May 5, 2024 was New Member Sunday. Participating in the New Member Ceremony were, from left, the Rev. Aaron Payson, Maria Juncos, James Egaña, Chloe Egaña, Cheyanne Martin, Katherine Powers and Willson Selzer. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
What a precious find today! A robin’s nest with three eggs is nestled in a juniper shrub in the Bird Sanctuary portion of the church gardens on May 5, 2024.
Photo of the Week #3
Cora plays the Prelude, “Sonata in C Major” by Bréval during the service on May 5, 2024.
Photo of the Week #4
May 5, 2024 was Potpourri Sunday. Here, Leo DaSilva leads a tour of the UUCW gardens. It was one of several sessions offered.
Photo of the Week #5
This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to December 4, 2016, when Nancy Hancock held up an oversized coffee cup on which was written information from the Hospitality Team about hosting Coffee Hour. The 50/50 collection was split that day to help cover Coffee Hour expenses.Continue reading →
The choir and musicians perform “Comfort Me” during the service on Music Sunday, April 28, 2024. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
Music Director Matt Johnsen delivers the Reflection “Music is Life” on April 18, 2024, Music Sunday.
Photo of the Week #3
Dianne Mann, left, acknowledges Sue Neaz during the Joys and Concerns portion of the service on April 28, 2024. Sue and her husband are relocating to Western Mass.
Photo of the Week #4
Members of the Youth Group, youngsters and parents worked on the Playground Rejuvenation Project on the evening of April 28, 2024. Spearheaded by Jessie Trowbridge, and with assistance from the Religious Exploration families, the project has four phases. Here, Eisley, left, and Flora shovel sand under the swings in the “fall zone.”
Photo of the Week #5
This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the annual Youth Group Service in 2018. Clockwise, from upper left, are Nathan, Anamika, Carrick and Maggie. They are delivering their individual Reflections.Continue reading →
The Rev. Aaron Payson shows his Earth Day appropriate tie before the service on April 21, 2024. The tie shows marine life and environment. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
John Odell stands at the top of the highest ladder the church owns to remove the former pledge total before replacing it with the current total on April 21, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #3
The Rev. Aaron Payson listens as Rachel Keyo delivers an 8th Principle Moment during the service on April 21, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #4
#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives. Author Loree Griffin Burns’ latest book, “One Long Line – Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Follow Them” will be released on May 14, 2024. This is the first title in a brand-new early chapter book series spotlighting remarkable creatures, inquisitive people and fascinating conversations. https://loreeburns.com Fun fact: Loree now lives in the Adirondacks, though she will be in Massachusetts the week of the book’s launch, May 14th. She’ll be visiting schools, libraries and bookstores. Check out the ‘Events’ page of her website to find out where she’ll be!
Photo of the Week #5
This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to September 23, 2012 and the first Soulful Sundown Vespers Service.
Russ Kay, center, lights a votive candle during Joys and Sorrows. At left is the Rev. Aaron Payson; at right is Robin Mitzcavitch, Director of Religious Exploration.
Fun fact: Russ contributed his graphic design talents to the church, donated technology equipment and shared his appreciation of recorded music in a variety of contexts.
(photo by Betty Jenewin)Continue reading →
The graduating group from this year’s Adult Coming of Age Program shared their thoughts and insights during the service on April 14, 2024.Clockwise, from upper left, are Barry Brigham, Annie Armstrong, Carole Howe, Jenny DelGizzi, Down Doud and Andrea Cruz. (photo montage by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
The Adult Coming of Age graduates surprised their Facilitator, Robin Mitzcavitch, with a bouquet of flowers at the end of the service on April 14, 2024. From left are Andrea Cruz, Jenny DelGizzi, Barry Brigham, Carole Howe, Annie Armstrong, Robin Mitzcavitch, and Dawn Doud. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #3
From left, Matt Johnsen (piano), JaganNath Khalsa (violin) and Mara Pentlarge (flute) play the Offertory music “Trio Sonata in C Major” by J.S. Bach on April 14, 2024.
Photo of the Week #4
This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the Religious Exploration Service in 2017. From left, Claire Breyton, Kim Pierce Napoleone, Lee Hill, Ana Gregory and Vickie Cox-Lanyon team up to deliver the Intergenerational Invocation.Continue reading →
It’s Soup Sunday! Maria Juncos, left, gets a bowl of Roasted Sweet Potato Bisque from Kristen Payson on April 7, 2024. Melissa McKeon, background, collects the money. The other soup offering was Chicken Corn Noodle. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
The congregation sings the Opening Hymn, “My Life Flows On In Endless Song,” on April 7, 2024.
Photo of the Week #3
This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to September 21, 2014 when Sue Neaz, left, and Annette Spychalla formed an arch for the children to walk under. The children are, from left, Timothy, Alanna and Autumn. Children and their teachers walk under an arch formed by the members of the congregation. Timothy Schowalter, left, and Alanna Keyo walk under the “arches.” This followed the teacher dedication ceremony. This was the first day of Religious Education classes.Continue reading →
Kim Pierce Napoleone, right, and Sarah pose for an Easter bonnet photo with the Rev. Aaron Payson on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. As per tradition, Kim brought an extra bonnet for Rev. Payson so they could do their traditional photo. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
The Easter Bunny joins the Rev. Cheryl Leshay for the Story for All Ages during the Easter service on March 31, 2024.
Photo of the Week #3
This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to June 8, 2008 and Religious Education Sunday, with graduate Kristen and RE Director Deb Selkow. Lyle, another program graduate, is in the background.Continue reading →
These young people shared statements on their values during the Youth Group Service on March 24, 2024. From left, they are Vernon, Simon, Rebecca, George, Ayre, Amaya, Justin and Elisabeth. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
George reads “A Church for All,” the Story for All Ages, during the Youth Group Service on March 24, 2024.
Photo of the Week #3
Unsung behind-the-scenes hero Kim McCoy does what he so often does, mans the dishwasher. This was during the UUCW Potluck Dinner on March 23, 2024. Here’s to Kim!
Photo of the Week #4
The gathering sings “Happy Birthday” to Pauline Courchesne at the UUCW Potluck Dinner on March 23, 2024. Presenting Pauline with her cake is Melissa McKeon, right.
Photo of the Week #5
Brian Keyo served as Disc Jockey for the UUCW Potluck Dinner on March 23, 2024. DJ Brian tells me that I can call spinning records “flinging biscuits.” I like that!
Photo of the Week #6
Joan McGinn, right, leads a session on “Talking Feminism: Victories and Challenges” after the service on March 24, 2024.
Photo of the Week #7
This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to March 3, 2019 when Cristina Heffernan, one of the leaders of the Stewardship campaign, and her son Charlie put up the display #ThankUUCW before the service on Stewardship Sunday.Continue reading →
In December of 2023, UUCW held an auction. Sue Neaz offered an Ice Cream Social. Maya Desai bid on it and won. March 17, 2024 was Ice Cream Social Day! From left, serving up the ice cream and toppings from in the kitchen are Joe, Sue and Kristen Neaz. Receiving her ice cream is Janet Stone; Peg Gifford is behind her. Thank you to Maya, our Ice Cream Benefactor!!! (photo by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
Kris Billiar speaks on “Why I Pledge” during the service on March 17, 2024. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #3
The Rev. Aaron Payson, dressed in a green stole in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, delivers a Reading from Janis Prince Inniss. The gnome in front of his right hand was a gift to our church. Fun fact: Rev. Payson is English Irish. (photo by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #4
#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives. Librarian Chloe Egaña says “I gravitate toward juvenile and adult graphic novels and middle grade fiction, particularly books centered around the experiences of queer and/or BIPOC folks. Diverse literature is necessary, especially amidst the attempts (and successes) to silence and censor diverse voices in libraries across the country. When all voices are heard and celebrated, we have the opportunity to utilize our windows and mirrors and connect to each other in a deeper way. I routinely fall down the rabbit hole of subscribing to every review site or book blog available and then placing holds on things that strike my fancy- ending up with (at any given time) more than twice the books pictured.” (photo by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #5
Remember the pandemic? This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to the morning of July 11, 2020, and the Women’s Social Circle during the pandemic. They still met, but they did so over Zoom. Here, all raise their breakfast beverages on high! (photo by Kim Pierce Napoleone)Continue reading →
Nancy Hancock speaks about why she pledges during the service on March 10, 2024. Nancy began attending UUCW when she was 7. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
Rachel Keyo talks about an 8th Principle Moment during the service on March 10, 2024. She is holding up the book “Say the Right Thing – How to Talk About Identity, Diversity and Justice” by Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow.
Photo of the Week #3
#uucwreads highlights the ways that books are part of our members’ and staff’s lives. ***WHAT THE BOARD IS READING*** Board of Management member Evan Wilson says “I’m currently reading “Emergent Strategy” by Adrienne Maree Brown and recently finished reading “Small Wonders” by Barbara Kingsolver. I like to have two books in rotation – one for pleasure and one for growth. I aim to strike a balance between my desire to learn about advancing justice with stories for pure enjoyment and relaxation. This balance helps fuel my activism and leadership, while also reminding me to rest and recharge.”
Photo of the Week #4
This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to May 13, 2018, when the Rev. Aaron Payson teamed up with Edward the Turtle to tell the “Story for Children of All Ages.” Rev. Payson has had Edward, as well as other puppets, since the beginning of his ministry. Fun Facts: Rev. Payson began his ministry in 1991. He began his ministry at UUCW in 1999. Continue reading →
The highlight of the Annual Stewardship Sunday, March 3, 2024, was a skit based on “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Our version was “It’s A Wonderful Church.” Here, Moira Rouse, left, and Dave Schowalter perform. (photos by Betty Jenewin)
Photo of the Week #2
You know it’s Stewardship Sunday when the Pledge Tracker goes up! Here, from left, John Odell and Dave Schowalter hang the banner before the Annual Stewardship Service on March 3, 2024. The theme this year is “It’s A Wonderful Church!” Fun Fact: That’s Neway, lower right. Another Fun Fact: Nancy Baffa made the banner!
Photo of the Week #3
The cast of the skit joins the congregation in singing “Building A New Way.”
From left are Dave Schowalter (who played Rev. Aaron Payson), John Odell (who played Dave Schowalter – true!), Nancy Baffa (who played Elena), Moira Rouse (who played Clarence, the angel), and Rev. Aaron Payson (who held up the ‘wind’ sign).
Photo of the Week #4
Madelyn O’Farrell speaks on “Why I Pledge” during the Annual Stewardship Service on March 3, 2024.
Photo of the Week #5
The Building and Grounds Working Group held its’ quarterly meeting on March 2, 2024. Co-chair Cristina Heffernan, center, speaks during the meeting. Representatives of other committees that fall within Buildings and Grounds are around the table.
Photo of the Week #6
This photo from the UUCW archives takes us back to Game Night on January 29, 2016 and then 13-year old Conrad. Time flies! Conrad is now in his 2nd college year at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, studying architecture. Continue reading →
