Lighting the chalice.

Starr King
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

A Welcoming Congregation
101 Fairgrounds Road
Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264
(603)536-8908

Starr King View

December 2009 Newsletter



Meeting House
101 Fairgrounds Road
Plymouth, NH 03264
(Map and Directions)
Sunday Service is at 9:30AM  - All are welcome - Dress is informal.



Sunday Services - 9:30 a.m

December 6: “Taking Root”
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching

 

December 13: “The Sounds of Silence”
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching

 

December 20: “Giving Gifts”
The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart preaching

 

December 24, 5:30 p. m.: Family Christmas Eve service.   
This service will celebrate the wonder and mystery of the season with all ages.  The service will include Starr King's traditional candle lighting and will be followed by a fellowship hour.
December 24, 9:30 p. m.: Contemplative Christmas Eve service. 
Come to hear readings from the Bible and sing traditional Christmas carols.  The service will include Starr King's traditional candle lighting.
December 27: “Book Sharing”
Worship and Music
Please come prepared to share your favorite books with the rest of the Fellowship.

 

 

 Adult Ed Programs Sunday at 11:00

 

December 6:            Reverend Sarah Stewart, sermon discussion -“The Sounds of Silence.” 

            During her sabbatical Sarah went on a three-day silent retreat.  Come experience some silence and discuss the place of quiet in our noisy world.

 

December 13: Bob and Jane Clay- An introduction to Our Whole Lives for adults.    See article on page 11 for additional information.

 

December 20:  Jamie Capach and Barbara Lambert – Workshop #3 What Moves Us, The Human Heart, Margaret Fuller.

 

December 27: No Adult Ed program

 

 

 

Pot luck supper, cookie swap and tree decorating!

            Friday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m.

 

            Bring a dish to share for supper and your own eating utensils.

 

            If you wish to join the cookie swap, bring two or three dozen Christmas cookies to trade.

 

            Materials for making new decorations for the tree will be provided.  There will also be decorations from previous years ready to hang on the tree and enjoy again this year.

 

            Bev Walker

 

 

 

In Fellowship                                                                                                              December 2009

The Rev. Sarah C. Stewart

 

                  Welcome back to the minister’s blog at starrkingfellowship.org!  Or, should I say, the blog is happy to be back.  This will be a place to find out what I’m thinking about and discuss spiritual issues.  It will be a place to read my sermons and comment on them.  It will be a place where I share the things I’m thinking about and invite you to think about them, too.  You can find the blog at starrkingfellowship.org/ministerblog.

      I will update the blog about three times per week, and I will post my sermons there.  But the true function of the internet is not just to provide content for you to read, but also to invite your discussion of that content.  After each post on the blog, there will be a space where you can leave your comments.  I look forward to making this blog truly interactive.

      Comments on a blog are a discussion of a kind, and any civil discussion needs some ground rules.  I will not be formally moderating the comments; in other words, you will not need to submit comments to me before posting them.  However, I will be reading comments daily, and I look forward to being part of the larger conversation.  I also reserve the right to delete comments that don’t meet the civility standards of the blog.  Here are some guidelines:

* Be considerate.  Be just as considerate as if you were having a face-to-face conversation with the other commenters.

* No profanity. 

* No ad hominem attacks.  If you disagree with someone, be polite and address the substance of their remark.

* Keep content family-friendly.  This is, in fact, required by Starr King’s web policy.

 

      This blog will be a forum for fostering conversation within the fellowship.  Although I will read comments regularly, it is not a good platform for getting a message to me or being sure to get a response.  If you decide I need to know something, or if you need to reach me, the best ways are through my e-mail at sstewart@starrkingfellowship.org or on the phone at 536-8908.

      I think this will be fun.  Enjoy the blog, and please let me know what you think!

 

  In fellowship,

            Rev. Sarah

 

 RE Calendar

 


Date

Story Time

Creating Home

Neighboring Faiths

December 6

Little Drummer Boy

w/ Amy & Erica

Our Chalice

w/ Kim & Mark

Roman Catholicism

w/ Cappy

December 13

Hanukkah Story

w/ Stew & Barbara

At Home In a Barn

w/ Nancy & Jeanette

Roman Catholicism

w/ Cappy

December 20

Gingerbread houses for all classes-more info to follow

December 27

No classes for any group

RE News

On December 6 all classes will be starting downstairs for Children’s Chapel.

 

Our Senior High Youth Group is up and running. The second meeting of the group will be on Sunday evening December 13 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

 

On December 5  RE will again have a float in the Plymouth Parade.   Thanks to the Woollies, we will be lit up with the use of their generator.   Thanks also to Paul Tierney for the truck and trailer, thirty-six feet of it, to haul all of us on!  Parade starts at 5:00 p.m.   Come out and see the fun.

 

On December 12, RE will be hosting Present for Parents, an opportunity for parents to get some time to do whatever is needed during this busy holiday time.  This is available for all children ages three to twelve.   Please call Regina to reserve your spot as space is limited.   We are offering it to SKUUF parents first but will then open it to the community.    Look for more information in this newsletter on page 4.

 

Mary Crowell   

 

  

 

Religious Education Program

 

            I hosted a wonderful event at SKUUF in mid October.  Unitarian Universalist Directors of Religious Education came from all over southern New Hampshire to see our new space!  I have been meeting with the group every month to share ideas and support, but we always meet in Concord since that is an easier drive for most.  Last month I told them about our new RE space and asked if they would consider making the journey to Plymouth and they said “yes”!

 

            I toured them through our colorful Nursery, the large classrooms and my private office.  Even showed off all our storage space!  These were DREs from Portsmouth, Durham, Nashua and Manchester as well as Concord and Laconia.  Thank you again for having the vision, courage, money and energy to bring our new addition from dream to reality!

 

            Last year we had two church school classes and the Nursery.  I wrote the lesson plans for both groups and it took the bulk of my SKUUF time.  (I’m paid for 12 hours a week.)  This year, due to an increase in numbers, we have three classes and the nursery.  I am delighted to say

that two “seasoned” religious educators have stepped forward to do the planning so I can concentrate on carrying out the Program.

 

            Amy MacDonald is writing the lesson plans and gathering the supplies for “Story Time”, our curriculum for the three and four year olds.  They have been talking about what it means to be thankful and what they are thankful for.

 

            Cappy Hahn is coordinating the Neighboring Faiths curriculum for our middle school students.  Early last month eight students and four adults attended a service at the Temple in Laconia.

 

            Both Amy and Cappy have served SKUUF as religious education directors in the past.  Of course I am in regular contact with them and support them as needed.  I also “hired  all the teachers.

 

            The RE Committee is always looking for extra hands on their “special events” Sundays.  Please let me know if you can help - (usually the fourth Sunday of the month.)

  

            Cindy Spring

            Religious Education Director

 

 

 

Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

is offering

Presents for Parents

on Saturday, December 12,  1:00 to 5:00 p.m.


            This program will allow parents of children (ages three to twelve years old) to have their children enjoy supervised activities while parents have a few hours to get ready for the busy holiday season.

 

      Activities will be held in the fellowship’s new religious education rooms and will include movies, snacks, arts & crafts, general playtime and more. All activities will be supervised by at least one adult and members of the fellowship’s youth group (ages ten to fourteen).

 

      This program is open to the public and is free of charge.   Donations will be accepted to support the fellowship’s religious education programs.  Parents or guardians who want to enroll children must RSVP by December 5 to the SKUUF office  by calling 536-8908, or emailing admin@starrkingfellowship.org to leave a message.  Please state the name and ages of all children attending. 

 

      Signed permission slips will be required when dropping children off.  Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is located on 101 Fairgrounds Road, Plymouth, NH 03264.

 

 

Attention Families

 

            The Holiday Season is upon us with it’s focus on “getting.”  Amid all the busyness, are you looking for ways to help your children understand the importance of giving to others who are less fortunate? 

 

            If so, here are two suggestions for you ~

 

Supporting the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee - On November 22 each family received a Guest at Your Table box.  Please put the box on your table and remind the children about the UUSC and the good work it does in the United States and around the world.  (Visit their web site for more information.)  “Feed” the box each day and bring it to the service on December 20.

 

Delivering Holiday Baskets - On Saturday, December 19, the Plymouth Community Closet will be looking for people to deliver almost 300 Holiday Baskets.  This is a wonderful way to help children “serve” their community.  You would arrive at the Catholic Church Parish Hall early Saturday morning, stack your vehicle with boxes of food, and deliver them to the addresses you have been given.  (A sheet of directions will be provided to each driver.)  Sarah, our minister, has made this a family Holiday tradition.  They begin the day with a special treat to put everyone in the holiday mood.  Please contact Mimi Ford for more information about this project.

 

            Happy Holidays to all of you,

            Cindy Spring

 

            (For more information on these projects, see page 7 and 8.)

 

 

 

Announcements:

 

Rev. Sarah will be on vacation from Christmas Day through New Year's Day.  If you have a pastoral emergency during this time, you may contact the office at 536-8908, and Regina will be able to reach Sarah  for you.

 

Comments from the

Former Cubby Hole

 

Now that we have all this new space, please tell Regina Knowlton if you decide to move your existing meeting space.  All meeting locations are tracked on the SKUUF calendar which is very important so we can prevent scheduling conflicts.

 

Regina Knowlton

Office Assistant

 

 

 

 

 

Office Hours

 

            Our minister, Sarah Stewart, is in the office Tuesday through Thursday.    You can reach her at:  sstewart@starrkingfellowship.org. , or 536-8908.

 

            Our Office Assistant, Regina Knowlton, is in the office Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

Governing Board Meeting

 

            The Governing Board will meet on Wednesday, December 9 at 5:00 p.m.

 

Committee Chairs Meeting

 

            Committee Chairs will meet on Tuesday, December 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Fellowship.

 

 

 

 “From the Prez”…

           

Hello everyone,

     

It’s been a very interesting month for me on many different levels.  In the past month, I’ve been able to experience something new at SKUUF.  I volunteered to help teach the ten to fourteen year old RE group in the Neighboring Faiths curriculum.  Christie Faella, Leslie Bryant, and I spent three weeks guiding the students through their study of Judaism.  I have really enjoyed spending time with this group of kids and getting to know Christie, Leslie, and the children better.

 

On a personal level, it was nice to be able to share my knowledge of Judaism from my childhood with them and reconnect a bit with the religious and spiritual practices I grew up with.  The kids and adult leaders were able to visit Temple B’nai Israel in Laconia for a Friday night service.  The people from the Temple were extremely welcoming and it was a great experience for all.  Even I learned a thing or two when we were able to sit down with their Rabbi and ask her questions about Judaism.  I have to say that I had some very warm feelings about the experience, but importantly, I did feel a bit like an outsider and I have never felt that way at SKUUF.  Thank you to everyone that helps to make our religious and spiritual community such a welcoming place.

 

The governing board continues to work on things related to the building addition.  In particular, we reviewed our building use policy and have made some subtle changes to that policy that reflect that fact that we have more space that might want to be used.  The board will also continue to examine safety and security issues.  Stay tuned for any policy changes that might arise from those discussions.

 

To wrap up, I hope that everyone had a meaningful Thanksgiving and has a joyful Holiday and New Year.

 

 

            Eric Hoffman

 

 

 

 

SKUUF Finances Snapshot as of November 11, 2009

 

Fiscal Year to Date, Operating:                                                 Change from Last Month                                                

                        Income            $ 50,952.03                                             + $   9,261.27                                                                                

                        Expenses           $ 51,271.67                                            + $  14,655.07                                                                  

 

Important Balances

                   Operating Funds    $    16,775.33                                 -  $   2,883.31                                

                   Building Funds**               $ 163,608.04                                 -  $ 74,436.80       

                   Endowment Funds*          $    12,002.82                                 + $        472.16                   

 

This snapshot shows only selected funds.  This is not a full accounting of assets or liabilities.  If you would like more detailed information feel free to contact Nancy Chaddock, or me.

*These funds represent multiple accounts grouped together.

** This includes the principal from the new mortgage.

 

            Accurately submitted,

            Mark Becker

 

SKUUF 5 Year Strategic Plan

 

The Board and the Committee Chairs are in the process of reviewing and updating the SKUUF Five Year Strategic Plan.  This plan was originally written and accepted by the Fellowship in 2007.  It is past due for an examination and review and in the future we will endeavor to update it every year.  It is important that the Fellowship at large have an opportunity to provide their vision, their ideas, their desires and wishes into the five year plan.

 

On January 10, 2010 we will use the Adult Education period, following the service, as an opportunity for any and all members and friends of the Fellowship to give their input to the Board and Committee Chairs.  More details will follow in the January newsletter.

 

Paul Tierney

 

 Social Justice—

            December Social Justice Outreach

 

            Guest at your Table, under the auspices of the Unitarian Universalist  Service Committee, is our Social Justice Outreach for December.  GAYT  has been a part of SKUUF for many years.  This year we want to increase awareness of the importance of the 
organization by asking not only the children to contribute money in their boxes, but also 
asking the adults in our Fellowship to become more involved.  Our monetary support is vitally important.

 

            The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is a leading voice for Social Justice
around the world.  Fair trade coffee, clean available water, climate change are just a few of their current activities.

 

            Cindy and Sarah kicked off the drive on November 22.  We will be asking for your donations (boxes and checks) to be returned on December 20.       

 

            Thank you,

            Mimi Ford

 

            Social Justice Committee supports New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

 

At a recent meeting the Social Justice committee voted unanimously to contribute $100 from its SKUUF budget to the New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NHCADP).

 

Presently a legislative commission, composed of twenty-two New Hampshire citizens, is studying the death penalty.  They are meeting monthly, usually on the first Friday of the month, will be holding hearings, and will deliver their report to the legislature in December 2010.  The Death Penalty Study Commission is chaired by Walter Murphy, a retired judge of the Superior Court, who used to practice law in Plymouth.

 

The New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty is working hard to make sure that those opposed to the death penalty are encouraged and have the opportunity to make their views heard.  Twice a month on the second and fourth Friday of the month, a vigil against the death penalty is held in Concord from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.  Your attendance at the commission meetings is encouraged.

 

The website for NHCADP is www.nodeathpenaltynh.org    Go there to read more about why the death penalty is both ineffective as a deterrent and immoral.  You can sign up for regular emails updating you on the workings of the Commission, and keeping you posted on activities sponsored by NHCADP

 

Martha Copithorne

For the Social Justice Committee

 

Social Justice Committee Considers draft of UUA Statement of Conscience

 

In September an excellent Adult Ed session was led by Betty Ann and Bill Trought, on the latest draft of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Statement of Conscience titled  Peacemaking.     What is a UUA Statement of Conscience?   It generally starts as a study/action issue for three years before it becomes a final draft for adoption and implementation at General Assembly.    Stated simply, this social witness process is the method by which the Unitarian Universalist Association comes to understand and act on the social issues of our times.

 

Now every couple of years the Social Justice Committee conducts a SKUUF “brainstorming session  with members and friends of the Fellowship, with the goal of selecting the one or two social justice issues the Fellowship would like to focus on.    This coming winter the Committee will be inviting you to join us again for this process.    It will be a potluck and will include a celebration of where we are in our efforts to reduce carbon in our lives.    You will be hearing more about this winter event.

 

 But where does the above Statement of Conscience fit in?    Well, it could, of course, become one of our major focus issues.     Whether it becomes so or not, however, it is clear that this particular Statement of Conscience on Peacemaking has already generated a good deal of discussion by the members and friends of SKUUF.    Therefore, the Committee encourages everyone who has not already done so, to read the latest draft of this statement.   It may be found at the UUA website at www.uua.org/social justice/issues process/index.shtml.    Copies of the Statement will also be made available in the Foyer at the Meetinghouse.

 

By February 1, 2010, twenty-five per cent of congregations need to approve placing this Draft Statement on the final agenda for the next General Assembly.   Comments to change the statement must also be submitted with Congregational authority.   The importance of the subject matter is such that the Committee believes polling our membership on the acceptability of this Statement would be worthwhile.    It should also be instructive to SKUUF delegates at next year’s General Assembly.    So far, the debate over the Statement at General Assembly has revealed no consensus.

 

The Committee seeks your input, as it moves ahead to conduct further SKUUF discussion and perhaps action to poll our membership.

 

Thank you,       

Nancy Chaddock                     

            Social Justice Committee

 

COMMUNITY CLOSET

HOLIDAY BASKETS

            Are you ready for an adventure?  Delivering Holiday Baskets (big boxes) is great fun.  What you need is a friend, or a partner,  or an entire  family to arrive at the Catholic Parish Hall on December 19 in a vehicle, preferably full of  gas.  Arrive sometime after 8:30 a.m.  You will decide how many boxes you and your car can deliver and where you want to go.  Quentin Blaine, or George Smith, or Gail Smith, or Jules 
Doner or other familiar faces will be among those folks who will help you along the  way. You will be given written directions to the houses where you will drop off the boxes.
Please ask for more information from Mimi Ford.

 

            Mimi Ford

 

HELP! 

 

            Volunteer help is needed urgently at the Community Closet  Financial Assistance Office at Whole Village for one day a month Thursday, 9:00 to  12:00 noon.  Contact Mimi Ford for more information.

 

 

 This event sponsored by the

UU Church in Manchester

Awakening the Dreamer

Changing the Dream

 

We want to leave our children a better world.  Yet the collective dream of progress through endless growth and rampant consumption has become a nightmare that is threatening life on earth.

 

The purpose of the Awakening The Dreamer symposium is to bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, socially just human presence on this planet.  It is a live interactive group experience led by trained volunteers using powerful documentary modules to reveal where we are and how we got here and then to illuminate what is possible for the future.  As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said “Every single one of us can do something that will make a difference.”

 

 

The Awakening The Dreamer symposium will be offered at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Manchester on January 10, 2010, from 12:30 to 5 p.m.  Suggested donation (sliding scale) is $15 for adults and $5 for students.  Register by Jan 8 online at  awakeningthedreamer.org or by contacting Mary Till at mlt145@comcast.net.  For more information, call Mary at 603-203-1961.

 

 

 


 

                                    Circle Dinners

These dinners are a great way to get to know one another.   The dinners are strictly a social event and are lots of fun. 

There is still time to volunteer for hosting a December dinner.  Also, looking
for hosts for January and February.  Please contact Sue Appleton if you are interested.

 

Suzanne Appleton

Membership Committee

 

 

 

 

 

Story Time Books Needed for Nicaragua!

  

      Over past years we have sent thousands of small books written in Spanish to the children in one of Managua’s poorest neighborhoods.  Many of you have discovered how easy it is to make a donation in the name of family or friends or as part of your own holiday sharing.  We will give you a simple gift card to send with your holiday greetings to acknowledge the donation made in your loved one’s name.

 

      In the last two years we have  purchased a number of children’s picture books that especially lend themselves to reading aloud, as well as a few adult “How To” books.  Last year our box included two new beautiful picture atlases.  We hope to continue this pattern so that the women can share a regular story time for the children when they gather for meetings, soy food preparation, etc.  Also, we have a number of storybook pairs, books available in English and Spanish.  If you have children or grandchildren in your life, you may want to give an English language book to your child and make a gift of the Spanish language edition in their name.

 

      We will also send a cash donation for book purchases in Managua.  This allows us to support their publishing industry, a local store and the children, all through one project.  In addition, we are happy to forward Spanish language children’s books you may have on your shelves.  If you have questions, please ask one of the committee members: Margaret Salt or Gigi Estes.  Extra helpers are welcome.  Remember, you may write your check in this or the coming tax year, whichever is better for your purposes.  We will be collecting money through January 30 again this year.

 

 

      This project is coordinated through the Women In Action program, and the books are delivered by one of the delegations which travels to Nicaragua in the spring. Coordinators, Ana Narvaez and Michael Boudreau, have told us repeatedly how happy the children (and adults) are to have the books which we have sent.  There are now large shelves in the new community building, and we know this year’s collection will be used on those shelves to add to the small community resource library.  We were honored at our recent visit to learn that the book room has been named for our Share-a-Book project. 

 

Margaret Salt

 

 

 

Eating Healthy in Our Economy  

 

One good place for budget cutbacks is in the food arena.  Healthy eating can sometimes be very compatible with budget cutbacks. Advice includes:

 

Prepare more of your own food.

Make as much as you can from scratch because the prepackaged foods are often the most expensive and least healthy for you and your family.  Don’t forget to have each family member pack lunch as this is another great way to decrease costs while avoiding processed food.  Make coffee at home and carry it to work with you.  Coffee shops are too expensive and designed to get you to buy unhealthy additions like those famous egg sandwiches or donuts.

 

Have a plan at the supermarket.

Don’t go to the grocery store hungry and go with a list. Remember the store’s layout and the food packaging is designed to get you and your kids to buy. A full stomach and a list can help you stay on track. Save yourself a hassle by avoiding the TV commercial kid’s aisles filled with colorfully wrapped crackers, cookies, candy and sugared cereals.  Generally what you really need is in outer aisles. Begin educating your kids that most stuff in TV commercials are not what should be eaten as too expensive and not healthy.

 

Take advantage of seasonal produce.

Produce that’s in-season is going to be a little bit cheaper than off-season produce.  Try not to buy those off-season fruits and vegetables from “far away” as they will be expensive, usually have less nutrition, and transportation doesn’t help the environment.  Also, when buying perishables, make sure you’re only buying what you’re going to consume. If it's on special but you buy more than you’ll consume (unless you freeze or preserve), you haven’t really saved any money.

 

Stockpile non-perishables.  Stock up on canned foods (or if a freezer, preferably frozen food) when they’re on sale. Buying food in bulk is good if it doesn’t spoil before you use it or if looking for non-perishable items.

 

Buy inexpensive sources of needed nutrients.

READ LABELS! Try to reduce saturated fats, carbohydrates, sodium and sugar. Eliminate all sugar drinks including fruit drinks.  Do not buy bottled water.  If you don’t like your water, fill old bottles at a friend’s house or public spring. Reduce meat, poultry, pork and fish consumption, no more than twice a week per class is more than enough particularly for beef. Avoid processed sandwich meats (PB&J makes a great sandwich if only use two flat tablespoons of PB). Look for vegetable protein substitutes. Beans are a very inexpensive source of protein and fiber, and very versatile. There are many varieties of beans, and you can do many things with them. Check your cookbook or on-line for non-meat recipes. Popcorn and oatmeal are inexpensive grain options, and nonfat dry milk is a cheap source of dairy and a great thing to have on hand. It’s inexpensive, and it’s got shelf life. You just mix it up when you need it. Look for whole grain breads to increase nutrition and fiber. 

 

There are many other suggestions, but you get the drift.  Generally you and your family are eating far more calories than your body needs and so would benefit from reduced consumption.  Move away from meat. Eat as many whole grains, fruits and vegetables as possible each day.  Try serving on smaller plates, bowls and tall slim glasses to assist in reducing consumption.

 

Good luck this is a process not an immediate conversion.  Save $$ and be healthy.

 

Betty Ann Trought

 

 

Our Whole Lives

for Adults

 

Our Whole Lives is a series of workshops providing an overview of many aspects of human sexuality.  It can provide a time to learn about an extraordinarily rich and complex area of human behavior, an opportunity to better understand sexuality and self, and a space for growth beyond present limits and concerns.  Leaders and participants who invest the necessary time and energy will realize great reward.

 

      The Our Whole Lives series begins with an age-appropriate education for Grades K-1, and then continues with Grades 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, young adults (18-35) and adults.   Sexuality is presented as a good, creative force with enormous potential to enrich as well as to generate life.  Some of the ideas on which these workshops are based include the following: 1) every person is entitled to dignity and self-worth and to his/her own attitudes and beliefs about sexuality; 2) Every individual has the right to accurate information about sexuality and to have his/her questions answered; 3) it is our right and obligation to make responsible sexual choices that enhance the expressions of love, commitment, delight, and pleasure; 4) individuals of all ages, of different races, backgrounds, income levels, physical and mental abilities, and sexual orientations must have equal value and rights,  and 5) romantic and sexual attractions to both genders, same gender, or the other gender are all natural in the range of human sexual experience.

 

      There can be as many as fourteen sessions in the adult program but often adults just cannot seem to meet that many times!  Most often, a participant survey and group discussion at the first meeting assist in determining the length and frequency of meetings and topics to be covered. When a group includes participants of different ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, and life experiences, the experience is particularly rich for everyone.  At this point in developing the Adult OWL program at Starr King Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Plymouth Congregational, United Church of Christ, young adults and adults will meet together as one.

 

      Programming will begin in January 2010, day and time to be determined.  Because of prior commitments of the facilitators, it will not be possible to be on the first and third Tuesdays or first and third Sundays, in the evening, or immediately after the worship services at either Starr King or PCUCC.

 

Jane and Bob Clay

 

 

SKUUF Men’s Group

On November 15 the SKUUF Men’s Group welcomed Scott Merrill, philosophy adjunct at Plymouth State University.   Scott shared his dissertation interests which coincided with the topic of the evening, namely ‘gift giving’ and it’s origins.   An interesting evening all around!

 

The SKUUF men’s group meets on the first and third Sunday of each month at SKUUF at 6:00 p.m.   Co-leaders are Bob Clay, George Maloof, and Bill Trought.

 

George Maloof

 

 

Remember to wear your Nametag.

It helps Everyone.

 

Our Favorite Books

 

(As space allows, each month we list some of the books mentioned

at our annual Book Sharing service held at the end of each year.  Join our December 27 Book sharing service so we can have a new list of books to recommend next year.)

 

The Granite Landscape: a natural history of America’s mountain domes from Acadia to Yosemite by Tom Wessels

 

 

 

Activities Committee
  
We welcome your suggestions.
 
Outdoor Activities.

            We have now had two monthly hikes: one to Stinson Mountain in October, one  November 15 that Nancy Chaddock and Mitch led along the Heritage trail from Profile Falls to the remains of the original Hill Village.  Participation has increased substantially: it seems that the Sunday afternoon time works best.  Forrest Seavey took the accompanying photos.

 

      Our next event will be a hike along the Sculptured Rocks Road in Groton on Sunday, December 13, departing SKUUF at noontime.   To ensure timely notification of any changes, or for any questions, please e-mail Mitch. He’ll enroll you in the SKUUF Outdoor Activities mailing list. This will allow timely notification without resorting to SKUUF-wide e-mails.
 

      We intend to continue monthly events through winter, on boots, snowshoes or skis; and welcome venue and event suggestions.
 
            No Meeting of the Activities Committee in December.
           
            Phyllis Rockwell and Mitch Manseau
            Activities Committee Co-chairs

 

 

 

 

A Gift for You:

Awakening Peace and

Relieving Stress with Yoga

 

     Taking time for ourselves is often challenging especially during the holidays.   A yoga practice offers you time to slow down, release tension, and find your inner source of peace and calm. 

 

     Our December Saturday morning classes will focus on Yoga for Self Care.  In the spirit of giving, I present this gentle and restorative series that you may experience calm amidst this season’s activity.  Free classes will be held in the SKUUF Fellowship Hall on Saturday December 5, 12, and 19 from 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.  Bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing.   Space is limited; please reserve your place by contacting Darlene.

 

            Darlene Nadeau

 

 

 

 

Fundraising Committee

 

            George Maloof, chair of fundraising, is currently seeking musically talented individuals to play at our Spring contra dance. If you play the violins/fiddle, guitar, accordion, keyboard or the like and are interested, please email me.   Or if you know of someone who would be willing to donate their time to this endeavor please let me know.

 

             We need to start planning now as it will take some to get a group together and ready to play.   Hopefully, Byron Ricker will again be the caller.   He might want to sit in on some practice sessions.  

 

                                    The spring contra dance will have a dessert menu rather than a full buffet.  Volunteers for making desserts will also be appreciated.   Email correspondence will be fine.


            George Maloof

             

 

 

Thank you Mitch !

 

Nancy Chaddock thanks Mitch Manseau for launching a hiking group as part of the SKUUF Activities Committee.     She joined Mitch and Bill Trought for a hike up Stinson Mountain in Rumney on October 31.

 

The last time Nancy climbed Stinson was forty years ago with her Dad.      The balsams now growing on top of Stinson block some of the view that Nancy remembers, but the most dramatic view looking down toward Plymouth and further south to Lake Winnipesaukee on the horizon is still unobstructed and beautiful to behold.   

 

Mitch is an excellent hiking leader, trained as he is by the AMC to wait a few minutes here and there for folks like Nancy whose mountain climbing experiences are not as frequent as they used to be.    And Nancy’s thanks also extend to Bill for waiting with Mitch.

 

 

 

News Notes

 

Nevin Scrimshaw attended two back to back Scientific Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand in mid October and received an award at each.  One was a designation as a “Living Legend in Nutrition.”

On October 23 Mary and Nevin attended the Installation of Susan Scrimshaw as Presdent of Sage College in Troy and Albany, New York.   Nevin marched in the academic procession in representation of his undergraduate alma mater, Ohio Wesleyan. 

In mid November Nevin opened the Latin American Nutrition Congress in
Santiago, Chile.

 

On November 9, Senator Jeanne Shaheen presented Roger Aldrich with four medals.  The presentation took place at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton after a Veterans’ Day event at the home in which residents were thanked for their service and sacrifice.

Roger had given up all hope of receiving his medals since the records of his service were destroyed in a fire at the Records Center in St. Louis.  He received the American Campaign medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Silver Star Attachment, the WWII Victory Medal, a lapel button for honorable service, and a marksman badge and rifle bar.

 

 

Worship and Music

 

Sunday readers for December and January are: 

 

Gigi Estes—December 6

Betty Ann Trought—December 13

Bill Trought—December 20

Janet Doner—December 24

Marcia VanderMast—December 24

 

Danni Simon—January 3

Bill Trought—January 10

Jules Doner—January 17

Margaret Salt—January 24

Barbara Lambert—January 31

 

 

Community Closet

Needs Our Help

 

            Remember, the Community Closet can always use our help.  There is a basket in the foyer for your non-breakable food contributions.  You can drop off canned or boxed goods anytime.

 

            Thank you.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 Newsletter Deadline

 

            The deadline for the January Newsletter is Sunday, December 20.  Please send all items, committee reports, notice of events and activities to  Barbara Avery.

 

            Barbara Avery

 

Starr King View

 

Minister:  Rev. Sarah Stewart    -  sstewart@starrkingfellowship.org  

 

Office Administrator: Regina Knowlton - admin@starrkingfellowship.org

 

Office: (603) 536-8908      

Website—www.starrkingfellowship.org

 

Pres.:  Eric Hoffman  

Vice Pres.: Paul Tierney  

Treasurer: Nancy Chaddock    

Secretary: Amy MacDonald  

Trustees:

            Marcia VanderMast  

            Gail Smith   

            Don Crowell