• Photos of the Week for April 12, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Music Director Rachel Wagner leads the congregation in “Now Let Us Sing,” the Closing Hymn on April 10, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    Jim, a guest at the Thursday Cafe sponsored by Worcester Fellowship, tells his story as part of the 50/50 collection during the service on April 10, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    Joan McGinn presents the monthly 8th Principle Moment during the service on April 10, 2022. These moments demonstrate how structural and personal racism are embedded in our society. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    Garden-On Team member Betty Jenewin plants some pansies in one of the pots next to the church entrance on April 9, 2022. Leo DaSilva then added some greens and pussy willows to create a beautiful arrangement. Check it out next time you’re walking into church! (photo by Leo DaSilva)

    Photo of the Week #5

    Get Out The Vote volunteers, from left, Janet Stone, Beth Posner-Waldron and Susan Crossley met in Fellowship Hall on April 6, 2022 to write postcards to Black voters in Georgia. The Georgia primary is on May 24th and the cards are to encourage people to vote early. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #6

    This photo from our archives takes us back to Ferry Beach in 1998 and Jen Innis, left, and her brother Tom. Jen went on to become a UU minister, and served as our Guest Minister several times over the years. The Rev. Jennifer Innis is currently the Minister with the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria, IL and the Director of Spirit Play. (photo by Judy Savage)

    Photo of the Week #7

    This photo from our archives takes us back to June 11, 2016 when Sandra Ansaldi, left, and Ana Gregory posed with their wares in the Toy Room before the start of the Yard Sale. Our Yard Sale this year will be June 11, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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  • Photos of the Week for April 5, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Mandisa L. Thomas presents “Changing the Narrative: Pioneering Black Voices in History, Humanism, and Justice,” the 2022 Dr. Irving & Annabel Wolfson Memorial Lecture, during the service on April 3, 2022. Earlier in the service Ms. Thomas was presented the 2022 Wolfson Award by the Rev. Aaron Payson. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    Helen Wolfson, left, delivers the Wolfson Family Remarks over Zoom during the 2022 Wolfson Memorial Lecture service on April 3, 2022.  At right is Helen’s husband Eric Thomas.

    Photo of the Week #3

    In this photo from the UUCW archives, long-time church members Bruce and Mary Plummer are presented with going-away gifts from the Rev. Aaron Payson during the service on Sept. 25, 2016. The Plummers were relocating to Florida after having been members of the church for 30 years. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    This photo takes us back to circa 1988 when the Rev. David Miller took the church youth on what we believe was the Chipuxet River in Rhode Island. Tom Pierce was on the trip also, and some of the youth were Katie Pierce, Chelsea Thompson and possibly Melissa Hench, Erica Lilja and Kate Singleton. Jen Innis paddled bow in a canoe with Rev. Miller. (photo courtesy of Tom Pierce)

    The following photos were taken this past Sunday when we were visited by our friends from Rise Above. They used our Fellowship Hall and parking lot to assemble care packages for the college students in their program. The captions are testimonials from a few of the students they have helped.

    Photo of the Week #5

    “I just want to thank Rise Above for every care package that was sent out. You truly are a blessing. These care packages are amazing and I am beyond thankful for your support. It has been a rough semester for me. I really needed this.” -Daishawn, nursing student, UMass Dartmouth

    Photo of the Week #6

    “I have just received my package and it put a HUGE smile on my face! Thank you all so much. ❤️ I appreciate it so much.” – Aria, Health Services Management, UNC Charlotte

    Photo of the Week #7

    “THANK YOU so much for the Rise Above mystery box . I call that because every year I am just blown away with what you guy’s send me . I am grateful for the things you send and they are very helpful. It is the highlight of my day when my package comes.” -Davonda, radiology student, Bristol Community College
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  • Photos of the Week for March 29, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    KC performs an original dance that he choreographed to Andrew Garfield’s “Louder Than Words” during the Reflection portion of the service on March 27, 2022. It was Youth Group Sunday and the service was designed and presented by our youth. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    The Youth Group and alumni stand with Religious Exploration Director Robin Mitzcavitch at the conclusion of the service on March 27, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    Clockwise from top left, Lois, KC, Charlie and Eva, and, center, Fidelma delivered their personal Reflections during the Youth Group service on March 27, 2022. Their theme was “What Comes Next?” (photos by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    Stewardship Team member Dave Schowalter affixes a garden segment to the wall in the Sanctuary on March 27, 2022. Each segment represents $10,000 in pledges. As of this morning, $128,000 had been pledged towards our $225,000 goal. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #5

    UUCW’s Women’s Social Circle met at the NU Kitchen on Saturday morning, March 26, 2022. What a great group!

    Photo of the Week #6

    This photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to August 24, 2014 and “A Summer Art Service.” Here, scientist/writer/teacher Loree Griffin Burns talks about her latest book, “Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect And The People Who Track It.” Fun fact: Loree has written 8 books and has had essays published in major magazines. https://loreeburns.com/books/ (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #7

    This photo from our UUCW archives takes us back to December 17, 2017 when, from left, Dave Firmin, Nancy Hancock and Carole Carmichael prepared the Vespers Tea, which followed the annual Vespers Service. (photo by Bart Hill)
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  • Photos of the Week for March 22, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Food Pantry volunteer Linda Morse carries tomatoes from the Worcester Regional Food Hub truck on the morning of March 18, 2022 as Worcester Food Hub Sales and Operations Manager Sarah Bonner climbs down from the truck. Fruits and vegetables are delivered to the church the day before Food Pantry distribution. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    The Bell Choir made its’ debut on March 20, 2022 under the direction of Rachel Wagner, with the Choral Introit “Dona Nobis.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    David Bonneau, Baritone, sings the Musical Mediation “Flying Free” during the service on March 20, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to a Religious Education class visit to the Heifer Project in Rutland in 2007. From left are Ryan, Katie (with back to camera), Susan Chase, Julie and Alison. (photo by Pete Lanyon)

    Photo of the Week #5

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the Yard Sale on June 11, 2016 when Jane Ohman and Beth Posner-Waldron posed in front of the plant table. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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  • Photos of the Week for March 15, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Rachel Keyo delivers an 8th Principle Moment during the service on March 13, 2022. These are congregants’ experiences of racism or unconscious bias from the receiving or giving perspective, with the intention of raising awareness of systemic racism. Rachel read Tom Pierce’s story. (all photos by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    The Rev. Aaron Payson explains the “The Wall of Memory and Hope” he put up in the sanctuary on March 13, 2022. Anyone who comes into the church is invited to post something about their experiences during the pandemic.

    Photo of the Week #3

    Nicole M. Bell, founder and CEO of Living in Freedom Together (LIFT), spoke on behalf of her organization for the 50/50 collection during the service on March 13, 2022. LIFT is a nonprofit organization in Worcester committed to ending the sex trade.

    Photo of the Week #4

    Choir members, from left, Kim McCoy, Dave Bonneau, Moira Rouse, Rev. Cheryl Leshay, Sammi, Vicki Cox-Lanyon and Ken Basye sing the Choral Introit, “Sacred Circle” during the March 13, 2022 service.

    Photo of the Week #5

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to Sept. 30, 2012 when, from left, Susan Crossley’s sisters Matie and Kathe participated in Soup Sunday with Morgaine, Kristen Payson and Charlie dishing up the goods.

    Photo of the Week #6

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to Gourmet Dinner on March 28, 2015 when Andy Hegedus ebulliently posed for the camera.
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  • Photos of the Week for March 8, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Community! Members of the Choir and the Garden-On Team take to the chancel to join with the Rev. Aaron Payson and the Stewardship Team to sing “The Garden Song Revisited” during the “Planting for the Future” service on March 6, 2022. “Pledge by pledge, call by call, Soon we’ll hear from you all….” (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    Pianist Deb Bonneau plays “The Ukrainian National Anthem” for the Offertory during the service on March 6, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #3

    Attendees pose for a group photo before having Lunch With The Minister on March 2, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #4

    Author and educator Wendy O’Leary, left, signs a copy of her latest book, “The Monster Parade” for Jessie Trowbridge after the service on March 6, 2022. Wendy also had copies of her first book, “Breathing Makes It Better.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #5

    Good news! A new energy-efficient furnace has been installed and the sanctuary is now warm! Because of this, in person services resumed on March 6, 2022. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #6

    UUCW folks attended the raising of the Ukrainian Flag and Prayer Vigil in front of Worcester City Hall on March 1, 2022. They are, front row from left, Beth Posner-Waldron and Susan Crossley. Back row from left are Vickie Cox-Lanyon, Robin Mitzcavitch, Fidelma, the Rev. Cheryl Leshay and Evan Wilson. (photo by Rev. Aaron Payson)

    Photo of the Week #7

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the fall of 2002 when children in the Religious Education program posed with a replica of the Ark of the Covenant. They are, from left, Drew, Jim, Alison, Audrey, Susan and Ryan. (photo by Pete Lanyon)

    Photo of the Week #8

    This undated photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to a church dance with, from left, Wendy Peskin, Liz Rotti, Mary Bastian and Ellen Laverdure. (photo by Judy Savage)
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  • Photos of the Week for March 1, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    Wendy O’Leary, educator and author of “The Monster Parade,” leads a Zoom session on Feb. 27, 2022 to discuss tools to help children with their big feelings.

    Photo of the Week #2

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the fall of 2009 when the Youth Group painted the house of neighbor Holly Shreck as part of their service to the larger community. (photo by Pete Lanyon)

    Photo of the Week #3

    This undated photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the Chow Line at Ferry Beach. From left are Jane Dutton, Tom and Rita Pierce and Michael and Linda Holbrook. (photo by Judy Savage)
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  • Photos of the Week for February 22, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    It was Food Pantry weekend when, from left, Andy and Cheryl Labrecque took a pause from arranging all of the food that they had just helped pick up at the Worcester County Food Bank on February 18, 2022. They are original volunteers with the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry before it came to us at UUCW. They also help pack the bags on Friday evenings. Their help is invaluable! (photo by Denise Darrigrand)

    Photo of the Week #2

    This photo, courtesy of Carole Howe, was taken on March 2, 1969, when Carole gave a talk at church on Kentucky. Standing to Carole’s left are Shirley, Walter and Deb Irvine. There are corn shuck dolls arrayed on the table, as well as a dulcimer, fossils, books and rattlesnake rattlers (which are out of the frame). Carole worked for the Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky.

    Photo of the Week #3

    This undated photo from the UUCW archives shows Maia, Stan Selkow and Isaac lighting the chalice at the beginning of a service. (photo by Judy Savage).
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  • Photos of the Week for February 15, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    The UUCW Women’s Social Circle met on the morning of Feb. 12, 2022, over Zoom, and decided to send virtual hugs out to the universe.

    Photo of the Week #2

    Mara Pentlarge, a member of the 8th Principle Taskforce, presented an 8th Principle moment during the online service on Feb. 13, 2022.

    Photo of the Week #3

    Wendy O’Leary’s second book has just been published – “The Monster Parade.” UUCW is hosting a Parent Discussion with Wendy on February 27, 2022 at 1 PM. There will be an opportunity to purchase or order a signed copy of Wendy’s book. (photo by Betty Jenewin, who apologizes to Wendy for picking up the window reflection on her beautiful book cover)

    Photo of the Week #4

    With visions of springtime dancing in their heads, the Garden-On team and a worker bee planted trays with native plant seeds on Feb. 12, 2022. From left, they are Jan Cutman, Carole Howe, Ruth Silver, Melissa McKeon, Linda Morse and Leo DaSilva. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #5

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to October 14, 2012 when the Food Pantry hosted Coffee Hour. From left, they are Sue Neaz, Kris Billiar, Cori Henry, Carole Carmichael, Beth Posner-Waldron, Dianne Mann, Mary Plummer, Susan Crossley, Denise Darrigrand and Kathleen Paracer. Bonus points if you can spot Simone in the front row! (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #6

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to a church party in 2011, with, clockwise from left, Mary Plummer, unidentified woman, Mara Pentlarge, Sam Ganesan and Matt Johnsen. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
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  • Photos of the Week for February 8, 2022

    Photo of the Week #1

    From left, Ruth Silver, Linda Morse, Leo DaSilva and Beth Posner-Waldron separate planting trays on Feb. 6, 2022. They will be planting native seeds in them and then placing them outdoors for winter stratification. (photo by Betty Jenewin)

    Photo of the Week #2

    Worcester’s Youth Poet Laureate Adael Mejia delivers the Reflection during the online service on Feb. 6, 2022. Adael also read his poetry.

    Photo of the Week #3

    This year the books “Maid” by Stephanie Land and “The Benefits of Being An Octupus” by Ann Braden were selected for our annual All-Church Read service. Claire Breyton, Maryan Ryan, Jenny DelGizzi and Debbie Merrill spoke during “Book Moments” at the service.

    Photo of the Week #4

    Feb. 5, 2022, marked the 22nd anniversary of this article appearing in the newspaper. Thank you, Rev. Payson, for your ministry to this congregation.

    Photo of the Week #5

    This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to this undated photo of Sandy Mayes and Susan at Ferry Beach. (photo by Judy Savage)
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