Unitarian Universalist Congregational

Society of Westborough

A Note from Rev. Misty-Dawn Shelly



June 2024

Greetings Members and Friends of UUCSW,

A quick note to say hello! I am delighted to begin a partnership of shared ministry with all of you in September. I’m certain you know what a fabulous search team and governing board you have. Their dedication to your congregation was clear as they shared all the wonderful ministry happening now and their hopes for what the future ministry might provide. Rev. Laurel has been a wonderful resource and shared with me her love of UUCSW and several highlights of your shared experiences. The congregational record and our conversations helped me understand the importance of shared ministry to you. I look forward to the continued exploration of what is possible in our upcoming season of ministry.

For the last two years, I’ve enjoyed serving and learning to minister in the context of the federated church, First Parish Church in Berlin, MA, and my family found a wonderful home in Worcester while balancing changes in health and caring for our aging family. Returning to Central Mass following a wonderful ten years of ministry in Fort Wayne, IN has nourished our souls with the support of friends and family.

This next chapter feels like a homecoming to full time UU ministry with a congregation committed to wholeheartedly serving our living tradition, grounded in covenant and action. I look forward to joining UUCSW in the late summer! 

May summer bless you with relaxation, rest, and bountiful experiences of the season,

Rev. Misty-Dawn Shelly

SUMMER SERVICES

Every Sunday JUNE 23 - AUGUST 11

9:30-10:30 at UUCSW

Theme:

“Finding Community and Connection In Your Own Front Yard” by Kristin Schell

Summer Services are a great time for all congregations to get to know each other and to engage in self exploration. Each Sundays’ gathering will consist of open discussion conducted by co-leaders of the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Society of Westborough at the Turquoise Table. Summer Services will commence on June 23 in our chapel off of Ruggles Street and move outdoors to the Turquoise Table for community connection in our own front lawn, weather permitting. The last Summer Service will be August 11th. Through different mediums: such as Yoga, thought provoking questions and insightful quotes we hope to stimulate interactive discussions. If you are busy and overwhelmed, the last thing you need is another commitment or obligation. The Turquoise Table offers simplicity and the opportunity to share.

These discussion suggestion are from Kristin Schell The Turquoise Table. They have been modified to fit this Unitarian Universalist setting. This years Summer Services are intended to introduce the New Turquoise Table to the congregation, the community and to welcome other churches.

BYO lawn chair or beach blanket.

Vote Forward Update

Join others on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 10:00 - Noon, as we work on our letters to Get Out The Vote with VoteForward.org. We’ll meet at Jane W’s, 26 Assabet Hill Cir, Northborough. Refreshments will be served! Need letters? Please contact Sheila at sheilamcp@gmail.com or by phone 860-304-4668. The Racial Justice Committee invites you to join us in encouraging underrepresented citizens to vote.

Saturday June 29 5-8pm

Send off for Rev Laurel!

At the home of Kim and Bruce Hall

8 Schipper Farm Lane, Southborough

Bring your own towel if you want to swim/use hot tub.

The rough schedule is:

General frolic from 5-6

Cookout 6-7

Cake at 7

Singing with Kala 7:30- 8.

Don’t miss a minute!

Parking: Please park up on the driveway until full. Then park on the cul de sac PAST our driveway entrance from the mailbox forward along pond area. Vince will be there to direct parking from 5-5:30. Carpooling is encouraged.

PLEASE RSVP to Rev Laurel’s party here:

PLEASE SHARE YOUR GOOD WISHES for Rev. LAUREL!

There is a gift-wrapped box in the parlor with a slot on top so you can drop in a note or share a memory - there are cards and notes with the box or you can bring your own. It will be in the parlor until the annual meeting.

We will give her the closed box after the 6/29 party so she can open it privately at home.

Please take this opportunity to share the gift of yourself with Rev. Laurel.

Thank you - Many more details to follow!

SMOC Food and Clothing Drives

SMOC food and clothing donations may be dropped off in the box in the Sanctuary every Sunday. Bologna may be stored in the upstairs refrigerator in the parlor. Other requested items are chewy granola bars and juice boxes.

June's SMOC collections will be delivered to the Worcester shelter on Friday June 28th. Donations may also be dropped off on the Thursday evening before, on June 27th. (Ruggles Street door from 4:30 - 5:45) If you need alternate arrangements for drop-off, please contact Pauline Sciarappa at psciarappa@gmail.com.  Thanks to all who help UUCSW support SMOC, your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Book Group

Our next book group meeting will be tomorrow: Fri, June 14 at 7pm at Central One Bank, 40 South Street, Westborough. The book this month is Girls and Their Monsters, by Audrey Clare Farley.

Summary: “Girls and Their Monsters,” examines America’s complicated relationship with mental illness through the four sisters who would become known as the Genain Quadruplets under research done by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Please contact Susie Wells with any questions: susie48winnip@gmail.com.

All are welcome!

RJC - Looking ahead to fall planning!

Stay tuned this fall for a "film and discussion series” related to building bridges over differences. These will take place on Sundays following the service. More details will follow!

Thanks all.

Racial Justice Committee

On Wednesday June 19th the Interboro Community Band will be performing at the Willows of Westborough as part of the Westborough Cultural Council. These concerts are usually well attended and parking is across the street at the Hastings Elementary School at 111 East Main Street. The concert is outside and runs from to 7 to 815 pm, monetary donations are welcome to help support the concerts.

If you'd like to attend with some UU friends please let Pauline Sciarappa know by emailing psciarappa@gmail.com. 

Boston Children's Hospital Blood Drive at Tatnuck Bookseller

Please consider making an appointment for one of the upcoming blood drives in memory of Corinne at Tatnuck. For the Tuesday, June 25th drive please use this link and for Saturday, June 29th use this link to help with this vital cause. Summer vacation season means fewer people around to donate blood so help out if you're local and ask a friend to sign up too.

Thanks in advance for your help with this essential cause. If you have any eligibility questions please reach out to the Boston Children's Hospital Blood Donor Center staff at 617-355-6677 or email them at blooddonorcenter@childrens.harvard.edu and note that they are closed on Mondays.

Please feel free to share this email with friends and family. 

We can make a difference!

Pauline

psciarappa@gmail.com

508-648-6149

P.S. I remain grateful to Tatnuck for allowing us to host BCH blood drives, it's such a great place to shop, learn, connect with others and have a bite to eat. They continue to be a unique addition to our community at a time where in person shopping experiences at an independent spot are becoming more rare. Please consider visiting them and show your support anytime!