check our wonderful website and facebook page for updated in- formation about RE activities. Thank you for your continued support of our Religious Education program. Warmly, Meredith Flynn, DRE Transition Team The Transition Team was appointed by the Board to work with Judy during her twoyear interim ministry. Our major goals are to encourage input from members of the congregation about concerns they have with the interim ministry, to support the interim minister in the remaining tasks of the interim period, and to prepare the congregation for the change from interim to settled ministry. We meet monthly with the interim minister to accomplish these goals. Members of the Transition Team are available to answer questions and hear comments about the transition process. Please contact one of us (Nancy Chaddock, Paul Hazelton, Joe Kelaghan, Mary Tierney, and Gary Walker). Lay Pastoral Care Under the guidance of the Rev. Dr. Judith Smith-Valley, the Lay Pastoral Care Associates are here for you. When you have a pastoral care need or know of a need in our Starr King family, please contact Judy or one of the associates listed here. Jay Apicelli Brian Haskins Linda Haskins Deedie Kriebel Amy MacDonald Darlene Nadeau Mary Tierney Bill Trought Stew Weldon February 2016 5 Soundbites The New Year has started out with a bang! I am so happy that the fellowship approved the purchase of a new sound system, and I appreciate the work of Bill Dowey and the Board for their due diligence! On January 22, I was honored to be the feature performer at the monthly coffee house held by the Plymouth United Church of Christ. They were celebrating their twenty-fourth year as an “Open and Affirming Congregation” (akin to the UU Welcoming Congregation, of which SKUUF is a member) - the first in New Hampshire to be recognized as such. It was a great evening, where I told my story in song as an openly gay religious professional. The SKUUF singers joined me to perform Fred Small’s “Everything Possible,” which will be our anthem on February 14. My hope is to continue this relationship with the UCC congregation in Plymouth, and further our connections. Thanks to all who participated and/or attended. As we prepare for the upcoming months at SKUUF, I have been working with our DRE, Meredith Flynn, in choosing several songs that our kids can learn in RE, and then sing for us in the upcoming months. We are thinking that featuring our young singers during Candidating week in May is a great idea!! It is so great to have collaboration with all of the staff at SKUUF. I also found out that two of our younger SKUUF members have been chosen to participate in the UU Children’s Choir, held every three years in conjunction with the UUMN (Musician’s Network) conference in Madison, Wisconsin, July 19-24. This group of 50 or so “tween” singers will be housed at the University of Wisconsin, and attend “choir camp,” consisting of daily worship, rehearsals, a service project, workshops and just plain fun! It costs over $50,000 to run the Children’s Choir, and my hope is that we at SKUUF can take up an offering to present to the UUMN for support of this amazing opportunity. Congratulations to Molly Lu and Laurel McKellar for being accepted to be part of the choir (it is an auditioned entry), and I look forward to working with them both in helping to learn their music, and being part of the adult UUMN conference, where the children will join us in worship, workshop and a concert! For more information, see uumn.org Finally, I will be traveling to Chicago February 1-3 to be part of a planning team in creating the resources for the Fahs Collaborative annual Celebration Sunday. This is an online free worship packet to model a high quality multigenerational representation honoring the role of religious education in religious life. I will be joined by a minister and a DRE at Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary to begin this work, with the expectation of having the resource available online by June 2016. To see last year’s service, and learn more about the Fahs Collaborative, see www.thefahscollaborative.com/ and click on Sophia Fahs Worship Packet. In song, Sarah Dan February Dates: THURSDAY REHEARSALS: Every week, except for February 4. SUNDAY SINGS: February 14 and 21. Will Gunn will be our musician on February 7. 6 Starr King View SKUUF Annual Auction Saturday, March 12—starting at 6:00 pm Goods and Services from around the World and around the Corner Silent and live auctions, raffles, cash bar & snacks, entertainment, friends and fun! We need your help! Most of the auction proceeds come from goods and services donated by members and friends. Making the auction a fun and fulfilling experience requires many hands. Don’t think you have anything to donate? Please consider these possibilities (but you don’t need to limit yourself to these—use your imagination!). Gift basket (wine, gourmet, new baby, spa, gardening, etc.) Ski passes, theater or athletic tickets, memberships to local tourist sites/ organizations, etc. Boat trips, family outings, etc. Take over coffee hour duties Hotel accommodations or use of vacation home or condo Host a dinner/lunch/tea party, etc. Services (carpentry, gardening, lessons, relaxation and beauty appointments, airport transportation, etc.) Back-woods goodies (manure, cord wood, plants, growing equipment, supplies, etc.) Monthly cookie/bread/soup, etc. delivery for a time period you specify Babysitting, pet sitting, plant/house sitting, etc. Fine art, jewelry, crafts. Etc. Slightly used or antique furniture New camera, stereo, IPod or other electronics Make a monetary donation and we will purchase the perfect item!!! Contact Danni Simon ([email protected]) or Louise Randall ([email protected]) to make donations or if you have questions. If you want to donate items or services, provide Danni or Louise with the following information on the forms printed on pages 7 and 8. Want to help?? Consider the following possibilities and let Louise or Danni know what you would like to do: Friday afternoon setup on March 11 Soliciting donations from local businesses Prepare and deliver auction foods Clean up after the auction February 2016 7 Please fill out one form per donation Return this completed form to Louise Randall or Danni Simon (or the Fellowship) by March 1. You may also email it to Louise at [email protected] or Danni at [email protected] Donor info (name, address, phone, email): _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Suggested Title (Short, catchy phrase): ____________________________________________ Detailed Description (as it should be listed in the catalogue): ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date for redemption of service (if other than March 2017): —————————— Value: ______________________________________________________________________ Please fill out one form per donation Return this completed form to Louise Randall or Danni Simon (or the Fellowship) by March 1. You may also email it to Louise at [email protected] or Danni at [email protected] Donor info (name, address, phone, email): _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Suggested Title (Short, catchy phrase): ____________________________________________ Detailed Description (as it should be listed in the catalogue): ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date for redemption of service (if other than March 2017): —————————— Value: ______________________________________________________________________ Starr King View 8 Please fill out one form per donation Return this completed form to Louise Randall or Danni Simon (or the Fellowship) by March 1. You may also email it to Louise at [email protected] or Danni at [email protected] Donor info (name, address, phone, email): _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Suggested Title (Short, catchy phrase): ____________________________________________ Detailed Description (as it should be listed in the catalogue): ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date for redemption of service (if other than March 2017): —————————— Value: ______________________________________________________________________ Please fill out one form per donation Return this completed form to Louise Randall or Danni Simon (or the Fellowship) by March 1. You may also email it to Louise at [email protected] or Danni at [email protected] Donor info (name, address, phone, email): _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Suggested Title (Short, catchy phrase): ____________________________________________ Detailed Description (as it should be listed in the catalogue): ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date for redemption of service (if other than March 2017): —————————— Value: ______________________________________________________________________ February 2016 9 Wise Women in Training February Outreach Wise Women in Training is a women’s study group which meets to discuss issues related to women and aging. Members share experiences, questions and concerns about improving their lives while optimizing their happiness. Generally this group is recommended for any women over fifty years of age but younger women are welcome. Questions may be researched and discussed by various members. The Pemi Youth Center Meetings are usually held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon in the upstairs Conference Room area at SKUUF. This month we will meet on February 10 and 24. Please direct questions to Betty Ann Trought 786-9342 or [email protected]. Betty Ann Trought Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the March Newsletter is Tuesday, February 23. Please send all items, to Barbara Avery at: [email protected], or call 745-8845. Men’s Group The men’s group meeting for February 7, 2016 has been cancelled because of the Super Bowl. Men will be men and boys will be boys! The only gathering in February will be on February 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the upstairs conference room at SKUUF. Bill Trought The Pemi Youth Center (PYC) is a local notfor-profit organization serving as an after school and empowerment program for youth ages 10-17. The Center provides enriching after school programming Monday through Friday during the hours of 2:30-5:30 pm. All program components are offered at absolutely no cost to youth and families. Youth engage in homework help, mentoring, art workshops, recreational games, empowerment groups, substance abuse prevention, community based service learning, STEM activities, a collaborative program with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, and much more! In addition, youth participants assist staff in cooking a daily meal, and all youth have the opportunity to eat dinner before going home. Most importantly, youth participants are supported and are reminded on a daily basis of just how much they are loved. Staff and volunteers work hard to inspire, encourage, and support young minds and hearts, so that our young people have the ability to dream beyond perceived limitations. We have enjoyed a steady increase in participation and are currently serving more youth participants than ever. We wish to extend our sincere gratitude for Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s powerful support and generosity. The Pemi Youth Center is a special place for all of us who are involved. In this space we celebrate the beauty of both individual uniqueness and the unity that we share. Thank you for being a part of our family and for helping us to lift up the youth of our community. Jessica Dutille, Executive Director Wear Your Name Tag It Helps Everyone 10 Starr King View February Activities 2016 Breakfast Club - Friday, February 5 at 8:30 am at the PSU dining hall on High Street in Plymouth. Meet with fellow SKUUFers in an informal setting on the first Friday of the month. Wide variety of food. Breakfast cards can be purchased for $99 for 20, which are transferrable. Individual breakfasts are $8 each, and there is a special senior rate. Parking for the Breakfast Club has been arranged through PSU security in Commuter Lot #301 on the first Friday of each month. Please contact Deedie for a parking permit to place in the front window of your car during these mornings only. If anyone has an idea for an activity following breakfast, please contact Deedie at [email protected]. Stewardship Dinner – February 13 at 6:00 pm at SKUUF. The Stewardship Committee invites you to dinner! Enjoy the entertainment, friends, and fellowship. Childcare provided. Please sign up in advance. Look for the sign up table during coffee hour after the service on Sunday, or find it on the bulletin board. Don’t be left out of the fun! Second Sunday Hike – Sunday, February 14 at noon. The group will leave from the lower parking lot at SKUUF. All are welcome, including children who are experienced hikers. We will do what has become our traditional family friendly February hike to The Flume followed by food and drinks at The Station. As for all hikes, please let Mitch ([email protected]) know that you want to play so that he can advise you by email of any changes. Other Area Events that you might want to attend. Wentworth Square Dance – Friday, February 5 from 8:00 – 10:30 pm. Join fellow SKUUFers for a fun evening of square dancing at the Old Wentworth Town Hall. This is an opportunity for young and all to join in on the fun! The price is $7 adults/ $4 children/$15 family with no advance tickets required. There are polkas, waltzes, usually a reel, and a variety of square dances. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and prepare to have some good, old fashioned, country fun! Saul O. Sidore Lecture Series. Tuesday, February 23 at 7 pm at the Silver Center For the Arts PSU. This year’s topic is Freedom Versus Security. The subject for this session is The Government-Corporate Surveillance Complex. “Influential forces such as corporate wealth and government power are moving the US to a permanent war footing through decisions and actions that the public never considered, debated, or approved. Beatrice Edwards, Executive Director of the Government Accountability Project is presenting. Smith Recital Hall. All Sidore lectures are free and open to the public. Each talk is followed by a reception with light refreshments. Advance reservations are recommended. Call 603-535-ARTS. Mitch Manseau and Deedie Kriebel Co-chairs Play Bridge Thursday Afternoons at SKUUF If you are a bridge player interested in the Thursday afternoon bridge game at Starr King Fellowship, please see Anna Wilken. February 2016 11 Uncommittee Uncommittee is making a knitted blanket for the auction. We hope to complete a quilt also. Creative hands are needed! We meet every third Sunday at 11:00 am downstairs at SKUUF. For more information see Gigi Estes or Virginia Miller Hospitality Please sign up for one or more dates. If no one signs up for a date there will be only coffee. The sign up sheets are in the foyer, or contact Nancy Dowey at [email protected]. Fundraising that costs you no additional money! As you know the purchase of a Hannaford card to use for grocery shopping costs you no additional money but helps SKUUF raise funds. SKUUF receives 5% of our total order in bonus cards and when we sell these we have a clear profit. In addition, purchase of Hannaford gift cards is always in good taste and you can use the SKUUF Hannaford program to purchase gift cards to give as thoughtful gifts. Remember to bring your checkbook and stop at the Hannaford Gift Card table during coffee hour to pre-purchase your cards or purchase a bonus card. We hope to have more pre-activated cards available soon. Remember these cards can be used in any Hannaford store regardless of location. See Betty Ann Trought, Kathy Hillier or anyone sitting at Card Table during after service reception if you have any questions. If you would like to join our small group to help, please call Betty Ann Trought at 786-9342 or contact [email protected]. Betty Ann Trought There is always someone experienced in the kitchen to help each Sunday. February 7 - Linda Smith, Lissa Mascio February 14 - Board February 21 - Allison Estes Brown Another Volunteer needed February 28 - Barbara Spike Another Volunteer needed March 6 - Two Volunteers needed March 13 - Two Volunteers needed March 20 - Brian and Linda Haskins Another Volunteer needed March 27 - Ted Vansant/Nancy Voorhis Rebecca Noel/Paul Phillips April 3 - Meredith and Stephen Flynn Jessica and John Marunowski April 10 - Two Volunteers needed Flowers for the Sanctuary The Flower Sign-up sheet is in the foyer. Let’s each sign up for a Sunday and it will be filled! Flowers or a green plant are a great way to honor an occasion or a special person. Nancy Dowey 12 Starr King View About Membership in Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship What it Means to be a Member Membership is open to all individuals sixteen years and older regardless of race, creed, national origin, gender or sexual orientation who are in harmony with the visions, goals and principles of Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. You are invited to become a member by participating in a Path to Membership orientation or by meeting with the Minister to review the benefits and responsibilities of membership. All new members sign the official Membership Record book witnessed by the Minister or a Membership Committee Chair. Members are entitled to the services of the Minister and the use of the sanctuary for Rites of Passage (weddings, dedications, memorial services, etc.) at no cost. Members are eligible to serve in elected officer positions and serve as committee chairs. Members have the privilege of full voting rights. Membership is maintained by active participation in the Fellowship, by supporting the annual Stewardship Drive and/or contributing service toward the Fellowship. What it Means to be a Friend A Friend of SKUUF is an individual in harmony with the visions, goals and principles of SKUUF who chooses not to sign the Membership Record Book. A Friend may participate in any and all Fellowship activities but does not receive Rites of Passage services without a fee, is not eligible to vote or serve as an elected officer or committee chair. For More Information About Membership If you are considering becoming a Member of our Fellowship, desire more information about Path to Membership Orientation or would like to speak with the Minister please contact Barbara Lambert or Mary Tierney, co-chairs. Starr King View Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship PO Box 337 Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264 Interim Minister: Rev. Judy Smith Valley Office Administrator: Lisa Olech [email protected] Office: (603) 536-8908 Website—www.starrkingfellowship.org Governing Board Pres.: Eric Hoffman Vice Pres.: Susan Jacobs Treasurer: Bob Clay Secretary: Olivia Saunders Trustees: Bill Trought Allison Estes-Browne Jessica Fleming Mission Statement Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is a multigenerational, welcoming congregation where different beliefs come together in common covenant. We work together in our fellowship, our community, and our world to nurture justice, respect, and love.
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz